Humanize - in a World of AI

Whether you love it or hate it, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is transforming the nonprofit landscape.

We’re all on a colossal learning trajectory—even the most tech-savvy among us are discovering something new every day. Lots of questions linger about ethics, intellectual property, and data privacy. (And don’t even get me started on mysteries like AI hallucinations. How does that happen?)

Within nonprofits, we’re seeing all sorts of amazing uses:

• Wealth screening with deep analysis and customized recommendations to streamline your prospect research.

• An AI solicitation coach to help you practice for the big ask.

• Smart prioritization tools that provide daily reminders of high-ROI activities for you and your development team.

• Sophisticated segmentation that delivers personalized content aligned with each donor’s specific interests and motivations.

Chances are, your organization is using AI in other creative ways.

While I love how AI is automating some of the more mundane tasks on my plate, it’s also reminding me what humans are uniquely equipped for: building authentic relationships.

Humanize the Exceptional

Long before AI became prevalent, Isadore Sharp, founder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, shared his belief in “systemizing the predictable so you can humanize the exceptional.”

By using AI tools effectively, you can “systemize the predictable,” thus freeing up time to engage in true, authentic relationships with your donors and your community.

As your organization adopts these new tools, don’t lose sight of the fact that human interactions remain at the heart of fundraising. (Spoiler: the robots cannot entirely replace us yet.) The adage remains unchanged: People give to people. AI might help facilitate the actual gift transfer, but it is the human connection—our stories, our presence, our authenticity—that inspires loyal, long-term support.

Let’s consider how you might humanize the exceptional in your daily work:

• Call at least one donor every day solely to thank them and be in relationship with them.

• Host regular tours or behind-the-scenes experiences that bring donors closer to your mission.

• Send a handwritten card to a donor with a message from a program participant.

• Record a short (2-3 minute) video sharing a recent success, and then email it to select donors.

• Invite prospects or donors for a cup of coffee near their home or office.

As we move forward in this AI-driven era, our challenge—and opportunity—is to use technology not as a substitute for connection, but as a catalyst for it. When we let the robots handle routine tasks, we reclaim time for what matters most: listening, noticing, and showing genuine care. The future of fundraising isn’t just about using smarter tools; it’s about staying beautifully, unmistakably human.