2025 Advancement Institute: Fundraising in the Age of AI
Sheraton Charlotte
555 South McDowell StCharlotte, NC 28204
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
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| Nana Oppong | John Sammis | Bob Weston |
Registration
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Member |
Non-Member |
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$675 |
$779 |
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After Jan 24 |
$775 |
$879 |
Speakers
Nana Oppong
Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising
Nana joined CCS with over 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.
John Sammis
Senior Vice President, Data Analytics, CCS Fundraising
John has more than 30 years of experience with statistical analysis and predictive modeling. He has devoted more than 15 years of his career to charities, universities, hospitals and other nonprofit institutions, helping them produce models and use the results to achieve their fundraising goals. At CCS, John helps fundraising professionals apply leading edge data analytics tools to address specific organizational objectives. He is constantly reviewing the latest statistics tools and innovations to ensure that CCS applies the best approach for each client. During his time at CCS, John has worked with over 400 clients from all over the world to utilize data analytics for strategic fundraising.
Bob 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.
Presented By
Event Policies & Acknowledgments
- For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact learn@sais.org.