As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in nonprofit operations, fundraisers are facing a critical inflection point: how to leverage AI responsibly while adapting to rapidly changing donor behaviors across technologies and generations. Most notably how younger donors are redefining what generosity looks like, favoring spontaneous, values‑driven, and convenience‑based engagement over traditional models of giving. 

How can fundraisers keep up and recognize which trends truly matter? How can they connect with donors in meaningful ways and stay focused amid constant change? And how can we keep fundraising first—while thoughtfully incorporating AI tools to drive real results?

Senior strategic analytics consultants Lauren Enlow and Marleen Lucas explore the intersection of AI adoption, generational giving trends, and fundraising performance, using current sector research and applied examples in an interactive session. They will demonstrate how human‑centric AI is evolving from content creation to workflow automation and improved stewardship, how spontaneous giving functions can be powerful acquisition pathways, and why trust, ease, and relevance are all necessary for donor retention.

Attendees will gain a practical framework for aligning technology, data, and fundraising strategies to meet donors where they are—without overextending staff or resources, all while gaining a better understanding of why they might use AI tools in the first place.