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2025 Advancement Institute: Fundraising in the Age of AI

2025 Advancement Institute: Fundraising in the Age of AI

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM (EST) to Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM (EST)
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Fundraising in the Age of AI: 
Opportunities, Challenges & Realities

AI is providing a catalyst in changing the way schools approach fundraising, offering new possibilities for tailored engagement and outreach, staffing efficiencies, greater prospect research, and more. But where do you start, and how do you balance these new tools with time-tested strategies?

Join us to discover how AI can enhance your school's fundraising efforts while reinforcing the core principles that have always driven successful development programs.

 We will discuss how schools can

  • Optimize fundraising strategies and impact,
  • Enhance organizational efficiency,
  • Personalize donor communication, and
  • Forge deeper connections with donors using a blend of traditional and AI-driven approaches.

By the end of this session, participants will have a better understanding of how to harness AI's potential as a complement to the fundamental principles of effective fundraising. You will leave with practical strategies to implement in your development office, regardless of its size or current technological capabilities. Join us to learn how to navigate the exciting intersection of tradition and innovation in fundraising.

Presented in partnership with CCS Fundraising.

Speakers
Vann Ellen Mitchell Nana Oppong Bob Weston

Registration

SAIS Member

School: Non-Member

Through Dec 13  

$575

$679

Dec 14-Jan 24  

$675

$779

After Jan 24  

$775

$879
Speakers

Vann Ellen MitchellVann Ellen Mitchell
Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising

Vann joined CCS in 2014 with a unique blend of experience in capital, endowment, and comprehensive campaigns; leadership gift fundraising; Case for Support development; grant writing; volunteer management; and prospect research. An expert in education and healthcare fundraising, Vann strives to bring high levels of innovation and creativity to her client partnerships to ensure customized and unique strategies, accelerating activity in new ways.

Nana OppongNana Oppong
Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising

Nana joined CCS with more than a decade of experience in development and nonprofit management, including securing funding for nonprofit programs in underserved communities across the Washington, DC, region. She has partnered with more than a dozen nonprofits, assisting teams, volunteers, and other stakeholders to identify and implement the most effective management and fundraising strategies to achieve their goals and mission. 

Bob WestonBob Weston
Senior Vice President, Independent School Practice Lead, CCS Fundraising

Bob Weston brings to CCS 30 years of independent school experience and expertise as an educator, administrator, and fundraiser. Over the span of his career, Bob has held several senior administrative positions and worked extensively on hiring and recruiting faculty; collaborating on institutional strategic planning; and directing annual, major gifts, and capital campaign fundraising programs. Since joining the firm in 2018, Bob has worked with dozens of schools on a variety of planning/feasibility studies, assessment projects, leadership trainings, and capital campaigns. A seasoned fundraiser with a keen understanding of the unique value proposition of an independent school education, Bob has supported case development, particularly as it relates to the importance of endowment, as well as donor engagement strategies that have elevated philanthropic support and helped schools conduct successful campaigns ranging from $5 million to over $100 million.

Sheraton Charlotte
  • Group rate: $169
  • Cut-off date: January 25 or when the block is full
  • Booking link here 

NOTE: SAIS does not utilize the services of a housing vendor for any events. Neither SAIS nor the hotel will call you to make reservations over the phone. Occasionally unauthorized third parties may attempt to coordinate your reservations. Please use only the above hotel link to secure your reservation directly with the hotel.

If you receive an error message or if the block is full, please contact learn@sais.org.
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  • For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact learn@sais.org.