Name Your Development Agent: Build Trust and Transparency

When choosing a name, keep it simple. First names usually work best unless a last name adds real value. You'll want to create a sense of credibility and approachability for your constituents, while being transparent that the agent is powered by AI. Use the guidance below to strike that balance based on our research insights.

Name your Agent

You can change the agent name at any time:

Go to Portfolio, Development Agent.
On the right, select Display names.
In the Agent name field, enter a name that feels authentic and matches your organization's tone. See the guidance below for naming best practices.
Select Save.

Use a humanized first name

Choose a first name that feels approachable (not overly formal) to build trust and engagement.

Examples: Ava, Leo, or acronym-based names like S.A.M. (Support and Assistance Manager).
Use only a first name. If you use a surname (last name), ensure it adds real value with ties to your mission and isn’t a typical human surname.
Acronyms can work if they are meaningful, memorable, and relevant to your organization.
Avoid using staff names or famous names to prevent confusion or misrepresentation.

Use a generic email address that works with any name

You can change your agent's name at any time, so set up a generic, role-based email address that can work with any name change you may make in the future. For example: agent@yourdomain.com, impact@yourdomain.com, giving@yourdomain.com, or outreach@yourdomain.com.
Strive to include your organization name somewhere in the email address to increase trust of the origin of the email.

Be transparent

Your agent takes care of transparency for you. From the very first interaction, it introduces itself clearly as an AI-powered assistant to help constituents understand what to expect.

Introductory messaging is built in. The agent automatically includes language such as:

Meet [agent name], an AI-powered agent here to help you get the information you need more quickly and connect with our mission.”

This introduction is based on research and designed to help supporters calibrate trust—no extra setup required.
Provide the agent with any introductory language and data use explanation so that it can use that in its first interactions with constituents. You'll provide the text or links in the Brand Voice Text step.
Consistent transparency across communications. "Powered by Blackbaud AI" is automatically included in email signatures and message footers. This subtle but consistent messaging reinforces trust without overwhelming the experience.

Checklist for success

Follow these best practices to ensure trust and flexibility.

✅ Name is approachable and humanized (first name only recommended).

✅ Involve colleagues in naming—collect suggestions and vote on the final choice.

✅ Email address is generic and not tied to the agent's display name.

✅ Onboarding materials explain the agent’s role and data handling.

Name Your Organization

In Organization name, enter the name your agent will use to refer to your organization in messages to your constituents.