Connecting Better: AI’s Role in Personalizing Donor Experiences

Josh Hirsch is the Education and Training Strategist for Fundraise Up, on faculty for The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and Founder of The AI Dude. He has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006, focusing on educational philanthropy for both public charter and independent private schools. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing, along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors. Josh is a pioneering educator in artificial intelligence for nonprofits, having contributed to developing a specialized curriculum at The Fund Raising School to empower nonprofit organizations with AI competencies. As a respected voice in this emerging field, he is frequently invited to speak at conferences and workshops about the strategic integration of AI in nonprofit initiatives. He is the Florida Caucus Representative for the Association of Fundraising Professionals First Coast Chapter and past Palm Beach County Chapter president. Josh is also a member of the AFPeeps, the social media vanguard for the AFP International Conference and other AFP initiatives. He has spoken internationally on digital communications and has published numerous articles in professional journals. Josh received a Master of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida. He has a Certificate in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from Bay Path University and is a Certified Social Media Strategist by the National Institute for Social Media.