Today we welcome a new author to our blog: Hanna Plants. Hanna joined the Stelter team in March 2024 as our Digital Experience Director. She attended the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Conference for the first time this fall to immerse herself in all things planned giving. In her debut blog post, Hanna shares key takeaways from an AI workshop she attended, reflecting on the impactful insights that have stuck with her ever since.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. A few members of the Stelter team and I took a deep dive into this topic at the 2024 Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) conference in the workshop, AI for Impact: Transforming Charitable Gift Planning, led by Cherian Koshy, Nathan Chappell and Brantley Boyett.
Having recently transitioned to the nonprofit sector from the for-profit world, their insights gave me a new appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities AI presents in the nonprofit space.
Bridging Challenges in Philanthropy with AI
In my prior work, AI often served as a tool for efficiency and personalization. It was promising to see how similar applications could be leveraged in philanthropy. During the workshop, the presenters showcased how AI can streamline repetitive tasks such as data entry and reporting, freeing up time for teams to focus on more strategic and relational aspects of their work. We also explored tools for predictive donor analytics and wealth screening that allow organizations to identify high-potential donors and craft tailored campaigns that align with their interests​.
What struck me was how the nonprofit perspective on technology adoption must differ from its for-profit counterparts. Although performance metrics and competitive pressures play a role, nonprofits face the additional responsibility of maintaining donor trust when considering such practices. As Nathan Chappell aptly noted, “Irresponsible AI practices will further exacerbate and accelerate declines in charitable giving.” This sentiment resonated with me as it highlighted the need to balance innovation with responsibility—a nuance I hadn’t fully appreciated before the session.
Ethical AI Adoption in the Nonprofit Sector
The workshop offered an in-depth exploration of this ethical dimension of AI adoption. Research shared by the speakers showed that nearly one-third of donors might hesitate to support charities using AI, particularly due to concerns about data privacy and the potential loss of personal connection.
The panelists outlined several principles for ethical AI adoption, which I found especially relevant as we continue to explore AI applications for Stelter and our clients:
- Intentional Adoption Strategies: Organizations need to move from passive testing states that are decentralized to active, intentional applications that aim to enhance, not replace, human relationships.Â
- Governance and Transparency are Key: Nonprofits must clearly communicate how AI is used, both internally and externally, ensuring decisions are explainable and understandable.
- Start Small: Adopting AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Starting with low-risk applications can build confidence without compromising trust.Â
Another key point that stuck with me was the reminder that “The trust stack needs to be placed before the tech stack.” That simple statement reinforced the importance of putting people and relationships first—something that will continue to be essential in planned giving.
Donor Perceptions: Building Confidence in AI
Another highlight of the workshop was the discussion on donor perceptions of AI. Hearing these insights helped me better understand the skepticism some donors have about AI’s role in philanthropy. While younger donors tend to be more familiar with AI, older generations—the core demographic for many planned giving campaigns—are often less comfortable with the technology.
Explaining how AI improves efficiency or enables more personalized donor stewardship can help bridge this trust gap. It won’t be about avoiding AI altogether but, rather, showing how it enhances human-led efforts.
Stelter’s Approach: Responsible Innovation
At Stelter, we’re excited about the possibilities AI brings to planned giving, but we’re also deeply committed to adopting it responsibly. As we prototype new tools and explore AI applications, our priority remains clear: protecting donor data and maintaining trust. AI isn’t a replacement for human ingenuity; it’s a tool to support and amplify it. My colleague Kevin Cox may have explained it best in his blog, “Cool Tool, But People Still Rule.”
For me, the CGP conference reaffirmed that we’re on the right track. By focusing on transparency, aligning with our company values, and using AI to enhance the donor experience, we can help nonprofits navigate this evolving landscape while staying true to their missions.
Moving Forward: Thoughtful AI Adoption in Planned Giving
As someone who’s still relatively new to the nonprofit space, attending CGP 2024 was an invaluable experience. It gave me a richer understanding of the unique challenges nonprofits face, and the critical role AI can play in addressing them. It is clear that the key to success lies in adopting AI thoughtfully—leveraging its potential while safeguarding the relationships at the heart of philanthropy.
The road ahead will require collaboration, ongoing education and a commitment to ethical practices. But with the right approach, I believe we can harness AI’s power to deepen connections, inspire trust and drive meaningful impact in planned giving.