AHP Connect Articles

Takeaways from the 2024 AHP International Conference

Missed the AHP International Conference? Don’t worry—here’s a quick overview of just a few of the many powerful insights shared that can supercharge your healthcare philanthropy efforts.

AI Can Transform Your Work—Without Replacing You

AI isn’t here to replace healthcare fundraisers—it’s here to make your work more effective, efficient, and, dare we say, enjoyable. Cherian Koshy, VP of Product Strategy at Kindsight, emphasizes that AI can handle repetitive tasks like email responses, thank-you letters, and creating revenue reports, freeing you up for the work you’re truly passionate about. Imagine being able to send personalized notes to all donors, not just the major ones, or instantly creating tailored campaign materials across digital and print channels. AI also enables sophisticated predictive insights, identifying potential donors who resemble your top supporters and helping prioritize stewardship efforts. Tools like Fireflies.ai and Descript.com offer transcription and video-editing shortcuts, while platforms like Akkio and Pecan.ai make data analysis accessible without complex coding. However, Cherian stresses the need for a clear AI ethics policy to address data privacy, transparency, and ethical oversight. By embracing AI thoughtfully, you can build trust with donors and enhance, rather than replace, your work. For more resources and exercises, check out Cherian’s guide.

Make Your Capital Campaign Message Resonate

Looking to make your capital campaign message unforgettable? Take a page from SingHealth’s “MedSG200” campaign. When Singapore General Hospital set out to celebrate its 200-year legacy, the team crafted a message that inspired both pride and purpose, say Audrey Lau, executive director of the SingHealth Fund, and Melvin T. Tan, director of group development at SingHealth. Here’s what they did right: they developed a cohesive brand story with a clear, emotional appeal, creating a tagline and logo that highlighted SGH’s role in Singapore’s healthcare history while connecting every donation to a future impact in research, education, and patient care. The result? Donors felt they were part of something truly meaningful, celebrating SGH’s legacy while fueling its future. SingHealth’s approach shows that a successful campaign isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about building a message that resonates, unites, and inspires.

Tap into a New Donor Pool by Fueling Their Passion for Innovation

Think all your donors need a personal connection to the hospital? Gwen Ritter, vice president of development, and Kara Kipp, executive director of principal gifts, at Hoag Hospital Foundation would tell you to think again. The Hoag Innovators program shows how to attract entrepreneurs and innovation-focused donors—even those with no prior link to your organization—by giving them the chance to support cutting-edge advancements. This unique, Shark Tank-style program gathers major donors to hear pitches from clinicians on the latest innovations and vote on which projects to fund. With buy-in levels starting at $250,000, Hoag Innovators offers business leaders a way to back bold, high-impact ideas that push healthcare forward, while allowing the hospital to reach a donor pool that’s motivated by innovation rather than personal healthcare experiences. If you’re ready to broaden your donor base, consider creating a space where entrepreneurial-minded donors can make a real difference.

Lead Change with Heart to Avoid Team Burnout

Stepping into a new leadership role with big dreams and bigger goals? Julie Anne Byczynski, CEO at The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, has been there—and she’s got lessons to share. When she joined as CEO, Julie faced a team used to operating under one leader for over 30 years, with informal processes, minimal policies, and an unsustainable workload. Her mission was clear: grow the foundation’s capacity, but keep the team comfortable and engaged along the way. Here’s how she did it: she redefined HR policies to encourage breaks, comp time, and personal days, outsourced to a fractional HR firm to address pay and benefits, and communicated openly about upcoming changes—even when they weren’t finalized yet. Yes, there was turnover, and yes, there were challenges, but Julie’s approach has rebuilt the team culture. Today, the foundation is stronger, healthier, and on a sustainable path to reach new fundraising milestones.

Less is More: Focus on a Few Key Physician Partners

When it comes to working with physicians, quality beats quantity every time. Erin M. Stitzel, FAHP, CFRE, principal consultant at Accordant 's advice to development officers is clear: focus on building relationships with just a few physicians who are genuinely interested in philanthropy, align with your hospital’s strategic priorities, and have grateful patients who want to give back. Rather than trying to engage every doctor, concentrate on one to three partners if you’re just starting out, or up to 10 for experienced gift officers. Worried that physicians don’t have time to dedicate to philanthropy? Erin says this is a misconception, if you choose the right partners. “They will make time if they are passionate about it,” she says.

Unlock Big Dollars with Government Grants

If you’re ready to make a big impact, it’s time to explore how federal, state, and local grants could become a valuable part of your fundraising portfolio. According to Helen A. Cunning, senior vice president at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, adding government grants to your revenue mix can be a game-changer. Helen explains that while grants take significant time and effort—sometimes over 100 hours per application—the payoff can be substantial. A single federal grant can bring in 10 times what you’d expect from non-governmental sources, and leveraging grant funding alongside traditional gifts can attract private donors who appreciate seeing their dollars multiplied. Getting started may seem daunting, but Helen recommends working with consultants and establishing strong relationships with finance and leadership to ensure grant applications align with institutional priorities.

Attend IDT Meetings to Boost Hospice Philanthropy

Denise Pope, CFRE, vice president at GOBEL, emphasizes that attending interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings is crucial for development officers working in hospice. Unlike acute care, where fundraisers might interact with clinicians periodically, hospice care demands a closer, more consistent presence. IDT meetings allow development officers to understand patient and caregiver needs deeply, hear stories of gratitude directly, and establish a sense of trust with the care team. This consistent involvement helps integrate philanthropy into the daily work of hospice clinicians, encouraging caregivers to make referrals and view the development team as a true partner. Denise’s approach shows that by regularly attending IDT meetings, you can create a supportive, collaborative environment where philanthropy feels like a natural extension of hospice care.