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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

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: