What happens when artificial intelligence advances faster than society's ability to adapt? And what role should nonprofits, faith leaders, and technology providers play in shaping a future that remains deeply human? 

In this episode, Nathan and Scott reflect on key discussions from the Virtuous User Summit, where AI emerged as a central theme for the nonprofit sector. They examine the unique culture of collaboration within nonprofits and the responsibility of technology partners to support missions that serve the common good. A major focus is the Pope's recent encyclical on AI, which raises concerns about the concentration of power, the dehumanizing potential of unchecked technology, and the need for ethical safeguards.  

The conversation also explores AI-driven workforce disruption, growing demand for nonprofit services, and the sector's readiness to respond to these challenges. Beyond the risks, Nathan and Scott highlight practical opportunities for AI adoption, encouraging leaders to move beyond fear, fatigue, and FOMO through experimentation and curiosity. They discuss emerging AI models, personalized AI assistants, knowledge-management tools, and automation that can free people to focus on creativity and relationships.  

HIGHLIGHTS

[01:30] AI's Moral Imperative and Nonprofit Sector Challenges 

[04:23] Pope's Encyclical on AI and Its Implications 

[10:18] Nonprofit Sector's Preparedness for AI Disruption 

[20:44] Practical AI Adoption and Overcoming Challenges 

[25:51] New AI Models and Their Capabilities 

[31:56] AI Tools and Personalized AI  

[38:00] AI's Impact on Society and Ethical Considerations 

Connect with Nathan and Scott: 

LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ 

LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans 

Website: fundraising.ai/ 

Obsidian: Obsidian.md/ 

Imagine a world where AI becomes a facilitator for solving the world’s hardest challenges, but if we choose to shape it with care. 

 Raising both opportunities and concerns, AI is quickly reshaping the world of nonprofit and higher education sectors. In the process of adopting AI, organizations face pivotal decisions regarding ethics, agency, and creativity. Leaders can guide AI use toward a future rooted in human dignity and innovation by balancing optimism with healthy skepticism and anchoring choices in personal and organizational values.  

 In this episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, Nathan is joined by Rafeel Wasif, director of the Nonprofit Institute and Assistant Professor of Public Administration at Portland State University. His work is a combination of research, practice, and leadership development in the nonprofit and public sectors. Other than focusing on responsible AI adoption, he is guiding leaders to understand not only what emerging technologies are capable of, but also how they can be governed effectively. He joined Nathan to explore the evolving relationship between AI and the nonprofit sector. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

[03:12] The Nonprofit sector and its evolution in approaching AI.  

[06:52] Introduction and background to Rafeel Wasif.  

[11:33] Rafeel’s purpose in writing his new book.  

[18:06] AI as a research partner. 

[20:41] The growing trend in academia in structured nonprofit leadership education. 

[23:48] Ethical adoption, transparency, and grounding AI use in human values. 

[28:50] Knowing and articulating your values before AI adoption. 

[33:18] Staying curious, balancing optimism with healthy skepticism, and being mindful when bringing humanity into every tech decision. 

RESOURCES 

Rafeel Wasif 

pdx.edu/profile/rafeel-wasif  

Website - rafeelwasif.com/  

 LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rafeel-wasif-ph-d-b617a54b/  

Meet Ben Miller, Senior Vice President of Data Science and Analytics at Bonterra, and Tanuja Korlepra, Chief Technology Officer at Bonterra. 

Starting the conversation, Ben shares his experience in fundraising analytics and industry research, while Tanuja mentions her background in big tech, including work with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, and her passion for using technology to drive meaningful impact. 

The conversation introduces Bonterra as a mission-driven company that supports nonprofits through fundraising tools, donor engagement, and campaign management. Ben reflects on the early days of AI in fundraising, when predictive models faced skepticism, and contrasts that with today's rapid adoption following breakthroughs such as ChatGPT. 

Tanuja and Ben discuss key AI concepts -predictive, generative, and agentic- and highlight Bonterra's innovation, "Bonterra Que," an intelligent AI coach designed to help nonprofits improve fundraising outcomes. They also address the challenges of AI adoption, encouraging organizations to focus on practical use cases rather than hype. 

The episode closes with a strong emphasis on ethical AI, trust, and the shift toward outcome-driven solutions that empower nonprofits to achieve real-world impact more effectively. 

[03:37] Overview of Bonterra and Its Mission  

[06:40] Evolution of AI in Nonprofit Sector  

[10:34] Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption  

[15:09] Understanding Predictive, Generative, and Agentic AI  

[20:54] Development and Impact of Bonterra Que  

[30:01] Feedback and Success Stories from Bonterra Que Users  

[33:27] Outcomes as a Service in Fundraising  

[39:22] Responsible and Ethical Use of AI  

Resources: 

Connect with Ben and Tanuja: 

LinkedIn (Ben): linkedin.com/in/ben-miller 

Email (Ben): [email protected] 

LinkedIn (Tanuja): linkedin.com/in/tanuja-korlepra 

Email (Tanuja): [email protected] 

What if the tools we built today decide how society advances tomorrow? 

With the emergence of world models, which are capable of understanding causality, basic physics, spatial relationships, and time, they are prepared to predict consequences at an extraordinary scale. Powerful tools like these have the ability to bring both enormous potential for breakthroughs in medicine, security, and innovation and amplify risks from misuse, cyberattacks, or unintended societal impacts. The responsibility rests on the shoulders of those who witness these developments at present to establish guardrails, foster collaboration, and use them with transparency and accountability. 

In this episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, Nathan and Scott bring awareness to AI safety, where they share opinions on setting boundaries, staying informed, and using AI transparently to align with personal values. Join with them and understand how AI is capable of creating both incredible opportunities and serious risks if not managed with caution.  

 HIGHLIGHTS 

[02:05] The Rise of the World Model - The beginning of a phase where AI can predict and simulate reality itself.  

[07:21] The Biggest Signal - Paying attention to companies who accelerate AI releases and hold back its capabilities. 

[12:47] Tool Dependency - The risk of building a strategy around a single platform. 

[18:25] Adaptive Security - Preparing the systems and organizations when things go wrong with AI. 

[23:33] Risk & Responsibilities - Deciding how to use AI, where to draw the line, and who to build with. 

[30:02] ChatGPT Voice Mode - Nathan encourages listeners to use ChatGPT's voice mode to have long, detailed conversations about complex topics. 

[33:40] Prompt Hack - Scott shares a prompt hack that will help listeners to be transparent and structured with AI and get the best results.  

RESOURCES 

Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age: Ideas to Keep People First 

Project Glasswing 

ChatGPT Prompt Hack by Kyle Behrend 

Connect with Nathan and Scott: 

LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠ 

LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠ 

Website: ⁠fundraising.ai/⁠ 

This episode features Gabe Cooper, CEO and founder of Virtuous Software.

Starting the conversation, Gabe shares his journey, explaining how his background in the nonprofit sector inspired him to build Virtuous with a mission to make giving more personal and meaningful. He explores the idea of "responsive fundraising," a model that uses data to create deeper, more human connections with donors rather than simply storing information. 

As the conversation unfolds, Gabe discusses how this concept evolved and how it is transforming nonprofit engagement. He also explains the challenges nonprofits face in adopting AI, emphasizing curiosity, experimentation, and ethical responsibility. The episode closes with practical advice for nonprofit leaders and an optimistic view of how technology can empower generosity and drive meaningful impact. 

HIGHLIGHTS  

[03:28] Nathan's Journey with Virtuous  

[05:41] The Evolution of Responsive Fundraising  

[13:42] The Future of Responsive Fundraising and AI 

[18:01] Impact of AI on Fundraising and Generosity  

[26:01] Challenges and Opportunities in Adopting AI  

[31:38] Virtuous's Multi-Product Strategy and AI Leadership  

[34:41] Practical Advice for Nonprofit Leaders  

Resources: 

Connect with Gabe: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabecooper/ 

Website: virtuous.org/ 

Let's have a thoughtful look at how purpose, strategy, and technology can come together to create meaningful global change! 

Dr. Douglas Jackson, CEO of Project C.U.R.E., talks about the journey of the organization, which began in a small garage in 1987 and has grown into a global charity. He shares that in the early days, they used simple spreadsheets to manage their work, but later moved to Microsoft tools to improve their systems and communication. 

Doug highlights how strategic partnerships and technology adoption improved efficiency, enabling Project C.U.R.E. to deliver hundreds of medical shipments globally each year. He emphasizes treating nonprofits like businesses, focusing on sustainability, accountability, and maximizing the value of volunteer contributions. 

The discussion also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in the nonprofit sector. From improving data accuracy to enabling localized medical training, AI is helping organizations scale their impact. Doug notes that responsible use of AI can create new opportunities, especially for smaller nonprofits with limited resources. 

The conversation concludes with practical advice: approach nonprofits like startups, seek expert guidance, and embrace innovation.  

HIGHLIGHTS 

[02:29] Doug's Background and Project C.U.R.E.'s Journey  

[12:59] Business Model and Efficiency  

[17:23] A 35-Year-Old Startup in a Changing World 

[20:16] Turning Data into Better Decisions 

[28:28] Innovation and AI in Nonprofit Operations  

[40:14] Advice for Small Nonprofits  

Connect with Doug: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-douglas-jackson/ 

Website: projectcure.org/ 

What does it really take to blend human connection with rapidly evolving AI tools? How do you stay grounded when technology is constantly pushing you to do more, faster? 

 In this conversation, Nathan and Scott explore these questions while celebrating a major milestone in their podcast journey, reaching 30,000 downloads and 80 episodes. 

The discussion explores the transformative impact of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity, highlighting how these technologies are reshaping workflows, boosting efficiency, and prompting new ways of thinking. Through personal stories, Nathan and Scott emphasize the importance of experimentation and continuous learning to fully unlock AI's potential. 

At the same time, they address the risks of overuse, stressing the need for clear boundaries to prevent burnout. The conversation also explores how AI can revolutionize nonprofit fundraising by scaling personalization while preserving authenticity and human connection. Ultimately, Nathan and Scott encourage nonprofits to adopt a bold, innovative mindset, leveraging AI not just to work faster, but to create meaningful, lasting impact. 

[00:26] Celebrating Podcast Milestones  

[01:34] Impact of AI Tools: CoPilot and ChatGPT  

[08:35] Personal Experiences with AI Tools  

[11:35] Balancing AI Use with Personal Boundaries  

[28:55] The Future of AI in Nonprofit Work  

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 growing intersection of artificial intelligence, politics, and organizational values.  

The conversation begins with the Pentagon's request to use Anthropic's AI model without certain safeguards, a request the company declined. This decision sparks a discussion of the political pressure on AI companies, including potential government responses and the broader implications of corporate independence. Nathan and Scott also examine how other companies responded to the situation, highlighting the fast-moving and sometimes contradictory dynamics within the AI industry. 

Beyond the immediate controversy, Nathan and Scott reflect on the deeper role that values play in decision-making. They discuss how both nonprofit and for-profit organizations must establish clear guardrails to avoid ethical compromises. 

The discussion then shifts to practical experiences with AI tools, including evolving platform preferences and growing concerns about data transparency. Nathan and Scott introduce concepts such as model routing and personalized AI workflows, emphasizing the importance of experimentation with emerging technologies. 

Finally, they talk about how AI is changing jobs and careers. They encourage people to explore AI tools, keep learning, and stay curious so they can remain useful in an increasingly AI-driven world. 

HIGHLIGHTS

[02:31] Pentagon vs. Anthropic: AI's Political Impact  

[06:37] Values and Organizational Decision-Making  

[16:22] AI Tools and User Shifts  

[23:56] Model Routing and Personalization  

[37:43] Future-Proofing Careers with AI 

Resources: 

Connect with Nathan and Scott: 

LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ 

LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans 

Website: fundraising.ai/ 

This week on FundraisingAI, Scott sits down with Paul Goldstein, Head of AI Growth at Blackbaud, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the non-profit sector. Paul reflects on his journey from leading tech roles at Amazon and Glassdoor to joining Blackbaud, a mission-driven organization focused on impact and responsibility. He shares what inspired the move and highlights the passion, thoughtfulness, and deep commitment to privacy he has encountered in the non-profit world. 

The discussion dives into Blackbaud's "Intelligence for Good" strategy, an approach centered on building AI tools that are responsible, convenient, and genuinely helpful for non-profits. Paul explains the concept of agentic AI and how it goes beyond advice to actively help organizations accomplish tasks, from data cleanup to personalized outreach. Together, Scott and Paul examine the importance of trust, strong data foundations, and user-friendly design in driving AI adoption. 

Paul also shares personal insights on using AI to enhance productivity and encourages listeners to remain curious and open to experimentation. The episode closes with an optimistic look at how ethical, collaborative AI innovation can empower non-profits to strengthen relationships, increase efficiency, and amplify their mission-driven impact. 

HIGHLIGHTS

[01:37] Paul's Transition to Blackbaud 

[05:39] Blackbaud's Intelligence for Good Strategy  

[10:52] Agentic AI and Its Impact on Non-profits  

[24:22] Adoption and Future of AI in Non-profits  

[28:13] Paul's Personal Experience with AI  

[30:38] Blackbaud's Support for Fundraising AI  

[31:34] Final Thoughts 

Connect with Paul: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-goldstein/ 

Website: blackbaud.com/ 

Connect with Nathan and Scott: 

LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

The future belongs to those who are willing to see past what worked before and design for what comes next. With intelligence becoming abundant, organizations are forced to face a new challenge: turning powerful tools into meaningful, ethical impact. Responsible AI use has come to depend more on culture, operations, and leadership mindset than on technology. In order for this to work, curiosity must be expected, experimentation must be safe, and systems must translate insight into action. With a combination of people, processes, and purpose, AI becomes a force multiplier rather than a checkbox. Those who are willing to rethink talent, reward better questions, and build operational guardrails that allow innovation without chaos have the real advantage of becoming successful in AI implementation.  

Join Nathan and Scott on this live conversation to discover why AI is a cultural shift, not a technology purchase, the reasons for organizations to be successful in AI implementation when they prioritize psychological safety and learning, build systems to support action, and only invest in tools, how adaptability can be an advantage when intelligence has become a commodity, how learning scales through transparency and safe failure builds confidence and accelerates responsible adoption across an organization, and also the importance of addressing AI fatigue through manageable experimentation and visible learning.  

HIGHLIGHTS 

 [00.55] The origin story and initial success of Fundraising.ai.  

[03.46] The challenges of AI adoption in nonprofits. 

[07.10] The importance of using AI as a thought partner.  

[11.00] Cultural readiness, operational structure, and technical solutions. 

[15.38] Cultural & talent adaptation in the AI era.  

[18.44] Building a culture of curiosity that rewards experimentation, questioning, and learning. 

[25.26] The need for acceptable use policies to ensure safe and effective AI adoption. 

[32.02] Highlighting iteration, mistakes, and learning. 

[36.23] The importance of addressing AI fatigue. 

Connect with Nathan and Scott: 

LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠