Explore practical ways AI can be used in fundraising, donor communications, marketing, research, and day-to-day development operations.
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Description: Bonita Jackson, Development Officer at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, will lead a facilitated conversation exploring practical ways AI can be used in fundraising, donor communications, marketing, research, and day-to-day development operations. The conversation will also address important ethical questions, including accuracy, confidentiality, authenticity, and how to use AI in ways that support — rather than replace — relationship-based work. Joining Bonita will be Jill Dooley, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Kids’ Food Basket, Anna Sytsema, owner of Anna Kate Marketing, and Tracy VanderHeide of Kids’ Food Basket.
Attendees will leave with real examples, practical ideas, and a better understanding of how AI can be used thoughtfully in the nonprofit sector.
Presenter:
Bonita Jackson is a Development Officer at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County with 10 years of experience in the fundraising field. She partners with donors to align their giving with the causes and communities they care about and works with nonprofits to strengthen their fundraising capacity. She also piloted a partnership with local libraries through FreeWill, helping residents access free estate planning tools and explore charitable giving in an approachable way. She also leads the Foundation’s Faith Partners initiative, which brings faith-based organizations together to strengthen their capacity and connect them to opportunities that support the broader community.
In addition to her foundation work, Bonita serves on the board of the Coalition for Community Development and has a deep love for local community organizing. Her professional background includes community outreach, administrative leadership, youth development, and operations management. Across her career, she has remained committed to strengthening people, organizations, and communities through relationship-building, strategy, and service.