$200M+ Raised for Nonprofits | Co-Founder AIxImpact | Community Leader OpenAI Forum | Pride Outstanding Voice SF Business Times.
At six, I hosted my first fundraiser — a Muscular Dystrophy Association Carnival, complete with pin the tail on the donkey.
Today, I draw on 35+ years of experience helping nonprofits raise millions through proven strategies and smart AI integration.
As a staff member, I have previously helped raise over $200 million for various San Francisco Bay Area good causes.
As a board member, I have led six nonprofit agencies, including a multi-million-dollar arts funder and a nationally recognized mental health counseling center.
As Chief Development Officer at Larkin Street Youth Services, I led a 12-person team that consistently exceeded goals, growing the agency from $23 million to over $35 million in five years.
The result: over 1,800 young people served annually by 250 dedicated staff.
Our success came from embracing AI and predictive analytics early. These tools handled routine research and admin work, freeing our team to focus on relationship building.
The result: more donor time, stronger connections, better outcomes.
Building on this success, I co-founded AIxImpact to help nonprofit professionals navigate AI adoption safely and effectively.
I'm also a Community Leader in OpenAI's exclusive forum with over 75,000 AI professionals worldwide.
That work became the SMART.AI Practice Suite, two AI governance frameworks that I publish for free under a Creative Commons license. First edition in 2024, revised in 2025; the current 2026 editions are out now.
I'm an experienced public speaker and award-winning storyteller passionate about connecting values to causes. Available for corporate, community, and educational events, from fundraising innovation to embracing inclusivity.
Recent collaborations include OpenAI, Chronicle of Philanthropy, San Francisco State University, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“There is no fundraiser I know who is better than Gayle at connecting people — donors and fundraisers alike — back to the pure joy, generosity, and compassion at the heart of giving. Knowing her and learning from her has deeply impacted my experience and approach as both a fundraiser and a donor.”
Dana Textoris, Director of Client Engagement
Grants Plus
Who I Work With
I partner with established nonprofits, foundations, and funder collaboratives whose leaders want to:
Raise more money while staying true to their mission
Explore AI tools safely and strategically
Build stronger donor relationships that last
Build a fundraising plan their team can sustain after I leave
I'm the best fit when there's a budget and a team ready for a multi-month engagement. If your organization is just getting started with AI, the free SMART.AI frameworks are a good first step.