I was lucky enough to attend the FIA Conference on Thursday the 26th of February, for a full day of inspiring and thought-provoking sessions on amplifying our impact in fundraising. I thoroughly enjoyed every session I attended and felt privileged to be surrounded by the passionate, big-hearted fundraisers I’m so proud to support through my work.
One standout session was delivered by Kyle Behrend, Fundraising smarter, not harder: How AI amplifies impact for small charities. The session included some great tips on using ChatGPT as a thought partner and the importance of specificity to enhance output quality. In closing, Kyle spoke about AI being best used to remove administrative burdens so we can focus on developing and deepening relationships, freeing up time to do what we do best: build connection. AI is a tool to elevate our work, but the trust and authenticity we create remain irreplaceable.
This sentiment was echoed in an earlier session, Demystifying AI: Leading your organisation from overwhelm to opportunity, where we were reminded to view AI as a tool to inform better ways of working but that fundraising is inherently personal, and authenticity is what donors value most. The discussion also touched on the scepticism surrounding AI-generated content and the importance of maintaining critical thinking. As users, we must challenge and sense-check outputs, holding tools like ChatGPT accountable and recognising they don’t always get things right. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, it is more important than ever to stay curious and critical.
Bec Daniher, FightMND speaking at FIA Conference. Featured on screen Neale & Bec Daniher.
What stayed with me most across both AI sessions, though, was the power of authenticity and how central it is to all our roles. Personally, I strive to show up as my most authentic self in everything I do. As a recruiter in the for-purpose space, I’m passionate about the NFP sector and have a genuine care factor for the work I do. That’s why it matters so much to me that the people I place in roles can both strengthen an organisation’s mission and the impact it can create. I rely on authenticity to build real connection and trust, and to advise from the heart.
For me, the session that truly pulled at the heartstrings was delivered by Bec Daniher, reflecting on her father, her family’s journey following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease, and the building of the FightMND movement into what it is today. Beyond the extraordinary success, creativity, and resilience behind the brand, what stayed with me most was how she conveyed Neale Daniher’s ongoing fight, and his decision to dedicate his precious remaining time to improving the lives of people he will never meet.
Rather than focusing on a bucket list, as many encouraged him to do, Neale chose selflessness: using his platform to spread awareness and raise vital funds to find a cure for this devastating disease. Bec shared a video of Neale addressing a football team, asking them to imagine a line - with selfishness on one side and selflessness on the other. ‘Nothing good comes from selfishness,’ he said, a call to lean into being selfless. Those words stayed with me throughout the rest of the session and will continue to stay with me.
Bec shared a quote that resonated …
“Society grows great when ALL plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.”
What Neale, Bec, and the FightMND team have achieved, in raising awareness and driving progress toward a cure is nothing short of incredible. His choice to dedicate his remaining time to creating hope and a better future for generations to come deeply moved me. Neale’s story reminded us that ‘even in the hardest times, you have a choice.’ That choice, to dedicate his remaining time to others, has left me reflecting on how I want to live and the legacy I hope to leave.
It also made me proud to sit in a room of fundraisers - people who choose, day in and day out, to give back. It crystallised just how special and rewarding it is to work in the for-purpose space, knowing we are choosing selflessness and actively working to brighten the lives of others.
Thank you to all the incredible speakers for sharing your wisdom and reminding us of what an extraordinary sector we are privileged to be part of.
L-R: Lisa Krishtul, Dawn Patrick, Michelle Varcoe & Jenni D’Orival