As artificial intelligence reshapes industries around the world, Canada’s charitable sector is not alone in stepping boldly into the future. At the same time, fundraising leadership is trying to figure out how their organizations can adapt while continuing to serve their community.

What does AI mean for fundraising?

For many nonprofit professionals, artificial intelligence may still feel like a distant concept — but in fact, it’s already reshaping how organizations connect with donors, manage campaigns, and deliver on their mission.

AI tools are being used to:

• Identify Major Donor Prospects: AI can analyze donor databases to surface hidden patterns and predict which supporters are most likely to give — helping fundraisers focus their efforts more effectively.
• Personalize Donor Communications at Scale: AI-powered writing assistants can generate customized emails, letters, and even social media content, tailored to each donor’s interests and giving history.
• Automate Administrative Tasks: Chatbots and AI tools can handle donor inquiries, process gifts, and update records — freeing up staff to spend more time building relationships.
• Analyze Campaign Performance: Real-time dashboards powered by AI can help organizations track what’s working (and what’s not) faster than ever before.
• Generate Insights for Grant Writing & Impact Reporting: AI tools can help nonprofits analyze data and even draft parts of grant applications or reports — reducing workload and increasing accuracy.

Learn, connect, and collaborate

On April 23, fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, and foundation executives will gather in downtown Toronto for AI in Philanthropy — a groundbreaking conference exploring how AI is transforming fundraising and philanthropy.

Hosted by the Hilborn Group’s Foundation Magazine, AI in Philanthropy promises a day of learning, insight, and candid discussion about the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the nonprofit sector.

With rapid advances in AI tools — from data-driven donor engagement to predictive analytics — the fundraising landscape is changing fast. This event is designed to help sector leaders navigate that change and leverage new technology in ethical, human-centred ways.

Leading voices in AI and fundraising

Keynote speaker Dan Kershaw, CEO of The Furniture Bank, will share his firsthand experience implementing AI solutions within a nonprofit setting — from operational efficiencies to deepening client impact.

The conference will also feature leaders from:

• ChorusAI’s CEO & Co-Founder, Tareq Alani
• 2Humans1AI’s CoFounder & Head of AI, Faisal Abid
• BrainTrainr AI’s CEO & Co-Founder, Norman Valdez
• Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience’s Chief Digital Officer, Jason Shim

Sessions will explore the benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations of integrating AI into fundraising and philanthropy.

Beyond the speaker sessions, AI in Philanthropy is designed as a rare opportunity for Canada’s nonprofit community to connect face-to-face. Attendees will have the chance to share ideas, ask questions, and learn directly from peers who are experimenting with AI in their own fundraising work.

Foundation Magazine contributor and founder of Fundraising with AI, George Irish, recently shared his thoughts on what he thinks the nonprofit sector needs to consider when integrating the use of new technologies and their ability to deliver powerful data insights—making charitable donor data more valuable than ever.

Reserve your spot

Registration is now open for AI in Philanthropy. Whether you’re exploring your first AI tool or refining an advanced strategy, this is a must-attend event for anyone seeking to future-proof their fundraising work.

→ Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4nsvbx5

More event details: https://foundationmag.ca/aip2025/