#FP5 Trust š & Transformation š
Ideas & opportunities for innovative social sector leaders...
I have been having some great conversations recently with both sides of the fundraising tech sphere including peers at work about a new AI platform we are using and also with a number of AI companies that have connected with me around their own product offerings. One thing that stands out to me is that the solutions need to be built in consultation with the end user not just in mind, but also in the ongoing enhancement of the models and algorithms it builds (especially when these solutions are still in their infancy).
If we are to see a higher adoption of new tech in the social sector we really need to address the change management & narrative barriers that persist. The sector really has to start demystifying AI in fundraising and ensure that itās not only effective in providing a fundraising āedgeā but also that itās explainable. There was a reason that old game show was called āAre you smarter than a 5th graderā.
In other news, the interior design for the book is now in and the āAdvanced Reader Copiesā will be going out next week ahead of the final print run. I hope to have a final release date from my publisher for our next newsletter.
The next newsletter will also include a big call to action too. Iāll be introducing a new feature for my blog of which I hope you will participate in and also nominate other folks too. I am starting to profile emerging leaders in the social sector with the goal of lifting up some of the amazing work happening across the world and hopefully inspiring new ideas for how philanthropy and nonprofit/civic tech can bring about transformational change in our communities. As you may know, we profile 14 leaders in my upcoming book and I feel that highlighting countless more is an important ripple effect of what we are trying to achieve with this philanthropic futurism movement.
RG
What Iām Writing
Can machine learning that out the returns of cold calling in fundraising? (7 min read)
Can predictive scripts derived from text mining & analysis and powered by supervised learning drive a new renaissance in donor outreach? The tech is there but how do we move past the stigma of cold calling?
Information as a public good & the role of philanthropy as a journalistic guardian. (5 min read)
Journalistic integrity is important to me and I believe philanthropy has a more intentional role to play beyond funding (some really terrific) member-based nonprofit investigative news organizations that are out there.
Book Update!
I recently added an update to my blog some information on where we are in the publishing process, what folks have been saying thus far and an anatomy of my new book cover.
What Iām Reading
Itās time for a federal āAgile Firstā strategyĀ by Dave Nyczepir (3 min read)
Government should prioritize agile methodologies not only in software development but in IT procurement, finance, budgeting and hiring as well, according to a former CIO of the General Services Administration.
Tasks should be done in parallel rather than sequentially when possible, and paper-based processes should not only be digitalized but done in real-time, Casey Coleman told FedScoop.
The founder whisperer: Keeping Atlassianās billionaires in line by John McDulingĀ (3 min read)
I often get asked about my previous Chief of Staff role, how they work within an organizational structure and what benefits they yield for broader outcomes and goals. This is a good insight on how impactful they can be and a role I can envision being a staple of large foundations over the coming years.
What Iām Sharing
Free Tickets:Ā Join over 1500 social tech folks from over 40 countries at Good Tech FestĀ (May 18-19). I will be a speaker for the session āFuture Philanthropy - The Tech Set to Transform Traditional GrantmakingāĀ Cost: FREE with my code āFriendOfTheNerdā (this code can be used for multiple tickets & to clarify, I didnāt choose that code name!).
Free Tickets:Ā My friends over at Fundmetric are hosting their Fundraising A.I. Forum next week (Tuesday May 18 - 9AMĀ to 5PM (AST). They have generously offered free registrations to my subscribers ($199 value) by using code āaheadofthegameā
Public Policy Event: If you are based in Texas I hope you can join me and fellow AFP members, non-profit colleagues and policy and advocacy experts in learning more about the intersection of philanthropy, advocacy and legislation. Iāll be moderating the session āThe Texas Nonprofit Sector: Economic Impact, COVID-19 & Building a Collective Voiceā
Pricing has been updated for our Legislative Action Series this week and a very generous donor is donating $10 for everyone who registers starting today! This five-session series will be offered Wednesday, May 12 (1-5pm) and Thursday, May 13 (9-11am) in partnership with OneStar Foundation, Philanthropy Southwest, and United Ways of Texas.
Call for Sessions/Speaking Opportunity:Ā Tech Forward Conference (9/12) is looking for speakersĀ for their 5 minute lightning talks that will be shown on their main stageĀ - submit by May 31st
Call for Sessions/Speaking Opportunity:Ā Ā The Fundraising Institute Australia has tentatively locked in 23-25 February 2022 for its next Annual Conference. If you'd like to suggest a topic or nominate someone to speak, please email them at training@fia.org.au. or if you'd like to speak at the conference yourself download the Submission Planning Document here to find out how to complete your submission.
Fundraising Jobs: A variety of major gift officer roles are available at Lambda Legal. Let me know if you want a warm connection to the executive recruiter that has been retained for this search.
Board Members Vacancies:Ā Native Americans in Philanthropy is currently accepting nominations for multiple Board Member positions due to begin terms ending this fiscal year. If you or someone you know would be an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors, please complete the online nomination form by May 21, 2021.