.png)
The AGB Foundation Leadership Forum 2025 brought together foundation leaders, board members, and advancement professionals in a three-day event that highlighted emerging technologies in higher education philanthropy. With sessions spanning AI-driven advancement, digital transformation, and strategic innovation, the forum offered valuable insights for foundation leaders embracing technological change.
Opening Keynote: Building Better Futures
The forum opened with an insightful conversation between Michael Powell, chair emeritus of the William & Mary Foundation, and Matthew Lambert, Senior Vice President of University of Advancement for University Advancement at William & Mary and Chief Executive Officer at the William & Mary Foundation. Drawing from his extensive experience in telecommunications and technology leadership, Powell shared perspectives on innovation and organizational transformation that set a forward-looking tone for the conference.
Key Themes and Strategic Priorities
AI and Advanced Technologies in Advancement
Multiple sessions explored the groundbreaking potential of AI in foundation operations. The session "Revolutionizing Advancement with Fully Autonomous Fundraising" featured Dan Frezza, Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer at the College of Charleston Foundation, Matthew Lambert, Senior Vice President of University of Advancement for University Advancement at William & Mary and Chief Executive Officer at the William & Mary Foundation, and Paul Sutera, Senior Vice President of University Advancement at Sacred Heart University with Version2.ai Founder and CEO, Adam Martel. The conversation demonstrated how AI is reshaping traditional fundraising approaches with digital labor.
Next-Generation Philanthropy
A compelling plenary session led by Brian Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation, examined how technology is reshaping donor behavior. The panel discussed how digital natives approach philanthropy differently and how foundations can adapt their technological infrastructure to meet these changing preferences.
Digital Transformation Success Stories
Several sessions highlighted foundations that have successfully implemented AI and digital technologies:
How AI-powered prospect research has increased gift officer productivity
Machine learning applications in donor retention and stewardship
Automated engagement systems that enhance personalization while reducing staff workload
Digital tools that improve board engagement and governance
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Forum demonstrated that higher education foundations are actively embracing technological innovation. Through hands-on workshops, technology demonstrations, and peer learning opportunities, participants gained practical insights into implementing AI and digital solutions effectively.
The event's program reflected the sector's commitment to technological advancement while maintaining a focus on relationship-building and donor engagement. As AI and digital technologies continue to evolve, the forum provided valuable frameworks for foundation leaders working to balance innovation with their core mission of supporting educational excellence.
Foundation leaders left the forum equipped with concrete strategies for implementing AI solutions, enhancing digital capabilities, and preparing their organizations for an increasingly technology-driven future in advancement and foundation management.
