Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere in today’s conversations - yet many fundraisers are still wondering how, when and if to use it in their work. This session, facilitated by James Wasilewski (VCU Development & Alumni Relations) and Jennifer Cornell (UVA School of Education and Human Development Foundation), is designed to spark conversation around this intriguing, interesting and intimidating topic.

Beginning with a short introduction and a few practical examples of AI in fundraising from their own experiences, participants will engage in facilitated small group discussions, share their experiences, explore concerns or hesitations, and report out insights during the session. The goal is to create a collegial and peer-driven learning experience where attendees walk away with new ideas, offered perspectives and stronger professional connections.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify current uses of AI in fundraising through examples provided and shared by peers.
• Discuss the potential benefits and risks of integrating AI into their work.
• Evaluate noted concerns around ethics, policy, and donor trust in relation to AI use.
• Generate practical, peer-informed ideas for how to test or apply AI responsibly in their own organizations.
• Reflect on their own comfort level with AI and formulate a next step for exploration or caution.

Note about virtual attendance: This will be a highly interactive session with a strong emphasis on small-group discussion. Virtual attendees will participate in this piece through breakout rooms and are encouraged to come ready to engage in that way for the best experience.

Pending Approval for CFRE credit.

Our Presenters

Jenn Cornell is Executive Director of the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development Foundation. She brings extensive experience in higher education advancement and major gift fundraising with a deep commitment to building strong relationships and partnerships to advance education and philanthropy.  In addition to almost 15 years of nonprofit consulting and fundraising for numerous organizations, Jenn spent 20 years in the for-profit business world in Richmond, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

James Wasilewski, MBA, CFRE, CAI-SP, has served in various fundraising, constituent engagement and student recruitment roles in higher education for over 20 years. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Leadership Annual Giving on the Primary Giving team within VCU's Development and Alumni Relations division. He leads focused fundraising efforts and engages in development coaching and training initiatives. During his tenure at VCU, he has also served in roles with the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.  

When provided the opportunity, he facilitates workshops or delivers keynote addresses based on his experiences in fundraising as well as with his improvisational comedy experience over the past 20 years. He is a coach for fundraisers through individual prospecting, donor strategy and constituent engagement. He leads sessions on storytelling, making the ask, developing an organizational pitch, creating a culture of philanthropy and more. He applies improv concepts and uses exercises to highlight discovery and actively engage participants in exploration and discussion.  He also encourages and facilitates critical humanity skill (people or soft skill) workshops including a variety of topics in the areas of leadership, creativity, teamwork and communications. 

Our Schedule

• 11:30 a.m. In-person Registration & Networking begins
• 12 p.m. Lunch begins 
• 12:10 p.m. Program begins
• 1:30 p.m. Session concludes, Adjourn

Registration Fees

• In-person registration is $20 for members of VAFRE ($0 for those with a Season Pass or $12 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $25 for Central Virginia Chapter AFP members and nonmembers who work at a member organization, and $30 for guests. All in-person registrants should select their meal during the registration process.
• Virtual registration is $8 for members of VAFRE ($0 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $11 for Central Virginia Chapter AFP members and nonmembers who work at a member organization, and $15 for nonmembers. The virtual registration fees help support the technology costs associated with offering a hybrid event.

If you are not a VAFRE member and do not work in the office of a member, consider becoming a member of VAFRE in order to access reduced registration fees.