We know what you’re thinking: What does artificial intelligence have to do with not-for-profit accounting? And why is someone from the zoo talking about it?

Fundraising is the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations, and the way we engage donors is evolving fast. Enter AI. It’s not just for Silicon Valley anymore—it’s showing up in donor outreach, engagement strategies, and even the back-end data work that keeps fundraisers sane.

At this year’s COCPA Not-for-Profit Conference, we’re bringing in a fresh perspective from a place that knows how to inspire loyalty and generosity: the Denver Zoo. You’ll hear how their team is using AI to work smarter, personalize donor communications, and raise more support—without losing the human touch that makes philanthropy work. Below, Cristian Sloan, Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, shares insights into philanthropy and AI, which she’ll explore further at COCAP’s Not-for-Profit Conference. 

How AI Can Supercharge Your Fundraising Efforts

Have you purchased something from Amazon recently? Checked Instagram and found a new account to follow? What about returning an online purchase by dropping it off at UPS and skipping the line? 

We’re interacting with AI everyday, often in ways we might not even notice or think about.

Non-profit donors are, too, of course. And it’s changing the way they expect non-profits to interact with them. If a company they purchased something from can make returning a package halfway around the world the work of 30 seconds, surely an organization they are donating money to can personalize a mailer! 

In May, I’ll be diving into the positive uses of AI during my COCPA Not-Profit Conference presentation, breaking down how AI can support fundraising efforts without replacing the essential human relationships that drive philanthropy. But before then, let’s take a look at some of the ways AI can work for you.

AI Isn’t Replacing Human Connection—It’s Enhancing It

One of the biggest concerns people have about AI is that it’ll take the “human” out of fundraising. But using AI doesn’t mean replacing relationships; it means enhancing them. By handling the data-heavy, time-consuming tasks, AI frees up more time for fundraisers to do what they do best: connect with people, build relationships, and inspire generosity.

Smarter Donor Engagement with Predictive Analytics

Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly which donors were most likely to give and when? AI-powered predictive analytics can help with that. By analyzing past donation patterns and behaviors, AI can help identify the best prospects for future giving. This means you can focus your energy where it’s most likely to pay off—maximizing both your time and budget!

Personalizing Outreach Without the Guesswork

Every donor wants to feel like they matter (because they do!), and AI can help personalize your outreach in a way that feels natural. Instead of sending the same generic appeal to everyone, AI can analyze donor data—giving history, interests, even preferred communication channels—and help craft messages that resonate on an individual level. This kind of targeted approach can make your donors feel more valued, which often translates into stronger relationships and more support.

Automating the Tedious Stuff

Let’s be honest—fundraising involves a lot of repetitive tasks. AI can help automate things, including donor communications. The result? Less time spent on busywork, more time spent building real connections with donors, and improved staff retention! Your frontline fundraisers will spend more time doing what they got into the business for in the first place (interacting with people) and less time outreaching to cold/lukewarm prospects. 

Demonstrated Impact vs. Shiny New Toy

There is no shortage of tech ‘miracle solutions’ out there. Your institution might be wary of investing in the latest and greatest, especially when budgets are tight and everyone remembers what they were promised (and didn’t get!) the last time you changed databases or purchased new software. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has made modest investments in AI that have demonstrated (in donor engagement, retention, and revenue growth) AI’s value. It doesn’t need to be an ‘all or nothing’ proposal at your institution, either. You can start small and determine whether further investment makes sense. 

Join the Conversation on May 15th

If you’re curious about how AI can fit into your fundraising strategy (without feeling overwhelming), join me at the COCPA Not-Profit Conference on May 15! We’ll explore how you can determine if AI is right for your institution—no tech expertise required. You’ll walk away with practical insights and a fresh perspective on how AI can help fundraisers work smarter.

See you there!