Advancement teams are the backbone of financial sustainability for colleges and universities. Yet, they face mounting challenges: reduced funding, rising expectations, and an increasingly complex donor landscape. Artificial intelligence offers a powerful way forward—but only if institutions adopt it strategically.
We have compiled our best advice for 2026. Learn how AI can transform advancement operations, why higher education leaders should prepare now, and practical steps to get started.
Why AI matters for higher education advancement
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s already embedded in many tools you use. From predictive donor scoring to automated campaign recommendations, AI can help advancement teams:
- Personalize donor engagement at scale
Use AI-driven insights to tailor appeals based on academic history, extracurricular involvement, and giving patterns.
- Optimize fundraising strategies
Predict donor behavior, identify high-potential prospects, and recommend next-best actions.
- Streamline operations
Automate repetitive tasks like gift acknowledgments, freeing staff to focus on relationship-building.
With uncertain government funding and the enrollment cliff impacting alumni pipelines, these efficiencies aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Before you adopt AI at your institution
Before diving in, advancement leaders must tackle common hurdles in fragmented technology systems, capacity and skill gaps in digital engagement—especially AI, and implement change management best practices to build buy-in and sustain adoption.
1. Assess your data readiness
AI is only as good as the data behind it. Ask:
- Do we have complete donor profiles, including academic and engagement history?
- Is our data clean and centralized?
- Are systems integrated to support personalized outreach?
2. Identify high-impact use cases
Start small with pilots that deliver quick wins, such as:
- Predictive modeling for annual fund upgrades
- AI-assisted segmentation for capital campaigns
- Automated thank-you messages tailored to donor interests
3. Leverage existing tools
Your current platforms may already include AI features:
4. Develop an AI strategy
When building your AI adoption plan, start by defining ownership. Identify who will lead the initiative and ensure they have the authority and resources to guide the process. Next, establish clear policies that safeguard donor data and maintain trust throughout implementation. Finally, set evaluation criteria so you can measure success effectively—whether that’s through improved conversion rates, reduced staff time, or stronger donor retention.
To ensure successful AI adoption, follow these best practices:
- Communicate with stakeholders. Be transparent about how AI supports—not replaces—human relationships. Clear communication builds trust and confidence.
- Invest in training. Provide workshops and peer-led demos to help staff feel comfortable and capable using AI tools.
- Apply change management principles. Engage teams early, offer ongoing support, and reinforce behaviors that lead to success.
- Stay flexible. AI technology evolves quickly, so build adaptability into your roadmap to pivot as new tools and opportunities emerge.
Preparing for the future of advancement
The most successful institutions will be those that act now. By integrating AI with a modern tech stack, breaking down data silos, and fostering collaboration across departments, advancement leaders can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
Ready to explore AI for your advancement team? Heller Consulting’s AI Preparedness Assessment helps higher education institutions:
- Identify strategic AI opportunities
- Develop a roadmap for adoption
- Implement change management for lasting success
Find out more.
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Director of Marketing
Lyndal has worked at the intersection of nonprofits and technology for most of her career, building strategic marketing programs and managing data-driven campaigns at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Nonprofit Technology Network, InfluxData, and others. She leads Heller’s marketing efforts and is excited to position Team Heller as the partner of choice for nonprofit and education advancement leaders. When not at her desk, Lyndal is usually on a hiking trail or listening to a podcast about star stuff.
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