136. AI and fundraising - tips, ideas, ethics, with Emily Casson

Artificial intelligence / AI is here to stay and it’s transforming the way many sectors do business. In this episode we explore what difference AI is already making to fundraising, and what do we need to be aware of? The very experienced digital fundraiser, Emily Casson gave a fascinating talk at Bright Spot’s summer Breakfast Club for Fundraising Leaders event, and we’re pleased to share her talk here. She spoke about why charities cannot afford to ignore AI. She demonstrated how it can help fundraisers be more effective, including in terms of saving time, generating ideas and improving analysis. For example, Emily and her colleagues have already used it to make big improvements in how they tailor individual supporter journeys, so that supporters are asked to give amounts appropriate to them. Emily also talked about several important ethical issues charities need to consider with this rapidly changing technology. If you want to get in touch, Emily and I would love to hear from you – we’re both on Linked In, and on X / twitter Emily is @EmilyCasson and I’m @woods_rob.