6 Key Takeaways from KindCon 2025

Kindland has officially closed its gates, but the excitement and big ideas from KindCon 2025 are still percolating across the advancement and fundraising world. Our customers boarded a rollercoaster of inspiration—looping through visionary sessions with industry leaders, innovators, and fundraising pros, all ready to shape the future of philanthropy. 

Whether you experienced the action up close or missed the festivities, here’s a look at the transformative themes that defined the conference. These are the conversations that will shape how we connect with donors, leverage technology, and drive generosity forward.

So buckle up! Here are five key takeaways from KindCon 2025 to help your mission soar.

1. AI is redefining philanthropy

The integration of artificial intelligence is no longer a far-off concept; it’s a present-day reality transforming how we approach fundraising.

 “What used to feel like some distant future, like the Terminator or Tron or something like that, has now woven into our everyday lives. And those of us in philanthropy, that means donor expectations, behaviors, and the tools we use to engage them are evolving so, so rapidly. Yet, at the same time, donors are telling us that they want some sort of human connection, not less,” explained Kindsight’s Cherian Koshy. 

In his “Intersection of Innovation and Impact” panel discussion with Vanderbilt University’s Jill Baltz and Hoag Hospital Foundation’s Alyce De La Cruz, a sentiment was clear: AI is a powerful ally in our mission to do more good—when it’s used properly.

The discussion centered on how AI can enhance, not replace, the human element of fundraising. By automating data analysis and personalizing outreach at scale, AI frees up fundraisers to focus on what they do best: building meaningful relationships. You can now harness vast amounts of data to understand donor motivations in real time, allowing for more precise and timely engagement. The key is to utilize AI as a tool that provides the insights needed to act with greater confidence and make every interaction count.

See the full conversation here:

2. Understanding donor psychology unlocks generosity

Why do people give? Kindsight VP Cherian Koshy asked that question in his session, “Unlocking Generosity: The Neuroscience Behind Donor Decision-Making”, based on his upcoming book, Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making. Looking into the minds of donors, Koshy revealed that giving is often an emotional decision, rooted in deep-seated psychological triggers. Understanding these drivers is critical to crafting messages that truly resonate.

The session explored how concepts like empathy, social connection, and a sense of personal impact influence a donor’s decision to contribute. By aligning your fundraising appeals with these core human motivators, you can create a more powerful and compelling case for support. It’s a reminder that behind every data point is a person. When you connect with them on a human level and show them the tangible difference their generosity can make, you inspire them to become dedicated partners in your cause.

3. Data is the foundation of modern fundraising strategy

Gut feelings have their place, but sustainable fundraising success is built on a foundation of data. Mattie Snell and Chris Speier from Texas A&M Foundation drove this point home. Their session, The Art and Science of Portfolio Strategy, demonstrated how a data-informed approach to portfolio management leads to more effective and efficient fundraising.

By analyzing donor data, you can identify hidden gems in your database, prioritize prospects with the highest potential, and tailor your cultivation strategies. This isn’t just about looking at past giving. It’s about understanding the full picture: a donor’s capacity, their affinities, and their engagement history. When you combine the “art” of relationship-building with the “science” of data analysis, you empower your team to focus their efforts where they will have the greatest impact, ultimately driving better results for your organization.

This sentiment was echoed in Kindsight CEO Ross Beattie’s opening remarks during the KindCon keynote. “There are individuals primed to give to your organizations, but they’re hidden. They’re hidden behind stale records, poor targeting, lack of personalization, fragmented workflows, and disconnected systems,” he says. 

“We call this the fundraising blind spot. That is absolutely an internal challenge today in most fundraising organizations. Data needs to be powering your success, not hindering it.”

4. Tech adoption and CRM success require a human-centered plan

Are you seeing a (human-centric) theme here? Another KindCon takeaway is that technology is only as good as the people and processes that support it. Echoed through the KindCon halls was the importance of a thoughtful approach to implementing and managing new systems; in other words, simply launching a new CRM isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting block.

True success comes from strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to user adoption. The “After the Confetti: Stabilization Strategies for CRM Success” panel, featuring Jeff Baynham of NC State University, Kate Maloney of Northwestern University, and Shalonda Martin of Pomona College, and moderated by Kindsight’s Caroline Chang, highlighted that stabilization after a CRM launch is a critical phase. It requires building communities of practice, establishing collaborative reporting, and ensuring that the technology serves the team—not the other way around. As leaders, focusing on empowering your team to use these tools effectively is key to realizing the full return on your technology investment and building a sustainable system for success.

5. Storytelling drives deeper engagement

Throughout KindCon 2025, presenters emphasized the pivotal role of storytelling in connecting with donors on a meaningful level. By sharing authentic stories—whether from scholarship recipients, community beneficiaries, or passionate volunteers—you can humanize your cause and help supporters see the real-world difference they make. Leverage narrative-driven appeals and personal testimonials to evoke emotion, build trust, and cultivate loyalty among your supporters. Remember, it’s not just about the data; it’s about using that data in meaningful ways to highlight the impact you make—and illuminating that impact through the stories you choose to tell.

Feeling inspired?

Visit the KindCon resource hub to get slides and recordings from our sessions, and sign up for our 2026 mailing list!

Head to the hub

6. Collaboration accelerates innovation

One standout theme across sessions and panels was the power of collaboration. Organizations that break down silos and foster cross-functional teamwork—whether between advancement services, technology teams, or frontline fundraisers—are better positioned to adapt quickly and solve challenges creatively. 

In the “Building Communities of Practice” breakout with Marianne Siess, Chief Information Officer at Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, demonstrated how institutions that openly exchange donor engagement strategies, stewardship tactics, and reporting tools often discover innovative solutions that a single team might overlook.

By actively seeking opportunities to collaborate not just within your immediate team but also across departments or even organizations, you can accelerate learning, adopt successful processes faster, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. The future belongs to those who share knowledge, pool resources, and rally around common goals. When you champion collaboration, you’re not just adapting—you’re setting the pace for what’s possible in philanthropy.

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KindCon 2025 may have wrapped up, but the energy, ideas, and inspiration are just getting started! This year’s event was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the human connections that drive philanthropy forward. Now it’s time to take what we’ve learned and put it into action. Whether it’s uncovering hidden opportunities with data, crafting stories that tug at heartstrings, or embracing technology in a way that empowers people, the future of fundraising is in our hands. And the best part? We’re not doing it alone. Collaboration and shared knowledge are the keys to unlocking what’s possible.

So, let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we can turn these big ideas into even bigger impact. Here’s to pushing boundaries, driving generosity, and making a difference—one connection at a time. See you at KindCon 2026!

Ashley Degroote

Ashley DeGroote is Kindsight's Senior Events Manager, committed to building immersive experiences for the fundraising and advancement community that not only inform and engage, but also leave a lasting impact.