FundraisingAI

In an era where Artificial Intelligence is redefining our world at a remarkably swift pace, the traditional way of doing things no longer guarantees decent outcomes. The transformation of how we work, create, and find meaning due to AI puts the conventional job pyramid into a disruptive mode. It’s our responsibility to embrace curiosity, adapt boldly, and focus on delivering meaningful outcomes rather than routine tasks in order to thrive in this constantly changing landscape. It is no longer enough to simply work harder; it’s essential to work smarter with the assistance of AI. The future belongs to those who are willing to combine the power of human creativity with the power of AI.   In this week’s episode, Nathan and Scott bring their usual updates on what new changes occurred in the landscape of AI. Then they share thoughts on the differences in AI adoption between the private and nonprofit sectors. The nonprofits have a responsibility to use AI thoughtfully because it can magnify their impact and shape the future of technology at the same time. Nathan then explains the importance of redefining success by choosing joy over traditional job titles in an AI-driven world. He also comments on the importance of encouraging the younger generations to follow what they love instead of the paycheck or traditional career paths. Furthermore, Nathan and Scott pay attention to discussing a much-needed topic: the limitations of AI when it comes to providing the human connection. AI can definitely answer your questions, but it cannot make you feel heard as another human being. It’s important to remember what a technology like AI is capable of and not capable of providing.   Wrapping up the conversation, Scott provides tips to train ChatGPT fast, and Nathan contributes with the ponder of the week and encourages people to slow down and take time to ground themselves with the reality of what surrounds them.   HIGHLIGHTS [02.04] AI in the private and nonprofit sectors.   [07.50] The weekly highlight on AI.   [14.12] Document by OpenAI’s Red Team about AI resisting termination instructions.   [16.22] The responsibility of using AI thoughtfully.   [22.37] Redefining success.   [37.37] The Collapse of the Traditional Career Pyramid.   [31.14] The limitations of AI in providing the human connection.   [35.50] AI in the nonprofit sector.   [39.41] Tip of the Week – Train ChaatGPT fast with a quick profile of you and your work.   [43.20] Ponder of the Week – Slow down and ground yourself with the reality of what's around you.  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence isn’t just another tool but is becoming a part of the framework of how we live and work. But with that realization comes the question: What does it mean to use AI responsibly? How do we balance innovation with impact? And what happens if we let fear get in our way of engaging with AI at all? In this episode, Mallory Erickson and Nathan Chappell will dive into those tensions. Their aim is not to have all the answers but to explore the importance of curiosity, experimentation, and value-driven decision-making.   Mallory Erickson is a former fundraiser, keynote speaker, author, and host of What the Fundraising, and the creator of Practivated, the first-ever AI-powered donor conversation simulator. She helps fundraisers navigate the overlap of strategy, coaching, and behavior design so they can focus on the most human aspects of their work: connecting. She has helped more than 60,000 fundraisers raise more with less burnout, overwhelm, and more alignment. She is also a firm believer that the nonprofit sector has the capacity to address the problems of the world.   In this conversation, Mallory and Nathan find themselves discussing the following topics regarding the use and creation of responsible AI: the role of AI in solving fundraising challenges, the combination of curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation, the balance between innovation and responsibility, the fear of the unknown, the risk of not using AI at all. Mallory further explains the creation of Practivated and its impact on building fundraising confidence.     HIGHLIGHTS  [04.19] Exploring the potential of AI in solving fundraising challenges.  [09.08] Developing responsible AI tools for fundraising.  [16.21] Curiosity, Collaboration, and experimentation.  [21.27] The development of Practivated, a tool for building fundraising confidence through AI.   [29.53] The balance between innovation and responsibility.  [36.25] The risk of not trying to use AI at all.   Connect with Mallory Erickson  LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/   Website - malloryerickson.com/                     practivated.com/   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

Compassionate AI goes beyond kindness and empathy. It’s deep-rooted, human-centered intelligence that understands and supports a person as a whole. Embedded in both Western rationality and Eastern wisdom, it aims to help us grow and connect more meaningfully. Instead of replacing humans, compassionate AI develops our ability to understand ourselves and each other. In medicine, education, justice, or everyday life, AI like this helps us to become better humans. It begins with believing in ourselves and leveraging the tools that are currently in our grasp.   We are joined by Dr. Jean-Luc Mommaerts, MD, MAI, PhD, a medical doctor and AI expert with an extensive background spanning over decades in artificial intelligence. He obtained a master’s in AI and cognitive science in 1997 and a PhD in medical science in 2014. He worked as a physician for 12 years, and his attention currently remains on developing a coaching chatbot, Lisa, based on subconceptual (‘connectionist’) principles. He is devoted to using technology to support self-understanding and human well-being with the experience of both clinical medicine and artificial intelligence development.   In today’s conversation, Dr. Jean-Luc primarily focused on explaining the concept of compassionate AI and how Lisa AI, a compassionate AI tool, prioritizes human happiness and motivation. Throughout the conversation, we dive into the following topics regarding the use of compassionate AI and its future: the role of compassionate AI in nonprofits, its potential to create a more empathetic and efficient society, the expected expansion into various fields, including healthcare, education, and judicial systems, and also the importance of keeping these types of AI accessible to everyone.     HIGHLIGHTS [01.04] Introduction and background to Dr. Jean-Luc Mommaerts.  [05.28] The concept of compassionate AI.   [10.47] The philosophy behind Lisa: a compassionate AI coach.   [15.33] The unique aspects of Lisa AI and its focus on compassionate intelligence.   [21.00] The role of compassionate AI in fundraising.   [29.00] Future of compassionate AI.  [35.38] The importance of keeping compassionate AI accessible to everyone.   [43.54] Believing in yourself and starting the journey toward a compassionate self.   RESOURCES Connect with Dr. Jean-Luc Mommaerts  LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mommaertsjeanluc/   Website – aurelis.org  Email - lisa@aurelis.org   amazon.com/Jean-Luc-Mommaerts/e/B086BVMVJK&source=gmail-imap&ust=1748675972000000&usg=AOvVaw138RRdL13aH2uaS9iYF72c   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

AI continues to offer incredible opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency, making the way to transform how we live and work. While AI becomes more involved with our daily lives, it raises critical questions about responsibility, ethics, and governance. For a responsible AI adoption, you need not only to embrace the technology and its potential but also understand the risks and limitations that come with it. For a successful but responsible AI adoption, thoughtful leadership, clear boundaries, and continuous studying to ensure that AI is being fair and safe are much-needed requirements.   In this week’s episode, Nathan and Scott continue to share their thoughts on responsible AI adoption. They start the conversation by commenting on the book signing event they participated in for their new book, ‘Nonprofit AI.’ They also discuss the newest updates to ChatGPT and advise people to be aware of the personalities and persuasive abilities of modern AI models. Next, they explain the real harm AI can cause by walking us through the lawsuit involving Character AI. Furthermore, in the conversation, Nathan and Scott take time to go through the fourth chapter of their book, AI First Nonprofit: Reimagining Nonprofit Impact. Wrapping up this week’s episode, Nathan introduces the ponder of the week, where he questions what’s riskier between waiting to use AI until we have a full understanding of it or diving right in without understanding it at all. Scott contributes with the tip of the week, where he suggests using multi-perspective prompting to get better results from AI.   HIGHLIGHTS [02:41] Nathan and Scott discuss their recent book signing event for their newly released “Nonprofit AI” book.   [07:00] Personalities and persuasive abilities of AI models.  [11:33] The lawsuit involving Character AI.   [17:40] Enhancing productivity and innovation in the nonprofit sector.   [19:30] Chapter Four of Nonprofit AI: AI First Nonprofit, Reimagining Nonprofit Impact.   [22:34] AI as a strategic driver.   [27:30] A solution-oriented approach for AI adoption.   [31:02] Tip of the Week – Use multi-perspective prompting to get better AI results.   [34:16] Ponder of the Week – What’s riskier? Waiting to use AI until we understand it, or using it without understanding at all?   RESOURCES Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good   by Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrans   amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comprehensive-Implementing-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/139431664X   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

AI continues to prove its potential to enhance human touch in an era where technology often feels like it's replacing it. Most leaders are finding out that instead of replacing, AI can enhance empathy, streamline communication, and strengthen donor relationships. Using AI thoughtfully can help people reduce time-consuming work, clarify complex messages, and personalize outreach in a way that truly resonates with donors. The promise of AI is not to replace us, but its ability to enhance our humanity.   Meet Peggy Maher, Vice President & Chief Development Officer, CHSLI and the St. Francis Hospital Foundation. Catholic Health is a $3 billion comprehensive healthcare system that serves the entire Long Island community. With a renowned career in fundraising, Peggy has held leadership positions at institutions including Stony Brook University, Columbia University, and the University of Arkansas in New York.   In today’s conversation, Nathan and Peggy dive into the following topics regarding embracing AI with intention in the nonprofit landscape: leading with facilitation, from resistance to experimentation with AI, the benefits of voice technology, the importance of maintaining human connection, the balance between human connection and technological advancements, leadership responsibilities in adopting and using AI, and more.   HIGHLIGHTS [05:18] The potential of AI to imitate a human voice.   [12:43] Leadership, facilitation, and AI adoption.   [16:15] Embracing curiosity and activating the experimentation stage with AI.   [20:48] Moving from resistance to experimentation.   [27:08] NotebookLM and the benefits of voice technology.   [30:05] Maintaining human connection and trust in using AI.   [34:36] Balancing technological advancements with human connection.   [37:44] Keeping the relationships at the center of work.   [40:00] Leadership responsibilities of adopting and using AI.   [43:08] Showing impact through action.   RESOURCES  Connect with Peggy Maher  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/peggy-maher-a436772/   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

What does it mean to be AI fluent? And why is this skill becoming crucial not just for tech teams but for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and other mission-driven professionals? In this week’s episode, Nathan and Scott ponder these very questions. They also unpack what truly drives innovation: curiosity and imagination, while commenting that the biggest barrier to progress isn’t tools but people's own imagination. They examine various aspects, from hiring strategies to leadership errors, and how AI can assist in attracting and retaining employees to maintain organizational relevance. They also discuss the critical tension of the need to explore new tools without falling for every shiny object that comes out. Whether you are just getting started or already experimenting with modern AI tools, join Nathan and Scott as they dive into leading with intention, not just adoption.   HIGHLIGHTS [02:19] The newest memory upgrade of OpenAI.   [06:26] The importance of custom instructions.   [10:41] OpenAI Academy for AI literacy and community learning.  [17:41] AI 2027: An in-depth study on AI in the next couple of years.   [19:15] NotebookLM and its ability to distill large amounts of information into a digestible format.  [22:30] Nonprofit AI: AI Fluency.   [24:20] The role of curiosity in innovation.   [26:14] The importance of AI fluency.   [29:18] The challenges of AI Fluency.   [36:20] Tip of the Week – Keep a visual reminder of ‘How Can I Help’?  [36:48] Ponder of the Week – Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.   RESOURCES ai-2027.com/   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠ Website: ⁠fundraising.ai/

From an emerging trend to a powerful everyday tool, AI has surely come a long way. The current models can generate content and languages, create visuals, and even act as personal assistants. And guess what the best part is? You don’t have to be a tech expert or a part of a large organization to use them. In this episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, Nathan and Scott explore how modern AI is transforming work for the better. They also talk about why responsible use of AI matters; as with any great power, caution is crucial.   Starting the conversation, Nathan and Scott dive into the improvements in AI image generators, their limitations, and their potential to save time and effort for nonprofits. Next, they share their take on working smarter with AI customization tools, where you can save your instructions rather than retyping your prompts every time. Then Nathan shares some significant details on a study conducted by Harvard Business School about improvements in performance and efficiency when using AI. The study shows the difference in performance improvement between teams that are using AI and those that are not. It also shows the improvement of the efficiency of teams that use AI by 12.7%.   In the last part of the conversation, Nathan and Scott dive into the second chapter of their book, ‘Fundraising AI,’ where they separate AI myths from reality. They paid special attention to the myth that AI is only for large, well-funded organizations, which is the opposite of the truth. Additionally, Nathan and Scott walk us through the topics of recent releases of new AI models by Gemini and embracing AI with eyes wide open.   HIGHLIGHTS [02:25] Recent improvements in AI image generators.   [06:20] Challenges in AI image generators.   [10:48] Saving time and effort for nonprofits with AI image generators.   [14:34] Recent releases of new AI models by Gemini.   [17:40] Work smarter with AI customization tools.   [20:04] A study by Harvard Business School about the significant improvements in performance and efficiency when using AI.  [22:21] Chapter Two of ‘Nonprofit AI’.   [25:20] Separating myth from reality.   [28:40] Embracing AI with eyes wide open.   [32:07] Tip of the Week – Provide better prompts to AI tools to improve output quality.   [34:40] Ponder of the Week – Recognizing people who use AI with responsibility in larger organizations.   RESOURCES Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

Xiaochen Z is the founder and chief AI officer at AI2030, a global network focused on driving responsible and ethical AI development for the good of humanity. He is also the CEO of FinTech4Good with over 20 years of experience in the intersection of technology and social impact and leverages technology to empower communities and support sustainable development goals. In today’s episode with Xiaochen, we dive into the intersection of technology, responsibility, and social impact. As we stand on the edge of major technological evolution, especially AI, we face a critical moment where proactive actions can shape the future. We talk about how we can ensure that technology is in the hands of the right people, being used for the greater good, and what role the nonprofits sector plays in guiding this process. Xiaochen holds a Ph.D. in financial technology and has worked with reputable organizations like the World Bank, United Nations, and AWS. HIGHLIGHTS [03.00] Xiao’s background and his desire to use technology for social good. [05.22] Innovation in addressing long-standing challenges. [10.10] The importance of human relationships in organizational partnerships. [12.53] Climate change and AI development. [18.54] Setting meaningful milestones. [23.15] The distinction between regulated and non-regulated industries regarding AI adoption. [28.23] Creating positive impact while maintaining responsibility. [32.50] Keeping AI in the hands of those who are willing to make the world a better place. RESOURCES Connect with Xiaochen Z LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/cmyidea Website - fintech4good.co/ Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

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/