Fundraising thrives at the essential intersection of "art" and "science," where data informs strategy and empathy fuels connection. While the science involves using predictive tools, tracking engagement histories, and managing the prospect pipeline, the art is in crafting resonant messages, adapting conversations in real-time, and ensuring every donor feels valued. True success, however, emerges when these two worlds merge: when data insights are guided by empathy and when relationships are strengthened by research. Development professionals, especially those in prospect development, achieve maximum effectiveness by engaging in cross-training and building trust with frontline gift officers, allowing them to transform from behind-the-scenes researchers into holistic "thinking partners" who can anticipate needs, understand donor nuance, and ultimately build a deeper, more successful culture of philanthropy.
Most nonprofits are treating AI like a short-term experiment, handled by overburdened staff with no clear strategy — but this approach puts missions, data and trust at risk. This article makes the case for a new role every nonprofit needs now: the resident AI advisor.
With increased leadership turnover in higher education becoming a nationwide trend, what happens when a new leader starts—or, ideally, several months before they start? With prospect development’s deep knowledge of top prospects and advancement data and history, our teams are almost always well-positioned to play an important role in supporting these leaders as they get their feet under them.