This session cuts through the hype to focus on how AI can be used practically, ethically, and credibly as part of a modern prospect research toolkit. Designed for researchers at all experience levels, we will demonstrate how tools like Claude and ChatGPT can support core prospect research activities such as prospect identification and relationship mapping without replacing professional judgment or violating data governance standards. In addition, the session will address where AI tools fail. Ethical considerations, confidentiality boundaries, and internal policy alignment will be discussed throughout.
Learning Outcomes:
- How to recognize common risks including hallucinations, overconfidence, bias, and misattribution
- How to apply validation and quality-control practices before AI-assisted outputs are shared with gift officers or leadership
- Realistic framework for incorporating AI into their prospect research workflows along with practical ideas they can implement immediately
Stream: Prospect Research & Strategy
Format: Workshop
Ideal Industries: Animal Welfare & the Environment; Arts & Museums; Community Services; Healthcare; Higher Education; International Aid; and Religious