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 

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/