Podcast Episode Summary:

What the Fundraising – Episode 265: "Future-Ready Fundraising: Leading with AI and Ethics" with Joe Manok
Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Mallory Erickson
Guest: Joe Manok, Vice President of Advancement at Clark University

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mallory Erickson sits down with Joe Manok to unpack the intersection of AI, ethics, and the evolving landscape of fundraising, particularly in higher education. They delve into the challenges advancement leaders face, how technology like AI can support but not replace human connection, and how ethical considerations are shaping (and complicating) the future of nonprofit fundraising.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Joe’s Background and the Evolution of his Career

• Joe shares his personal journey from Beirut, Lebanon, through computer science into advancement services, inspired by his own scholarship experience.
• He highlights his unique dual fluency in tech and frontline fundraising, which positions him as a "dot connector" in the field.
• Quote: “Someone I never met ended up funding my scholarship...and thanks to his and his family’s generosity, I got to be here today and talk to you.” (03:25)

2. Challenges in Advancement and Fundraising (05:33–08:01)

• Pressure to raise higher targets with fewer resources.
• Trouble attracting and retaining talented people who are future-ready.
• Increasing demand for more meaningful, transformative engagement from donors.
• Quote: "The more we're heading in the opposite direction, where goals are going in one direction and people are heading in a different direction, there is a lot of pressure...” (06:00)

3. Supporting Managers and Teams Under Pressure (08:01–11:31)

• Advancement managers face “pressure cooker” dynamics: turnover, onboarding, and growing complexity in donor conversations.
• Joe’s approach: Dedicated days for managing different facets (team, donors, stakeholders) and innovative group onboarding for new fundraisers.
• New hires receive extensive development, mentorship, and gradually integrated portfolios, leveraging AI for efficiency while keeping donor touches human.
• Quote: “They're using technology to actually enable them to do that faster than me...so they can actually manage it.” (11:20)

4. The Role and Thinking behind AI in Advancement (12:20–15:52)

• Joe's hesitation toward AI stemmed from lagging nonprofit tech infrastructure.
• Pressure from leadership to ask, "Is this the best version of ourselves?" ignited thoughtful AI and human-centered tech experimentation at Clark—eventually creating an "advancement cloud" for innovation.
• Quote (from President of Clark): "Are you going to be proud of this campaign when it’s over?...But is this going to be also the best version of a campaign that we can afford right now?” (14:00)

5. Human Connections Enhanced by Technology (11:31, 39:00)

• AI’s value is in augmenting—not replacing—real relationships; handwritten notes and personal outreach are pivotal.
• Both agree: "It doesn't have to be either/or. It's AI to improve real human connection." (11:31)
• Quote: "How does technology bring the best parts of our humanity forward?" (39:35)

6. Multi-Layered Ethical & Values Considerations (16:58–25:39)

• Ethics in AI is institution-specific; broad frameworks guide, but personal and institutional values ultimately shape decisions.
• At Clark:
  • Personal position statements for staff.
  • Board involvement in all AI decisions—no tool is approved solely at the advancement level.
  • Yearly reviews and audits for transparency and trust.
• Recognizing the subtle but crucial difference between values conflict and ethical concerns.
• Quote: "The values part I would lose more sleep on than the ethical part because the values part is how you, it impacts your well being as a person.” (24:55)

7. Assessment of AI Readiness and Ethical Maturity (26:23–34:33)

• Clark and Global Philanthropy AI have developed a free assessment tool:
  • Measures both AI readiness and ethical maturity (2 axes, 9 quadrants).
  • Helps organizations benchmark their journey and next steps—moving from "ad hoc" to "fully integrated."
  • Provides pragmatic, not binary, recommendations.
• Quote: "If you're very high on ethics and you're not moving fast enough, you're very idealistic, that's fine. But you're not moving enough...to be future ready, which is the quadrant we aspire to be at." (28:55)

8. Rethinking Risk, Responsible Use, and the Ethics of Not Using AI (34:33–36:23)

• Sometimes the ethical duty is to use AI—to steward resources and serve the mission efficiently and responsibly.
• We must also weigh the ethics of not adopting new tools, given the sector’s responsibility to do more with less.
• Quote: “When I'm evaluating the ethics of using a tool, I sometimes also evaluate the ethics of not using it...if I can give you double the efficiency or steward your money in a better way, you deserve that treatment. This is public trust.” (33:25)

9. Navigating Fear and Community Reactions to AI (36:23–39:00)

• Mallory shares her own skepticism and the environmental community's concerns.
• Fear often masquerades as ethics; both encourage open, nuanced conversations rather than binary "kill or embrace" reactions.
• Quote: “I got involved in fundraising AI because I was very afraid of AI...I think there are a lot of ways we can decide....I'm using my most responsible version to do what I need to do to make the world a better place.” (34:40)

10. The Inevitable March of Tech and Remaining Human (39:00–41:55)

• Technological adoption is happening regardless of nonprofit reticence.
• The sector must participate to shape ethical standards, avoid being left behind, and keep the focus on authentic human relationships.
• Anticipate greater challenges: automation, workforce shifts, maintaining purpose and connection as AI accelerates.
• Quote: “How do we maintain that human to human connection? ...We need to start training our environments to be future ready and people like you are helping us get there." (41:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Human Relationships and AI:
  “It's AI to improve real human connection. Like that. It doesn’t have to be either/or.” – Mallory Erickson (11:31)

• On Personal Standards:
  “I wrote a personal position statement. And that’s something that stays with me. I don’t share it with anyone.” – Joe Manok (18:13)

• On Institutional Process:
  “We get to scout tools, make the best case for them. But similar to gift acceptance, it’s not something that lies with us.” – Joe Manok (20:41)

• On the Ethics of Advancement:
  “When I'm evaluating the ethics of using a tool, I sometimes also evaluate the ethics of not using it because I'm a nonprofit...you deserve that treatment. This is public trust.” – Joe Manok (33:25)

• On Navigating Binary Thinking:
  “I worry that the binary way we're thinking about it is like having a bunch of people think that they can keep their horse and buggy when highways are being paved.” – Mallory Erickson (35:24)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–02:44 – Introductions; Joe shares his backstory
• 05:33–08:01 – Advancement/fundraising challenges and pressures
• 08:01–11:31 – Manager struggles, onboarding, team innovation at Clark
• 12:20–15:52 – AI’s journey at Clark; tech vs. human focus
• 16:58–25:39 – Diving deep on ethics, values, and decision-making frameworks
• 26:23–34:33 – The AI readiness and ethics assessment tool: origins, implementation, and implications
• 34:33–36:23 – The "ethics of not using AI" and sector responsibility
• 36:23–39:00 – Mallory’s journey from AI fear to advocacy
• 39:00–41:55 – Broader societal shifts; the human-technology balance; call to action for future readiness

Key Takeaways

• The pressure on advancement teams is intensifying—technology can support, but not replace, the need for human connection.
• Navigating the interplay between personal values, institutional ethics, and sector-wide frameworks is crucial for adopting AI responsibly.
• Assessing readiness and ethical climate is not a destination, but an ongoing, iterative process—Clark’s assessment tool is a helpful starting point.
• The nonprofit sector must participate in shaping the role of AI, avoiding both technophobia and blind adoption, to uphold its mission and values.
• Real leadership is about asking tough questions, opening nuanced conversations, and leading by example in the face of uncertainty and change.

Resource Highlight:
Clark’s new AI Readiness & Ethics Assessment Tool is now available (check show notes or MalloryErickson.com/Podcast).

Final Thoughts

This episode is a masterclass in how advancement leaders can responsibly navigate technology’s rapid changes. Joe and Mallory’s candid, values-driven dialogue offers guidance and inspiration for anyone seeking to drive meaningful impact without losing sight of what makes nonprofit work so deeply human.