In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., speaks with Travis Tester, MA, CFRE, Chief Development and Communications Officer for Foster Success, about innovative ways nonprofits can use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance fundraising. Foster Success, a nonprofit supporting Indiana youth transitioning out of foster care, operates with a $5 million annual budget and a small fundraising team. Travis emphasizes that AI is not just for large institutions, sharing how his moderate-sized nonprofit is using accessible and often free tools to streamline operations and maximize donor engagement.

A major focus of the conversation is how AI tools like Canva, Grammarly, and Otter AI save time and improve efficiency. Travis highlights Otter AI’s ability to record and summarize donor meetings, freeing up to 15 hours per week for direct donor engagement. He also discusses the role of Salesforce’s Einstein and Nintex tools in automating tasks like tracking donor communications and generating personalized thank-you letters or proposals, allowing for greater precision and personalization in donor stewardship.

Travis explains how AI enables tailored interactions by analyzing donor preferences and aligning them with specific programs and services. For example, Foster Success uses Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud to create customized donor proposals with minimal effort. This hyper-personalized approach enhances relationships, increases donor retention, and supports fundraising strategies rooted in intentionality and efficiency.

The episode wraps with a broader discussion on the importance of embracing AI in nonprofit work. Travis encourages listeners to overcome hesitations, experiment with free AI tools, and seek training through resources like CharityExcellence.co.uk and The Fundraising School’s courses. He underscores that AI is a game-changer for nonprofits of all sizes, allowing fundraisers to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time connecting with donors to advance their missions.