Fundraising, in the nonprofit sector, is no exception to the unprecedented pace of industry transformation by Artificial Intelligence. While AI continues to develop at a rapid rate, it presents both challenges and opportunities for organizations that seek effective donor engagement, operation optimization, and amplifying missions.   In this week’s episode of the FundraisingAI podcast, Nathan and Scott dive deep into the evolving role of AI in the nonprofit sector. They discuss its rapid development referencing Reid Hoffman’s AI-driven book Personalization as something nonprofits could leverage to strengthen donor relationships. Next, they introduce their upcoming book, ‘Nonprofit AI,’ its chapters, and what they represent. They also explain how this book could help nonprofits to navigate the challenges of adopting AI including organizational resistance, ethical concerns, and the need for AI literacy.   Furthermore, they highlight how AI is becoming more accessible and affordable making it a vital tool for organizations looking to enhance their efficiency and impact. Wrapping up the conversation, Nathan and Scott present the two new segments they’ve added to the podcast: Ponder of the Week and Tip of the Week.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [01:43] Reif Hoffman’s new book ‘Superagency’ and it’s optimistic view on AI.   [06:33] Scott explains the process of writing their book ‘Nonprofit AI’.   [08:11] The exponential nature of AI and its recent self-improvement.   [10:00] Nathan explains the use of various AI tools, including GPT and Deep Research, to help in writing the book.  [12:38] Generosity crisis and the need for innovation.   [16:25] Scott explains how their book would benefit the nonprofit sector.   [19:46] Chapters on ‘Nonprofit AI’.   [23:55] Ponder of the Week - The authenticity of AI in representing human empathy.  [27:30] Tip of the Week – Choosing AI models for specific tasks.   RESOURCES  Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good  By Nathan Chappell & Scott Rosenkrans  amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comprehensive-Implementing-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/139431664X     Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future   By Reid Hoffman  amazon.com/Superagency-Could-Possibly-Right-Future/dp/B0D5WMKV9H   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

Nathan and Scott celebrate the 50th episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, reflecting on their journey and the rapid evolution of AI technology. They discuss the balance between AI scale and safety, noting the industry's focus on expansion over responsible use. The conversation highlights advancements in deep research, AI's impact on nonprofits, and the growing importance of generalists in the AI era. They introduce agentic AI, which can take actions beyond simple responses, raising concerns about regulation.  Nathan and Scott emphasize responsible AI use in fundraising, ensuring technology enhances human connection. They discuss their upcoming book, Nonprofit AI, and their role in guiding nonprofits through AI's transformation. Looking ahead, they express excitement for the next 50 episodes and the future of AI in philanthropy.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [00:41] Reflecting on 50 Episodes of the Fundraising AI Podcast  [02:00] Evolution of AI Technology and Industry Challenges  [03:15] The Arms Race Between Scale and Safety in AI  [06:00] Deep Research and Its Impact on Nonprofits  [11:17] The Role of Curiosity and Generalists in the AI Era  [14:58] The Future of Agentic AI and Its Implications  [22:34] The Role of Fundraising AI in Shaping the Future  [25:16] Looking Ahead to Episode 100  RESOURCES  Mentioned in the episode:  Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good: amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comprehensive-Implementing-Artificial-Intelligence  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

Meet Dave Raley, consultant, co-host, writer & keynote speaker, and the founder of Imago Consulting, an advisory firm that helps organizations create growth through innovation. He is also a passionate Disney fan. As an expert in nonprofit leadership, Dave has inspired thousands of nonprofit leaders to grow both personally and organizationally. He is the author of ‘The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy Is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit,’ which comes out February 4th, 2025. He writes a weekly innovation and leadership column called The Wave Report. In addition, Dave co-founded the Purpose and Profit Podcast, exploring the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands and highlighting innovative ways generosity can manifest across sectors. He joined us today to talk about the intersection of AI and generosity in fundraising.   We start the conversation with Dave sharing his journey, the intersection of business and technology, his passion for social causes, and how these experiences led him to the world of nonprofit fundraising and sustainable giving. Then Nathan and Dave talk about the importance of crisis moments in life and how we respond to them. They believe that personal and professional growth can be achieved by overcoming challenges. They further mention that choosing growth over being a victim is what shapes our characters.   Further down in the conversation, we cover the following topics regarding sustainable giving: subscription economy, recurring giving, a strategic approach to building a thriving recurring giving program, the biggest mistakes in building a subscription, the power of identity & belonging in a community, the future of sustainable giving, and more.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [02.38] Who is Dave Raley?  [04.19] Dave shares his journey from growing up in poverty to his interest in ideas and computers.  [08.45] The importance of crisis moments in personal and professional growth.  [11.50] Dave’s new book “The Rise of Sustainable Giving”.  [15.24] Subscription economy and recurring giving.  [19.06] Taking advantage of the subscription economy in nonprofits.   [23.46] Building a sustainable recurring giving program.   [29.10] The biggest mistakes when building a subscription.   [32.13] Identity and belonging.   [35.38] The future of sustainable giving and the role of technology in achieving it.  RESOURCES  Connect with Dave Raley  LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/draley/   Website - imago.consulting/      The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy Is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit   by Dave Raley  amazon.com/Rise-Sustainable-Giving-Subscription-Transforming/dp/B0DQ66W4MF   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

We start today’s conversation with Nathan and Scott sharing their thoughts on the inauguration of the 47th president of the USA and the tech giants who were present. Nathan comments on the new president’s decision to overturn the former president’s ‘Responsible AI Framework.’ Nathan and Scott then discuss the implications of AI's rapid advancement and the potential for future regulation, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI.   Just because you have a certain tool or technology in your grasp doesn’t mean you must use it. Nathan shares the importance of developing a habitual behavior of questioning the ethical implications of using AI. He explains that we must ask ourselves about the potential implications of using a certain technology and decide which path to follow. Then Nathan and Scott share their view on AI’s role in displacement and the creation of jobs. Scott shares the importance of developing skills like creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning.  Further into the conversation, Nathan and Scott talk about AI super agents who are expected to possess PhD-level reasoning capabilities and the four things that they can do: execute intricate multi-tasks without human intervention, demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills compared to highly educated PhD-level humans, adapt better to new situations and learning from experience, and potentially replace human workers and knowledge-intensive fields. Additionally, Nathan encourages people to use AI as a powerful tool to augment human capabilities rather than mere competition.   Episode Highlights [03:53] The inauguration of the 47th president of the USA and its key participants.   [07:03] Responsible AI framework and its current status after the presidential inauguration.   [11:00] Ethical implications of working with or developing AI technologies.   [15:03] The importance of creating a habitual behavior of questioning the ethical implications of using AI tools.  [19:15] AI's impact on job displacement and creation.   [24:00] The importance of staying adaptive and innovative, focusing on skills like creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning.  [29:00] AI Super Agents.   [33:16] The importance of using AI to synthesize large amounts of data in the nonprofit sector.   RESOURCES  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all our tech enthusiasts. In this episode, Nathan and Scott discuss their recent experiences with AI, including Nathan's exploration of quantum computing and Scott's digital detox. Throughout the conversation, they examine the rapidly evolving AI landscape and the importance of embracing the right tools, cultivating a culture of curiosity, and saving precious time with the help of new AI technologies.  Even technologies have limits, and curiosity is a must in this accelerating technological realm. Nathan talks about the limitations of AI technologies, comparing them to infants. He explains how staying curious can lead you to unexpected rewards and the importance of trying things in different approaches. He also walks us through the importance of using AI to boost human expertise and improve well-being.  Scott shares his thoughts on the cultural disturbance of adopting new AI technologies. According to him, the fear of being replaced by AI is barring people from adopting them. They talk about the importance of creating a supportive environment for AI adoption and Scott suggests incentivizing AI use within organizations to overcome initial resistance and encourage experimentation.  Further down the conversation, Nathan and Scott talk about human behavior and AI. They discuss the implications of AI's ability to mimic human behavior. Nathan also shares his concern about the need to establish boundaries or understand the limits between humans and non-humans.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [02.31] The development of quantum computing.   [05.00] Limitations of new AI technologies.   [08.02] The future of AI and human interaction.  [11.30] The importance of using AI to amplify human expertise and improve well-being.  [15.19] Challenges and opportunities in AI adoption.   [17.30] The importance of creating a supportive environment for AI adoption.  [20.00] The potential for AI to take over mundane tasks.  [23.26] The importance of incentivizing AI use within organizations.  [27.30] Human behavior and AI.   [33.30] The ethical considerations that come with AI.   [37.10] The role of AI in nonprofit innovation.  RESOURCES  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

In this episode, Nathan and Scott discuss the rapid advancements in AI, their implications for the fundraising sector, and what you need to look out for when using newly developed technologies in general.   Nathan starts the conversation by remembering life before ChatGPT two years ago and how it became a daily sensation for everyone where people are very excited to make their lives easier with the presence of the language model. Then Nathan and Scott talk about how remarkable the rapid improvement of technology is because we happen to witness firsthand how it evolves and improves, often surpassing tasks we once struggled with just months ago.   Scott shares his take on using AI in fundraising and strongly advises people not to rely on AI when it comes to relationship building. According to him, fundraising is all about building a relationship between two people, and while all the other sections of fundraising can be augmented, building relationships must be handled carefully in person.   Nathan concludes the conversation by reminding us that as we embrace new technologies, it’s normal to feel excited and hesitant, but we must remain cautious about the power these tools give us. Just because we can use technology doesn't mean we should, especially when it could affect society in ways we haven't fully anticipated.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [02.50] ChatGPT turns 02 November this year.   [06.06] The advancement of open AI.   [09.15] What is agentic AI?  [13.03] Nurturing relationships in fundraising.   [16.42] The big announcements in the week.   [19.20] The cost changes in Open AI.  [25.18] Sora, openAI's video generation model.   [29.00] Balancing innovation, ethics, and responsibility  RESOURCES  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

In this episode, Nathan and Scott explore the concept of anthropomorphizing AI, delving into how simple acts like saying "please" and "thank you" can transform how we interact with AI tools. The duo examines best practices and philosophies around polite interactions with AI, referencing Conor Grennan's rationale and the "Hi, Great, Thanks" (HGT) framework for polite, human-centered exchanges. They also highlight the importance of distinguishing between collaborative and transactional AI tasks to optimize user experience. Nathan and Scott compare various AI tools, including ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity, noting their strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, they discuss the role of memory in AI tools and how leveraging AI memory enhances productivity while maintaining user control. Looking toward the future of AI and human interaction, Nathan and Scott emphasize the importance of balancing AI efficiency with preserving human qualities like good manners and empathy. They advocate for thoughtful, intentional use of AI in personal and professional settings, maintaining a human-centered approach in an evolving technological landscape. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    [02:14] The Concept of Anthropomorphizing AI [04:27] Best Practices and Philosophies Behind Using "Please" and "Thank You" [08:25] Comparing Different AI Tools and Their Effectiveness [13:18] The Role of Memory in AI Tools [19:00] The Future of AI and Human Interaction [27:52] Upcoming Topics TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Start and end AI interactions with "please" and "thank you" to encourage mindfulness. Use collaborative AI like ChatGPT for creative tasks and factual tools like Perplexity for research. Always double-check AI-generated outputs, especially in critical contexts. Regularly save final versions of work in AI with memory to maintain consistency. Experiment with different tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity) to find the best fit for specific needs. Combine AI efficiency with maintaining human qualities like empathy and good manners. Use "Hi, Great, Thanks" as a simple framework for polite AI interactions. Identify ways AI can save time and reinvest it into strategic or creative tasks. Continuously learn about AI capabilities and limitations to use tools effectively. Encourage thoughtful AI use in personal and professional settings to minimize risks and maximize benefits. RESOURCES  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

Meet Jean Westrick, an Executive Director at the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG). She has 20+ years in philanthropy, specializing in technology strategy, program execution, and foundation operations. Before being the next Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, Jean was the Director of IT Strategy and Communications at The Chicago Community Trust, where she led change management efforts for the foundation's digital transformation initiative. Also, while at the Trust, Jean directed On the Table, an award-winning engagement model designed to inspire resident action, replicated in 30 cities nationwide.  During today's conversation, Jean shares her journey through philanthropy and technology while shedding light on the evolving intersection of these fields. Starting with her reflections on the collaborative spirit at Impact House in Chicago—a dynamic space for change-makers—Jean explores the importance of fostering community and partnerships in advancing social missions.  As the discussion transitions to her role at TAG, Jean recounts her career path, from civic engagement projects at the Joyce Foundation and Chicago Community Trust to her unexpected but transformative shift into technology roles within philanthropy. She highlights the critical role technology plays in amplifying impact and discusses the need for the philanthropic sector to embrace tools like AI responsibly.  Jean introduces TAG's Responsible AI Adoption Framework, delves into key findings from the State of Philanthropy Tech Survey, and emphasizes the importance of data governance, privacy, and inclusive access to AI tools. Throughout the conversation, she and Nathan explore the philosophical and practical implications of AI in the nonprofit world, the democratization of technology, and the sector's responsibility to maintain trust and resilience in communities.  The dialogue concludes with Jean sharing her favorite AI tools, practical advice for navigating the tech landscape, and a call for collaboration to ensure technology aligns with and enhances philanthropy's core mission.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    [01:16] Impact House: A Hub for Collaboration and Change-Makers in Chicago   [03:10] Jean's Career Journey and Transition to TAG   [08:52] Jean's Accidental Tech Journey   [14:39] Responsible AI Adoption Framework   [18:06] Learnings from State of Philanthropy Tech Survey   [23:09] Philanthropy's Role in AI Adoption   [27:33] Trust and Resilience in Philanthropy   [30:20] Jean's Go-To AI Tool  TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Create environments to encourage innovation and community-building.  Leverage tools to streamline operations and enhance impact.  Adopt frameworks to ensure AI aligns with your mission and maintains trust.  Invest in policies to ensure privacy, security, and quality data for AI adoption.  Involve all levels of your team in adopting and governing new technologies.  Encourage asking questions and exploring tools like ChatGPT or Claude to understand their potential.  Ensure grant makers and recipients are on the same page regarding tech and AI use.  Incorporate diverse perspectives to address complex challenges in tech adoption.  Use technology to address the root causes of societal issues and adapt to rapid change.  Experiment with AI tools integrated into daily workflows, tailoring choices to fit organizational needs.  RESOURCES  Connect with Jean:  Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jeanwestrick  Mentioned in the episode:  State of Philanthropy Tech Survey: tagtech.org/report/2024-state-of-philanthropy-tech-survey/  TAG's AI resources, including our Framework for Responsible AI Adoption in Philanthropy: tagtech.org/ai-resources-for-philanthropy/  Connect with Scott and Nathan  Scott - linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans-916b9139/   Nathan - linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ 

Starting today's conversation, Nathan and Scott discuss practical takeaways from recent conferences, including Scott's experience at the AFP Kindleberger Forum, where he saw firsthand how AI can empower small nonprofits with limited resources. They also explore the unique advantages smaller organizations have in adopting AI, given their agility and innovative potential. They propose forming nonprofit AI clubs to foster collaboration and share knowledge within the sector.  The two delve into the growing integration of AI in everyday tools, such as using AI to summarize PDF documents and leveraging ChatGPT's new features for greater efficiency. They share personal anecdotes, like Nathan using ChatGPT to translate in real-time, illustrating AI's potential to streamline tasks. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations, with a thought-provoking discussion on balancing human values and AI's impact on relationships. Emphasizing responsible adoption, Nathan and Scott close with a call to action for the fundraising community to embrace AI thoughtfully, as they believe it can amplify missions and support professional growth in powerful ways.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [03:06] Takeaways From Recent Conferences  [04:34] Challenges and Opportunities for Small Nonprofits  [09:38] AI Integration and Everyday Use   [12:59] Advanced Features of ChatGPT   [20:54] The Blend of Human and AI   [24:43] Conclusion and Call to Action  TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Use ChatGPT for quick content creation, brainstorming, and outreach templates.  Use tools like Adobe Acrobat's AI to quickly summarize reports or articles.  Start or join an AI club within your nonprofit community to exchange ideas and best practices.  Participate in AI and fundraising events to stay updated on trends and tools.  Don't just use AI—make it part of your long-term strategy to amplify mission impact.  Try features like Canvas, voice mode, or in-depth searches to enhance productivity.  Small nonprofits can often implement AI faster—begin with basic tools, then expand as needed.  Utilize AI translation in real-time to bridge language gaps with donors or volunteers.  Educate teams on ethical AI practices and consider the social impact of AI decisions.  Encourage feedback and share your AI experiences with others in the fundraising sector for collective learning.  RESOURCES Scott Rosenkrans on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Nathan Chappell on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ 

In today's conversation, Subha Vadlamannati, founder and CEO of OpenNLP Labs and a student at Stanford, shares her journey and mission to make natural language processing (NLP) accessible for low-resource and marginalized languages. She explains the organization's focus on real-world applications of NLP, especially for languages underrepresented online, despite the vast number of global languages. Subha underscores the consequences of excluding these languages from digital resources, sharing real-world examples where language barriers caused life-threatening issues.  Highlighting Open NLP Labs' innovative tools, such as Edu Link and Polyglot, Subha discusses their aim to support learning and communication in over 100 low-resource languages. Subha also describes their research on fairness and bias in AI, emphasizing ethical AI practices to make technology more inclusive and responsible. She touches on the challenges of scaling fair AI and the importance of accurate, diverse datasets, especially as AI progresses toward multimodal applications in text, audio, and video.  The conversation includes practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to use AI, encouraging a mission-aligned approach and community engagement. Subha concludes by expressing hope for the future of ethical AI, her dedication to advancing research in robotics and multimodal applications, and her encouragement for young researchers to join the field, driven by inclusivity and ethical responsibility.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    [01:30] Meet Subha!  [02:39] Understanding Low Resource Languages  [04:54] Importance of Language Representation   [06:54] Challenges and Solutions for Low-Resource Languages  [08:18] Personal Journey and Motivation   [12:32] Tools and Projects of Open NLP Labs   [13:36] Workshops and Community Engagement   [15:06] Ethical AI and Future Directions   [17:33] Empowering the Next Generation for Social Impact   [20:06] Challenges and Opportunities in AI Research  [22:35] Impact of Future Technologies  [26:26] Subha's Future Aspirations  [31:53] Advice for Nonprofit Leaders  TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Advocate for more digital resources and platforms for low-resource languages.  Prioritize fairness by auditing AI models and aligning them with ethical AI frameworks.  Use multilingual learning tools like Edu Link and Polyglot for education in low-resource languages.  Ensure important information is available in multiple languages.  Develop community-specific strategies to address misinformation in low-resource languages.  Hold workshops for underserved communities on relevant topics like safety and readiness.  Engage in mission-driven AI projects.  Push for transparency in training datasets to improve fairness in AI systems.  Use AI to improve nonprofit efficiency but keep content genuine and mission-aligned.  Contribute to open-source language datasets to advance AI research inclusively.  RESOURCES  OpenNLPLabs: opennlplabs.org/  Subha Vadlamannati on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/subhavadlamannati/  OpenNLPLabs on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/opennlplabs/  Connect with Scott and Nathan  Scott - linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans-916b9139/   Nathan - linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ 

The evolution of AI has made our work easy and quick. But it’s crucial that we are using it for the right reasons. There’s also a dark side to using AI that most people aren’t aware of. That being said, we must research those who develop these technologies and find out how they are created.  Nathan and Scott started today’s conversation by looking back at the fundraising AI’s second global summit and expressing their gratitude to those who attended and those who helped behind the scenes. Moving on, Nathan talks about the urgent need for innovation in the non-profit sector, saying that we must do it mindfully and work together. Nathan and Scott also share their opinions on the evolution of AI and its current status, where you get overwhelming results with a simple conversation with AI models like NotebookLM. They also talk about the dark side of AI, where you can be manipulated without you knowing. Here, Nathan explains that while people have a lot of opportunities to learn different things in different ways with AI, that doesn’t mean it comes without any cost. They also share their opinions on using AI for the right reasons. You have to keep reminding yourself that you are using AI for the right reasons and that it won’t cause harm to others.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [02:05] Synopsis of Fundraising AI's second global summit.   [03:47] Lack of education on technology.  [12:27] Enhancing efficiency and addressing demand with AI.  [13:37] The urgent need for innovation in the nonprofit sector.  [20:07] The evolution of AI.   [23:23] NotebookLM: Note-taking & research assistant developed by Google.   [26:49] The dark side of AI.  [34:00] The importance of keeping in mind the reason for using AI.   [36:03] Embracing technology with a natural state.   [40:51] The variants of flattery.      TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Adopt AI technologies to enhance your nonprofit's work, not just to follow trends.  Implement AI thoughtfully, ensuring it aligns with your organization’s values and goals.  Work with others in the sector to share knowledge and strategies.  Different learning opportunities with AI don’t mean that they come without a cost.   Be careful when using AI to learn a point of view.   Raise the question of why you're using this technology.  Evaluate new technologies through mental exercises.   Be cautious of the intentions of AI.   Stay informed about the new technologies and their changes.   It’s safe to have some other sources to verify the information that we are getting from AI models.   RESOURCES  Connect with Scott and Nathan  LinkedIn  Scott - linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans-916b9139/   Nathan - linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/     Donor Perceptions of AI: Key Findings  cheriankoshy.com/aistudy/     Summoning AI: Lessons from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice for a New Age  linkedin.com/pulse/summoning-ai-lessons-from-sorcerers-apprentice-new-nathan-xxnzc/  

In today's conversation, Cherian Koshy reflects on the evolution of technology, transparency, and the role of AI in nonprofit fundraising. Starting with personal stories, Cherian and Nathan discuss the early technology adoption in their careers and the transformative "Aha" moments that shaped their understanding of tech innovation. Cherian highlights the potential of AI, sharing his reaction to Notebook LM's audio file generation and exploring the implications of AI-generated content. The conversation pivots to transparency, with Cherian stressing the importance of nonprofits being open about their AI use, especially when handling donor data. He emphasizes that trust is a cornerstone for donor relationships, reinforced by insights from a recent survey showing donors prioritize transparency and are increasingly comfortable with AI, though privacy concerns remain. Wrapping up, both speakers emphasize the need for ongoing research, collaboration, and sector-wide transparency to build trust and responsibly integrate AI into nonprofit strategies. HIGHLIGHTS [00:55] Fundraising AI Summit Highlights [06:03] Notebook LM and Its Implications [09:23] Hidden Influences in Technology [15:37] Innovative Survey Techniques [19:08] Donor Perspectives on AI [23:58] The Role of Transparency in AI Use [29:46] Survey Findings and Donor Concerns [31:55] Report on Healthcare Philanthropy [33:02] Future Directions TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY Explore AI for synthesizing content and demos. Identify key tech moments to boost innovation. Ensure AI use is clear and openly communicated. Maintain trust by combining AI and human interaction. Ask donors directly about their AI concerns. Customize approaches for different donor segments. Proactively disclose AI usage to build donor confidence. Explore donor insights for tailored approaches. Be cautious about AI's influence. Engage in sector-wide collaboration for AI research. RESOURCES Connect with Cherian Koshy: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy/ Mentioned in the episode: Donor Perceptions of AI Study: cheriankoshy.com/aistudy/ Chronicle of Philanthropy: Donor Perceptions of AI: philanthropy.com/article/how-do-donors-feel-about-a-i-this-new-study-asks Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/ 

Devi Thomas, named as one of the 2023 Social Impact Pioneers and Top Women in Communications, leads the Nonprofit Community at Microsoft Philanthropies. She engages wit h nonprofits to address community challenges through AI and technology, empowering them to create impactful solutions and drive social change. On the other hand, Erin McHugh Saif is the Chief Product Officer at Microsoft Tech for Social Impact, with prior experience at Salesforce and TIBCO. She focuses on making technology accessible for nonprofit organizations, emphasizing innovation and affordability. Starting the conversation, Devi shares her enthusiasm for training individuals in AI and technology, highlighting the economic opportunities AI brings and the necessity of integrating people into the digital realm. She reflects on her journey, expressing gratitude for working with AI and her commitment to the nonprofit sector. Erin also details her work connecting Microsoft's resources with global nonprofit organizations. She emphasizes the importance of affordability and accessibility in technology for nonprofits, discussing her transition from the tech industry to the Tech for Social Impact team. She underscores the necessity of human involvement in change management and the role of well-designed software in supporting nonprofit missions. The conversation also delves into the guests' paths to the nonprofit sector, revealing their diverse backgrounds and the transferable skills that can bridge corporate and nonprofit work. They highlight the scrappiness of the nonprofit sector and its innovation potential. Addressing AI adoption in nonprofits, Devi and Erin discuss the challenges organizations face, including skepticism, lack of understanding, and distrust, particularly in the US and Western Europe. They emphasize the need for training and exposure to foster trust in AI technologies. When asked for advice for nonprofit leaders hesitant about AI, Erin suggests starting small and fostering a culture of experimentation, while Devi stresses the importance of ethical governance in AI use and adopting a learning mindset. Finally, they discuss Microsoft's global support for nonprofits, including partnerships aimed at upskilling individuals in AI, particularly in developing countries, showcasing the impact of these initiatives through personal stories. Both speakers reaffirm Microsoft's commitment to making technology accessible and beneficial for nonprofits worldwide. HIGHLIGHTS [03:52] Devi's Role at Microsoft [05:57] Erin's Role and Microsoft's Tech for Social Impact [08:25] Devi's Path to the Nonprofit Sector [11:18] Erin's Journey to the Nonprofit Sector [15:07] AI and Nonprofit Adoption [28:03] Advice for Nonprofit Leaders [34:36] Lessons from the Corporate World [38:21] Global Support for Nonprofits  TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Explore tools and platforms designed specifically for nonprofits. Work with vendors who prioritize making technology accessible for nonprofits. Utilize skills from the corporate sector to enhance nonprofit agility and decision-making. Ensure clean and accurate data to maximize AI potential and operational efficiencies. Invest in training to overcome skepticism and build trust in AI tools among staff. Experiment with AI solutions in manageable increments to foster a culture of innovation. Develop frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI. Foster an environment where continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies are valued. Regularly assess and discontinue programs that are not yielding results. Collaborate with organizations and programs focusing on AI upskilling, especially in developing regions. Resources:  Connect with Erin and Devi: Erin McHugh Saif: linkedin.com/in/erinmchughsaif/ Devi Thomas: linkedin.com/in/devi-thomas/ Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/ 

Tim Lockie is the CEO of The Human Stack, an organization dedicated to helping nonprofits and teams integrate technology, including AI, into their workflows. With a background in nonprofit work and tech implementation, Tim is passionate about making technology accessible and practical, especially in data-driven decision-making and fundraising.   In this episode, Tim shares the origin and development of the "Human Stack," a concept born from his nonprofit background and experience implementing Salesforce in 2009. Noticing that only 5% of organizations effectively use data for decision-making, Tim coined the term "Human Stack" to describe the collaborative nature of human teams, mirroring how tech stacks work together.  Tim recounts the launch of the Human Stack in 2022 after rebranding his previous firm, initially hesitant about incorporating AI. However, later, he recognized the importance of AI and created courses to help organizations embrace technology, including AI for fundraising. He elaborates on his "AI for Anyone" course, designed to make AI accessible and enjoyable, using a "trampoline model" to ease users into the experience.  Tim explains how the ethos of responsible AI, influenced by the fundraising AI framework, shapes his training, helping nonprofits practically integrate AI. As the episode progresses, Tim shares his excitement for the upcoming fundraising AI summit and the release of his new AI Playbook, a course aimed at helping teams leverage AI in their workflows. Throughout, the conversation emphasizes the shared goal of making AI a force for good, especially in the nonprofit sector.     HIGHLIGHTS [02:06] Origin Story of the Human Stack   [09:09] AI for Anyone and Its Evolution   [20:54] AI for Anyone Course Details   [25:19] Integration of Fundraising AI Ethos   [26:19] Thoughts on Upcoming Summit and Tim's AI Playbook  TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Help team members see themselves as AI users, regardless of their experience level.  Join the 5% of organizations using data to drive decisions—start small with key metrics.  Overcome reluctance; AI can enhance both human and organizational efficiency.  Educate your team on AI and technology to reduce fear and foster adoption.  Use engaging models to make AI learning enjoyable.  Help team members see themselves as AI users, regardless of their experience level.  Regularly collect feedback to ensure your courses or tools are user-friendly.  Build an ethos of responsible AI by integrating it into your training programs.  Participate in AI-focused summits or workshops to stay connected with innovations.  Help teams integrate AI in everyday workflows with practical, leader-oriented guides.  Resources:  Connect with Tim:  Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tlockie/    Mentioned in the episode:  AI for Anyone partner page: hubs.ly/Q02QRRVs0  Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/ 

This episode explores the trade-offs between privacy and convenience, the promise of AI in enhancing work-life balance, and the ethical challenges of automation!  During today's conversation, Scott and Nathan discuss various AI topics, starting with LinkedIn's new feature that allows training AI on user data, sparking a discussion on privacy versus convenience. They then explore Salesforce's Agent Force and the balance between automation and human interaction, particularly in fundraising. Nathan raises concerns about acceleration burnout due to AI, while Scott reflects on using AI to save time. However, they question whether AI enhances human interactions or increases efficiency.  Moreover, Scott shares insights from Jensen Huang on tech growth beyond Moore's Law, and they discuss AI's future, including the potential of GPT-401 and tools for decision-making. The conversation also touches on massive AI investments like Microsoft's Stargate project and Oprah Winfrey's AI special, stressing the need for empathy and strategic adoption of AI in society.   [00:41] Introduction and Personal Updates  [02:51] Fundraising AI Summit is 12 Days Away!  [06:10] LinkedIn's AI Data Collection, Salesforce's Agent Force, and More  [11:35] Acceleration Burnout and AI's Role in Work-Life Balance  [16:34] Moore's Law and the Future of AI  [23:27] GPT-401 and Its Implications  [27:10] AI Tools and Predictive Models  [32:10] Scale and Investment in AI  [34:28] Oprah Winfrey's AI Special and Its Implications  [35:52] Conclusion and Upcoming Podcast  TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Use AI-powered Agent Force to automate tasks and save time for more meaningful work.  Use AI in fundraising, but maintain a personal touch to avoid over-automation.  Set clear boundaries and avoid overloading yourself with tasks when AI saves time.  Ensure AI enhances human interactions, not replaces them, to keep a human-centric approach.  Follow exponential tech growth and new AI models like GPT-401 to stay ahead.  Explore tools like Forecast.safe.ai to predict outcomes and improve decision-making.  Align AI adoption with specific goals to boost productivity and avoid wasting resources.  Track large-scale AI projects like Microsoft's Stargate to understand future AI potential.  Focus on the human side of AI, ensuring it addresses job loss concerns and societal impacts.  Periodically check and update your privacy settings on AI-driven platforms to ensure they align with your preferences.  RESOURCES Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/    Mentioned in the episode:  OpenAI unveils o1 models  Upgraded Alexa to be powered by Claude  Prediction AI: https://forecast.safe.ai  Prediction AI Example: https://forecast.safe.ai/?id=66ec2aa41bcc67996eee8240  Perplexity coming under fire  Environmental Impact of AI  Bill Gates's big bet on Nuclear power 

Today's Guest, Randima Fernando, is a prominent figure at the crossroads of technology, ethics, and social good. As a Co-Founder and former Executive Director of the Center for Humane Technology (CHT), he played a crucial role in advancing the global conversation on the ethics of technology. CHT's work, including its pivotal role in the Emmy-winning documentary "The Social Dilemma," has reached over 100 million viewers across 190 countries, highlighting the need for more humane technology practices. Randima began his career at NVIDIA, leading award-winning projects and authoring three #1-ranked books on 3D graphics. He also helped establish the NVIDIA Foundation as a founding Board Member. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Randima served as the founding Executive Director of Mindful Schools, an organization dedicated to teaching mindfulness to millions of children and educators worldwide. Moreover, born in Sri Lanka, Randima's early exposure to meditation from his mother and programming from his father laid the foundation for his diverse career. During today's conversation, Randima addresses the rapid pace of development, focusing on challenges like accuracy, transparency, and the concentration of power among a few companies. He warns of potential consequences for democracy and the environment without proper regulation. Furthermore, he argues that nonprofits play a vital role in addressing AI's ethical and social implications, especially in supporting those affected by automation. Finally, Randima provides practical advice for nonprofits to stay informed about AI. He encourages them to assign individuals to track developments, collaborate, and experiment with ways to mitigate AI's impact on society. Also, he stresses the importance of action, pushing nonprofits to integrate AI thoughtfully into their missions. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:32] Meet Randima from CHT [02:49] Randima's Interest in Technology [05:00] Transition to Nonprofit Work [08:21] Impact of CHT and Media Influence [14:03] Current State and Future of AI [18:24] Role of Nonprofits in Addressing AI Challenges [25:33] Practical Tips for Nonprofits TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY Incorporate mindfulness practices to maintain focus and well-being. Build or strengthen teams that share a clear, unified mission. Assign someone to monitor AI trends relevant to your organization. Take an iterative, experimental approach to new tech challenges. Learn about the misaligned incentives in social platforms. Stay informed about how AI impacts your sector and adjust accordingly. Use media like "The Social Dilemma" to educate others. Share AI best practices and encourage teamwork. Advocate for transparency, regulation, and responsible AI use. Don't wait; start addressing AI's societal and ethical effects now. Resources: Connect with Randima : Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/prfernando/ Mentioned in the episode: Center for Humane Technology: Website: humanetech.com/ Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-humane-technology Your Undivided Attention Podcast: humanetech.com/podcast The AI Dilemma: youtube.com/watch?v=xoVJKj8lcNQ The Social Dilemma: netflix.com/title/81254224

This episode explores the double-edged nature of AI, reflecting on its power to accelerate life while emphasizing the importance of conscious, thoughtful AI use to preserve human values. Meet Kelly Hecht, an executive advisor at Amazon Web Services (AWS), who focuses on the global healthcare and nonprofit sectors. She is dedicated to helping customers harness technology to drive mission impact and promote innovation in their industries. During today's conversation, Kelly reflects on the growing impact of AI on daily life. She shares the pressure of navigating an increasingly fast-paced world due to AI, likening it to being on a never-ending hamster wheel. Kelly stresses the importance of being conscious and deliberate in integrating AI into life to prevent feeling overwhelmed. She also emphasizes the value of learning from past technological shifts to understand AI's current effects. In discussing connection and information overload, Kelly agrees with Nathan on the overwhelming nature of constant AI-driven interaction. She mentions how AI algorithms, though applicable, contribute to the competition for attention and connection, which can sometimes be mentally taxing. AI's role in amplifying information overload has directly affected her mental health, leading to an internal struggle to find balance. Moreover, Kelly strongly advocates for intentionality and curiosity in AI usage. She talks about embracing uncertainty and the benefits of being open-minded about AI's evolving role. By cultivating curiosity, Kelly believes individuals can stay ahead without losing essential human qualities like empathy and strategic thinking. She also highlights the need to balance AI-driven efficiency and human values. Setting boundaries, maintaining awareness, and using AI consciously are crucial to ensuring it enhances life rather than dominates it. Kelly underscores the role of leadership in fostering a culture of curiosity and adaptability, especially in an AI-driven world. Finally, she shares practical advice on how to use AI intentionally, recommending that people set daily checkpoints to reflect on AI's role in their day and use the time saved for meaningful purposes. Kelly stresses the importance of respect and thoughtfulness in AI use, ensuring they align with personal and professional goals. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:41] Episode Introduction – Meet Kelly! [05:31] The Impact of AI on Human Life [09:03] Rapid Pace of AI and Information Overload [15:09] Intentionality and Curiosity in AI Use [32:36] Practical Tips for Using AI with Intentionality TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY 1.      Take regular breaks to evaluate AI's impact on your tasks. 2.      Use tools to filter and prioritize important info. 3.      Stay open to learning new AI trends, but don't rush. 4.      Define when and how to use AI at work or home. 5.      Use AI to serve your goals, not overwhelm them. 6.      Use automation only where it adds real value. 7.      Use AI to enhance, not replace, human connections. 8.      Save time with AI but reinvest it in meaningful ways. 9.      Choose AI tools that align with your values. 10.  Be willing to change how you use AI as it evolves. Resources: Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelleyhecht/ Mentioned in the episode: The Curiosity Code: Unlocking Your Superpower in the AI Age: linkedin.com/pulse/curiosity-code-unlocking-your-superpower-ai-age-Nathan Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai

Revolutionize the donation process, making it smarter, more efficient, and deeply personalized, all while ensuring transparency and trust within the nonprofit sector!  This episode features Salvatore Salpietro, the Chief Community Officer at FundraiseUp, a tech company that enhances charitable giving by optimizing donation processes. Their platform helps nonprofits boost engagement and revenue through improved conversion rates, modern payment options, and personalized donor experiences. Moreover, Fundraise Up partners with global organizations like UNICEF USA and The Salvation Army UK.  Sal begins today's conversation by sharing his role in fostering community engagement and recounts his transition from the tech industry to the nonprofit sector. Sal narrates the origin story of Fundraise Up, rooted in the founders' frustration with complex donation processes, which led them to create a more user-friendly and AI-powered platform that optimizes donor experiences at scale.  The discussion moves to the challenges and benefits of AI in fundraising, where Sal and the hosts, Nathan and Scott, emphasize the importance of making donations seamless to prevent donor abandonment. They explore how AI enhances efficiency and personalization in fundraising while addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI use in the nonprofit sector. Sal explains Fundraise Up's commitment to transparency, privacy, and ethical practices, ensuring their AI models are built on anonymous data to avoid bias.  Looking ahead, Sal predicts that AI will revolutionize nonprofit operations by creating efficiencies and improving outcomes rather than transforming the sector entirely. He also mentions the upcoming Fundraising AI Global Summit, where he will present unexpected AI outcomes that drive impact.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [03:13] Fundraise Up's Origin Story and Mission  [05:09] Sal's Journey to Fundraise Up  [07:56] Use of AI in Fundraising  [23:21] Ethics, Privacy, and Transparency in AI Use  [26:32] Future of AI in the Nonprofit Sector  [34:37] Upcoming Fundraising AI Global Summit   Connect with Salvatore: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/salvatoresalpietro/ Website: fundraiseup.com Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai

Today's episode delves into the evolving landscape of AI adoption within the nonprofit sector, revealing how AI is revolutionizing fundraising by turning data into actionable insights.  Nathan and Scott kick off today's conversation by discussing the growing presence of AI at industry conferences, such as APRA-PD 2024, where the conversation has shifted from theory to practical applications and success stories. They underscore the significance of AI in prospect development while highlighting a noticeable reduction in hesitancy towards predictive AI—though concerns about generative AI persist.  The duo also tackles barriers to AI adoption, such as fears of job replacement and skepticism about AI's accuracy. Through real-world examples, they illustrate how AI can streamline tasks like prospect research, freeing up valuable time for strategic initiatives.  Scott and Nathan emphasize the importance of starting with clear AI use cases sharing case studies that showcase the tangible benefits of AI in the sector. They also discuss the impact of tools like xAI and Grok AI, balancing the potential for innovation with the need for transparency and accountability in AI-generated content.  Practical tips abound in this episode, from creating content folders to training AI tools to developing style guides that ensure consistency. The conversation concludes with a call to action for nonprofits to adopt AI proactively and responsibly, setting the stage for transformative change in the sector.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [01:18] AI Adoption in the Nonprofit Sector  [04:48] Barriers to AI Adoption in Prospect Development   [09:12] Case Studies and Practical AI Applications   [14:19] AI Tools and Their Impact on Nonprofits   [22:28] Practical Tips for AI Adoption in Nonprofits   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai

In a landscape where AI revolutionizes nonprofit fundraising, this episode highlights its role as a game changer, blending advanced technology with the human touch! Meet Brittany Shaff, the Founder and CEO of Shaff Fundraising Group, a consultancy specializing in strategic philanthropy and engagement management. With twenty years of experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, Brittany excels in fundraising, marketing, and analytics. Her firm partners with nonprofits, independent schools, higher education institutions, and healthcare organizations to provide personalized consulting that drives successful fundraising and engagement. During today's conversation, Brittany explores how AI, particularly generative and predictive models, transforms how nonprofits engage with donors, personalize content, and optimize their strategies. She discusses the balance between leveraging AI and maintaining the human touch in nonprofit communications, emphasizing that AI should enhance, not replace, organizations' core mission and vision. Brittany also addresses the importance of content marketing, differentiating it from brand and product marketing, and highlights how AI can be a powerful tool for creating impactful, personalized messaging at scale. She shares insights on the need for nonprofits to adapt and embrace AI tools while maintaining a genuine connection with their audience. Throughout the conversation, Brittany underscores that success in the nonprofit sector isn't about outdoing others but advancing your mission and achieving meaningful growth. She also reflects on her fascination with new AI platforms and tools, sharing how staying informed about technological advancements fuels her passion for innovation in the sector. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [04:50] AI as a Game Changer [08:06] The Future of Content Marketing and Nonprofit Engagement [16:19] Essential Steps for Leveraging AI in Nonprofit Engagement [21:20] Defining and Elevating Content Marketing with AI [23:21] Balancing AI with Humanity [24:42] Generative AI as the New Heartbeat of Engagement and Innovation [26:38] Collaboration Over Competition in Nonprofit AI Integration [28:00] Harnessing AI Tools TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY Begin integrating AI tools in your nonprofit operations to stay competitive. If needed, consult with AI and marketing experts to maximize effectiveness. Evaluate current content to understand what resonates with your audience. Use AI to create personalized messaging at scale for greater impact. Ensure AI enhances but doesn't replace personal engagement. Optimize content for both search engines and AI-driven platforms. Regularly research emerging AI tools for potential benefits. Use AI for improved data analysis and understanding of donor behavior. Align AI strategies with your nonprofit's core mission and vision. Track the effectiveness of AI tools and adjust strategies based on results. Resources: Connect with Brittany: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brittany-n-shaff-bcre-cfre/ Website: shafffundraisinggroup.com/ Mentioned in the episode: The Evolution of Search: From SEO to Generative Engine Optimization for Nonprofits - A 10-Step Implementation Guide: shafffundraisinggroup.com/post/the-evolution-of-search-from-seo-to-generative-engine-optimization-for-nonprofits-a-10-step-imple