Last week, Prolocity hosted an incredible event at The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, bringing together nonprofit leaders from across the region to explore the future of fundraising. The room buzzed with energy, engaging conversations, and plenty of fresh ideas on how nonprofits can stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

The event featured three truly impactful and engaging sessions:

Emerging Fundraising Trends

Sarah Weiss, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Tara Noland, President of Ignite Philanthropy, Tanya Cornejo, CFRE, Principal and Founder of Cornejo Philanthropy, and Rasheda Cromwell, Chief Impact Officer at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, highlighted the key shifts shaping the future of fundraising. They emphasized the critical importance of trust and the need to adapt to the evolving landscape:

• Donor Landscape: The percentage of donors has dropped significantly, from 68% of families in 2018 to less than 50% in 2023, making it crucial to retain and grow existing donors.
• Engagement Strategies: Video content is becoming increasingly important, especially as Millennials and Gen Z emerge as vital demographics, frequently contributing online.
• Changing Priorities: The causes people support are shifting, requiring nonprofits to stay attuned to these changes.
• Technological Advancements: Nonprofit technology is becoming more sophisticated, enhancing the ability to manage donor relationships and fundraising efforts.
• Workforce Challenges: Hiring skilled fundraisers is increasingly difficult, making it essential to invest in tools like donor metrics dashboards to drive growth and efficiency.

AI in the Workplace

Jorge Perez, President of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Kendra Ramirez, CEO of KR Digital, and Jacob Stone, Director of Donor Services at the Hamilton Community Foundation, demonstrated the transformative impact of AI on nonprofit operations. They stressed that AI is here to stay and will play a pivotal role in optimizing how nonprofits function:

• Operational Efficiency: AI tools streamline daily tasks and optimize operations.
• Enhanced Decision-Making: AI improves decision-making processes and opens up new avenues for innovation and impact.
• Donor Engagement: AI can significantly enhance donor engagement by providing personalized experiences and automating communication.

Future-Proofing Your Fundraising Strategy

Adrienne Taylor, CFRE, Senior Consultant at Consulting Services at Skystone Partners, Johnmark Oudersluys, Executive Director at CityLink Center, and Jeremy Donelan, VP of Solution Design and Implementation at Prolocity, discussed the importance of a robust data strategy for sustaining nonprofit success. They emphasized the role of data in preparing organizations for the future:

• Data Utilization: A comprehensive data strategy helps organizations answer key business questions and measure program impact.
• Leveraging AI: Data is essential for effectively using generative and predictive AI to improve operational efficiency and fundraising efforts.
• Donor Insights: Understanding donor behavior through data allows nonprofits to optimize engagement strategies.
• Strategic Assessment: Starting with an assessment of your organization’s data, tools, and culture sets a strong foundation for future growth.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly level setting or leveling up ensures your data strategy aligns with current trends and organizational goals.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors —Classy, Ignite Philanthropy, and Cornejo Philanthropy. Their contributions helped create an environment where nonprofit leaders could come together to learn, share, and grow.