The final stretch: Using AI to maximize year-end fundraising success-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this informative webinar hosted by CASA and Gravity, experts Christy Graham, Colleen Simic-Smith, and Vicki Baukamp address how AI-powered tools can enhance year-end fundraising efforts. Acknowledging common challenges such as limited staff capacity, overlapping appeals, and donor fatigue, the presenters emphasize the importance of personalized outreach that meets evolving donor expectations. They highlight AI’s ability to expand capacity by automating personalized communications via email, video, and text, streamlining giving processes, and prioritizing timely donor engagement.<br /><br />Video outreach, including personalized thank-you videos and milestone celebrations, is showcased as a powerful way to build emotional connections efficiently. Email remains a dominant channel for its potential to deliver dynamic, segmented messages and automated reminders that prompt giving. AI also aids in donor segmentation, portfolio management, and coordinating communications to reduce donor fatigue, enhancing both acquisition and retention. Success metrics like conversion rates, donor retention, engagement, and timely stewardship are stressed for continuous improvement.<br /><br />Real-world examples demonstrate AI’s impact: Salt Lake City Community College doubled alumni donors using video; UC San Diego tripled participation with streamlined giving forms; Old Dominion University achieved a 25% giving increase via AI-generated emails; and the Lustgarten Foundation raised over $1.2 million with AI-driven outreach.<br /><br />The webinar concludes with a practical 90-day action plan, encouraging audit and preparation, personalized campaign launches, and final push reminders—all supported by AI to maximize efficiency and foster long-term donor relationships into 2026 and beyond.

Keywords

AI-powered fundraising

year-end giving

personalized donor outreach

video engagement

email automation

donor segmentation

fundraising metrics

nonprofit case studies

90-day action plan