What Nonprofits Learned About AI at the Fundraising.AI Global Summit 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a practical tool in the nonprofit sector. This year’s virtual Fundraising.AI Global Summit spotlighted how nonprofits are using this technology to improve operations, engage donors and secure investment from leadership and funders. 

From data readiness to board buy-in to donor trust, here are some highlights of the conference that showcase both the promise and the limits of AI.

‘Predictive AI for Nonprofit Fundraising Starts With Clean Data’

Dirty, incomplete or siloed data can derail even the most advanced systems. Investing in data hygiene isn’t just an optional detail — it’s an essential part of the workflow, as predictive AI is only as effective as the data fueling it.

In “From Data to Decisions: How AI is Powering Smarter Strategies for Fundraising,” presenters — Chad Engelgau, CEO of Innovairre; Jill Tennant, senior director of marketing for Microsoft Philanthropies at Microsoft; and Cherian Koshy, vice president at Kindsight — shared what predictive AI can do.

By unifying donor profiles across siloed databases, nonprofits can recapture lapsed donors, engage prospects better and ultimately raise more money for their missions.

‘How to Convince Executives, Boards and Funders to Invest in AI for Nonprofits’

While technical readiness is one challenge, securing leadership and funder support is another, as many executives, boards and funders remain hesitant about AI.

Tammy Zonker, founder of Fundraising Transformed, urged nonprofit leaders to frame AI not as a shiny new toy but as a mission enabler in “Making the Case: How to Justify Board and Leadership Investment in AI.” Linking AI adoption to measurable outcomes — such as increased donor retention, more personalized stewardship or more efficient staff workflows — makes the investment more tangible.

Funders, too, are increasingly open to hearing how technology can scale impact. In "Making the Ask to Grantmakers to Support AI Implementation," Sarah Di Troia, chief innovation officer and managing director of OutcomesAI at Project Evident, and Laila Brenner, head of philanthropy at TalkingPoints, encouraged nonprofits to present AI as part of a long-term sustainability strategy, backed by case studies and pilot results. Most importantly, honesty about what AI can and cannot do helps build confidence among decision-makers who may fear overhyped promises.

‘What AI Can — and Can’t Do — for Donor Relationships’

AI can support fundraisers by handling repetitive tasks, identifying donor behavior trends and surfacing personalized recommendations. But it cannot replace the authentic, human connections that sustain philanthropy.

In “Retention Is a Love Language: Using AI to Communicate With More Care (Not Just More Often)” and “AI Meets Authenticity: Creating Social Content That Resonates,” presenters cautioned nonprofits against leaning too heavily on automation in stewardship. While AI tools can save time on donor communications, they risk depersonalizing engagement if not used carefully. Instead, the most effective approach blends AI efficiency with staff creativity and empathy.

Nonprofits, including Cameras for Girls, Candid, Charity: water and Feed the Children, have found ways to balance the emerging technology with the personal touch donors have come to expect.