In an environment where nonprofit teams are stretched and mid-level donor relationships often go untended, AI development agents can offer a transformative way to scale personalization and diversify fundraising strategies. We will discuss how emerging AI tools can help nonprofits bridge the gap between donor motivation and mission connection—unlocking new segments and deepening engagement where it’s most needed. We’ll begin with insights from Laurene Currie, Senior Principal User Experience Researcher at Blackbaud, who will unpack the psychology behind AI trust and share findings from two decades of studying human-avatar interactions. Next, Cortney Moore, Donor Relations Manager at Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, will present a candid case study on implementing Blackbaud’s Agent for Good—highlighting how her team overcame initial skepticism and is leveraging the agent to strengthen mid-level donor programs. Finally, Paul Goldstein, Blackbaud’s Head of AI Growth, will reveal how virtual fundraisers are evolving to generate compelling content, automate donor touchpoints, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating AI into their fundraising and marketing strategies, ensuring that technology enhances—not replaces—the human element. This session is for anyone seeking to build trust in AI, unlock new efficiencies, and create donor journeys that feel personal, authentic, and impactful at scale.
Learning Objectives:
Establish trust in AI-driven fundraising by understanding donor psychology and transparency best practices.
Leverage development agents for content generation and personalized engagement, reducing staff workload while improving donor engagement at scale.
Design future-ready strategies that integrate AI for donor acquisition, retention, and campaign optimization without sacrificing authenticity.
