Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands (PPCI) invites you to join us in-person at noon on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 at Alberto’s Ristorante in Hyannis.
Guest speakers Susan Johnson, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Times Neighbor’s Fund; and Gerry Desautels, MEd, CFRE, Director of Development for the Lower Cape Outreach Council; will be presenting:
Using AI for Nonprofit Fundraising: A Beginner’s Guide
On the Cape & Islands, small development teams juggle seasonal funding swings, major donor relationships, grant deadlines, and more — often with little or no additional support. AI won’t change that reality, but it can give you hours back each week. This session cuts through the hype to show what AI actually does well — drafting, researching, and handling repetitive tasks that crowd out relationship-building — and what it will never replace: your judgment, your local knowledge, and the trust you’ve worked years to build. We’ll share real examples, try prompts together, and leave you with clear next steps you can put into practice right away.
PPCI meal-based educational programs include a $20 registration fee* for members and $45 per person for guests and non-members, helping to offset venue and catering costs. Register early as space is limited!
*Note: Because your membership matters to us, please reach out
if this additional fee creates a hardship.
Cancellation Policy
If your plans change, we kindly ask for at least three (3) business days’ notice for cancellations so we may adjust accordingly to offer a refund.
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us plan thoughtfully and continue offering meaningful programs for our members. We look forward to welcoming you at the upcoming event.
About Our Presenters
Susan Johnson
Susan grew up in Yarmouthport and spent over a decade managing organizations across Chicago, Sydney, London, and Boston before returning to the Cape in 2007 to raise her children and care for her aging parents. It was then that she found her footing in nonprofit leadership, building a career devoted to strengthening communities through mission-driven work. Since 2022, she has served as Executive Director of the Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund, bringing deep regional roots and broad organizational experience to the role. She previously served as Executive Director of Cape Cod Village and HECH and as Co-Director of the Cape Cod Museum of Art. She also co-founded Katelynn’s Closet, a nonprofit providing clothing to children in need across the Cape & Islands.
Susan earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of
Massachusetts Amherst and holds graduate certificates in nonprofit management from Suffolk University and the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University through the Institute for Nonprofit Practice. Her commitment to growth extends to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leadership through the University of Colorado Boulder and a graduate-level Elements of AI course from the University of Helsinki. She is certified in the Ethical Use of AI for Nonprofits through NTEN and is a certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach, a reflection of her belief that learning never stops.
When not at the Neighbors Fund, Susan walks the beach at sunrise with her camera, capturing the beauty around her, writes poetry, or explores the world.
Susan embraces AI as a tool to work smarter, freeing her to focus on what matters most: serving the people and community she loves.
Gerry Desautels, MEd, CFRE
Gerry has lived on Cape Cod since 1999, beckoned by the region’s natural beauty and strong sense of community. Since then, he has assisted in raising millions of dollars for regional nonprofits in the healthcare, environmental, education, and social service sectors. Gerry is Director of Development for the Lower Cape Outreach Council (LCOC) where he has increased the annual fund by 50% and opened a newly expanded food pantry in Orleans. Previously he served as Senior Development and Communications Officer with Outer Cape Health Services, helping to guide the federally qualified community health center through Covid. Born and raised in Northeastern Connecticut, Gerry attended Boston University on scholarship to earn a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He then worked in marketing positions before returning to B.U. to earn a master’s in education with a concentration in Media and Technology which launched him into the high-tech public relations world.
Gerry is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a 2021
nonprofit management certificate graduate of the Institute for
Nonprofit Practice (INP). A former co-chair of Philanthropy Day on
Cape Cod and a director on the Philanthropy Partners of the Cape
and Islands board, he continues to serve as a director of the Cape
Cod Times Neighbors Fund (formerly Needy Fund)—a longtime
LCOC nonprofit partner.
Gerry is not totally convinced AI is the complete answer for the future of development; however, he is learning and appreciating how AI can “free staff to do what machines cannot: listen, connect, solve problems, and build genuine relationships with donors.”
Thank you 2025-2026 Sponsors! Brought to you in part by Cape Cod 5 and the Kelley Foundation, Inc.
