289: Smarter Missions, Stronger Impact with Darian Rodriguez Heyman

Mar 31, 2026

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What if the very technology that feels overwhelming today could become the strongest ally for nonprofits tomorrow?

Meet Darian Rodriguez Heyman, an experienced fundraiser, social entrepreneur, and best-selling author. His work has always focused on "helping people help." He began this journey during his five years as Executive Director of the Craigslist Foundation, where he created the Nonprofit Boot Camp and expanded it into the largest nonprofit gathering in history within just one year.

This success led to his best-selling books, including Nonprofit Management 101 (now in its second edition), Nonprofit Fundraising 101, and AI for Nonprofits. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Blue Avocado, a well-known online magazine for nonprofits.

Today's discussion covers both the benefits and challenges of using AI. Darian explains how AI can help nonprofits build better relationships with supporters, save time by automating tasks, and communicate more personally. At the same time, he highlights concerns such as data security, bias, and ethical use. He stresses the importance of starting with clear values, addressing fears, and focusing on practical uses instead of technical details. The conversation also highlights the role of funders in supporting AI adoption, demonstrating how AI can help nonprofits achieve more while staying true to their mission.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how AI can support nonprofit missions and values.

Recognize AI as a practical tool, not just a technical concept.

Explore responsible AI use, including ethics and data concerns.

See how starting small helps build AI confidence and adoption.

Identify ways to reduce fear and resistance toward AI.

Understand how AI frees time for relationship-building work.

Explore how funders can support nonprofits' AI readiness.

Get all the resources from today’s episode here.

Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels.

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If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.