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Imagine a world where one person and a cluster of algorithms run a billion-dollar charity. It sounds like science fiction, but as AI reshapes philanthropy, this hyper-efficient reality may be closer than we think.  Meena Das, an expert in nonprofit data ethics and human-centered technology, grounds this radical vision in human reality. Drawing on her extensive work helping organizations navigate data, diversity, and governance, she challenges the sector to look beyond mere technical capability and ask deeper questions about power dynamics, accountability, and equity.  Today's conversation explores whether reallocating fundraising overhead to frontline care could solve global crises, or if reliance on automated efficiency risks eroding trust and democratic philanthropy. While a one-person machine could raise billions, Nathan and Meena emphasize that money alone cannot dismantle systemic issues without strong governance, human connection, and community-led oversight. Finally, Meena stresses that the nonprofit sector must proactively claim its seat at the tech policy table to ensure technology serves humanity rather than replacing it.  HIGHLIGHTS [03:58] The Billion-Dollar Nonprofit Thought Experiment[04:59] Technical Possibility vs. Moral Responsibility[11:57] Success, Accountability, and the Generosity Crisis[14:58] The Moral Responsibility to Solve Problems[22:23] Is a Billion-Dollar Nonprofit Inevitable?[27:00] Nonprofit Sector Agency and Responsible Governance Resources:  Connect with Meena:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/meenadas/  Website: namastedata.org/

As AI changes the way nonprofits connect with donors, the big question is: can technology make fundraising more personal, not less?  Derric Bakker, CEO at DickersonBakker, explores how fundraising has moved from personal, relationship-based work to more transactional communication. He shares how AI can help nonprofits bring personalized donor experiences to more people, not just major donors.  The discussion covers key ideas such as listening to donors, personalizing messages, showing genuine thanks, building trust, respecting donor timing, and focusing on long-term relationships.   Derric also highlights the importance of using AI responsibly. Nonprofits should be honest when AI is involved and should never use technology to trick or pressure donors. Trust is at the heart of successful fundraising, and once it is lost, it can be difficult to rebuild.   The conversation also looks at how nonprofits can use AI to scale personal communication while keeping the human side of fundraising strong.   Overall, the message is simple: use AI to strengthen relationships, not replace them. The future of fundraising should combine smart technology with genuine human connection.  HIGHLIGHST   [02:00] Derric's Professional Journey   [06:07] The Shift Toward Transactional Fundraising  [10:37] Genesis of A Better Way to Fundraise   [16:46] Core Principles of Relationship Fundraising  [21:17] AI Ethics and Maintaining Donor Trust   [35:19] The Future Outlook for Fundraising  Resources:  Connect with Derric:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derricbakker/  Website: betterwaychampions.org/  Website: dickersonbakker.com/  Mentioned in the episode:  A Better Way to Fundraise - Treat Every Donor Like a Major Donor: How AI is Enabling Major Giving at Scale - And Reshaping the Future of Philanthropy: amazon.com/Better-Way-Fundraise-Reshaping-Philanthropy    Better Way Champions — Resources and a growing community of nonprofit leaders working to rethink the future of fundraising: BetterWayChampions.org    Better Way Champions on Substack — Derric's latest writing on fundraising, philanthropy, AI, and the changes reshaping our sector: https://betterwaychampions.substack.com/subscribe

Today, let's explore how good data, clear goals, and trust are the real keys to getting value from AI.  Meet Daniel Basco, Senior Director, iWave & Data Intelligence at Kindsight.  Starting the conversation, Daniel shares his career journey from public policy and economics to data science and fundraising. He talks about his work with governments, nonprofits, and now Kindsight, where he leads data science and AI product development.   The conversation explores how AI and machine learning have improved over the years, making it easier to test ideas and work faster. Daniel explains why organizations need clean, reliable data and why it is important to understand how AI reaches its conclusions. He also discusses the need to reduce bias and use AI ethically.   Furthermore, Daniel talks about the benefits of combining different data sources to improve results and how AI can help nonprofits make better decisions and improve daily work. He discusses the importance of teamwork, experimenting with new ideas, and continuing to learn as AI evolves. He also shares how he uses Claude to communicate ideas more clearly, brainstorm faster, and save time in his daily work.   HIGHLIGHTS [01:47] Daniel's Career Journey   [07:12] Challenges and Evolution in AI and Machine Learning   [11:26] Data Utilization and Predictive AI in Nonprofit Sector  [18:17] Transparency and Trust in Nonprofit AI Models  [29:01] Future of AI in Nonprofit Sector   [35:23] Personal Reflections and Favorite AI Tools Resources:  2025 Donor Perceptions of AI Report: kindsight.io/resources/ebooks/2025-donor-perceptions-of-ai-report  Connect with Daniel:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniel-basco  Website: kindsight.io/

In a world where change is happening faster than ever, the biggest challenge is not just finding new tools; it is helping people feel ready to use them.  In today's episode, Nathan talks with Mallory Erickson, the creator of Practivated, the first fundraiser readiness platform. Mallory shares the story behind Practivated and explains that it was created to solve real problems in the fundraising sector, including fundraiser burnout, declining participation, and the need to better support professionals. She explains that her goal was not just to build a technology product, but to create a solution that helps people grow their skills and confidence.  Furthermore, Mallory discusses the challenges of AI adoption, including fear, resistance to change, and the difficulty leaders face when trying to introduce new ideas. She explains how Practivated helps people build AI confidence through role-play, coaching, and feedback. The conversation also explores why practice is important for turning knowledge into real action and why curiosity is more valuable than trying to have all the answers.   [04:05] Solving the Right Problem  [09:18] Balancing Realism and Awareness  [16:13] The Real Innovation Barrier  [22:27] Trust Before Technology  [29:04] Confidence Is Curiosity  [38:18] Practice as a Path to Progress  Connect with Mallory:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/  Website: malloryerickson.com  Website: practivated.com

Have you ever considered what the bigger risk is? Adapting the wrong AI tool or waiting too long to get started?     Since predictive, generative, and agentic AI continue to alter how organizations operate, understanding how these different technologies complement one another is of utmost importance. This conversation revolves around the measurable impact of AI, while addressing concerns from making advanced analytics accessible to nonprofits of all sizes to using AI for smarter fundraising decisions. Join us and learn why incomplete or messy data shouldn’t stop you from using AI, how predictive AI uncovers opportunities, and why treating AI as a strategic capability rather than another tool can help organizations to enhance efficiency, increase revenue, and stay at the very top of an increasingly AI-driven world.    Our guest today is Judah Phillips, the Chief AI and Product Officer at Market Holdings LLC and the General Manager and co-founder of Squark AI, a no-code platform for predictive analytics, forecasting, and decision intelligence. Beyond his professional role, Judah founded the Boston Generative AI Meetup, one of the world's largest in-person AI communities, and Boston AI Week, a citywide AI festival. He is also the author of multiple books related to analytics, e-commerce, and AI. His work specializes in bridging AI strategy, commercialization, governance, investment, and community building to accelerate AI adoption.    In this conversation, Nathan and Judah mainly discuss the developing relationship between predictive, generative, and agentic AI and how it affects the fundraising landscape, also what the future holds for AI and why it’s important to build AI capabilities early on.   HIGHLIGHTS [01:23] Introduction and background to Judah Phillips.   [06:48] Judah’s journey on the development of Squark AI.   [20:46] Making sophisticated capabilities accessible to everyone, not just building models.   [25:52] Using predictive AI to solve real fundraising challenges.  [38:37] The future convergence of predictive AI, generative AI, and agentic AI.  [45:00] The importance of adopting an AI mindset before the technology moves too far ahead. RESOURCES    Connect with Judah Phillips  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/judahphillips/   Website - squark.ai/

AI is changing the way we work, create, and make decisions, but are we ready for the changes ahead? From privacy concerns to powerful new AI tools, this conversation explores what the future may look like!  Discussing Meta's privacy concerns, including a new Instagram update, Nathan and Scott stress the need for people and organizations to better understand how their data is used.   The conversation also looks at Microsoft layoffs and the importance of training employees with new skills instead of only replacing jobs. Then Sam - ChatGPT joins the discussion to explain new AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic and how they can help people work faster and smarter. In conclusion, Nathan and Scott mention that different AI tools have distinct strengths, so users should choose the right tool for each task.    HIGHLIGHTS [00:00] Giving USA Annual Symposium  [03:31] This week's AI Advancements  [04:47] Meta's Privacy Concerns   [08:32] AI Needs Guardrails   [09:18] Microsoft Recent Layoffs  [19:06] OpenAI and Anthropic's New Models   [23:56] Choose the Right Tool for the Job  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:  Shrug Philanthropy: linkedin.com/pulse/shrug-philanthropy-nathan-chappell

AI is changing the way we work, but using it wisely is key to getting real value!  In this conversation, Nathan and Scott talk about Anthropic's Fable model and how AI tools can help with complex tasks, improve productivity, and support better decision-making. The conversation highlights the importance of choosing the right AI model for the right job instead of using powerful tools for every task.  Another important topic discussed is the environmental impact of AI. Nathan and Scott discuss how responsible AI use can help reduce unnecessary energy use by selecting efficient models, reviewing AI habits, and planning tasks at better times.  The discussion also explores the challenges organizations face when adopting AI. They explain that successful AI adoption is not just about buying new technology but about developing the right strategy, training teams, and ensuring AI supports the organization's goals.  They also highlight the importance of human-AI collaboration, where people and technology work together to achieve better results. As AI continues to develop rapidly, staying up to date, testing new tools, and using AI responsibly will help organizations make the most of this growing technology.  HIGHLIGHTS [02:40] Discussion on Anthropic's Fable model  [08:45] Environmental Impact of AI  [10:17] Model Routing and AI Adoption  [19:06] Human-AI Collaboration and Organizational Adaptation  [28:15] The Emperor's New Clothes Analogy and AI Adoption Challenges  [31:35] Conclusion  Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/  Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good:   amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comprehensive-Implementing-Artificial-Intelligence-ebook  The Article I Kept Not Writing: linkedin.com/pulse/article-i-kept-writing-nathan-chappell

While many people know about AI, not everyone chooses to use it. The key difference is curiosity and the willingness to try new tools!  During today's conversation, Nathan shares stories from his AI training sessions, showing how hands-on practice with tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and NotebookLM helps people understand what AI can and cannot do.  The conversation also looks beyond productivity to discuss important topics such as AI's environmental impact, ethical concerns, and its growing influence on the way people write and communicate. Nathan talks about the need to use AI responsibly and shares ideas from his work on sustainable AI. Scott adds that people should focus on using AI to solve real problems instead of relying on it for everything.  Furthermore, Nathan and Scott explore how AI can support the nonprofit sector, the rise of new AI systems that combine multiple models, and the increasing amount of AI-generated content on platforms such as LinkedIn. They end the conversation by encouraging listeners to stay curious, keep learning, and use AI as a tool to support, rather than replace, human creativity.    HIGHLIGHTS [01:04] AI Training and Practical Applications  [12:30] Agency and AI Adoption  [13:39] Environmental Impact and Ethical Concerns   [16:27] Philanthropy and Nonprofit Sector Challenges   [22:42] Technical Advancements in AI   [32:48] LinkedIn and AI-Generated Content   [37:12] AI's Influence on Language and Communication   Resources:  Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/  Website (Nathan): nathanchappell.com/

Behind every new AI breakthrough lies a bigger question: who benefits, who loses, and what comes next?  In this conversation, Nathan and Scott explore some of the biggest debates shaping the future of artificial intelligence. They begin with Apple's WWDC announcements, discussing Siri's major upgrades and how on-device AI could make it a smarter and more personalized assistant. The discussion then shifts to Anthropic and its Claude models, including Fable, a safety-focused AI system that was ultimately shut down due to potential risks.   Nathan and Scott also examine changing narratives around AI and employment, questioning why industry leaders such as Sam Altman and Dario Amodei have recently shifted from warning about job losses to promoting job creation, especially as their companies prepare for IPOs. Finally, they tackle AI's environmental impact, highlighting the energy demands of data centers and considering whether future technologies, such as quantum computing, could provide sustainable solutions.  HIGHLIGHTS [02:44] WWDC and Siri Updates   [12:07] Anthropic and Claude Models   [22:20] Impact of AI on Jobs and IPOs  [30:00] Environmental Concerns and AI   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:   The Artificial Intelligence Show: podcast.smarterx.ai/  The AI Daily Brief: aidailybrief.ai/

This episode features Sophia 'Puff' Story, Co-Founder of 3 Sided Cube USA, exploring how mission-driven technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping both business and nonprofit sectors. Sophia shares how 3 Sided Cube builds "tech for good" products designed to improve millions of lives, and reflects on their experience using AI to develop a new website, an effort that revealed the continued importance of human judgment.  The discussion turns to the company's expansion into the US market, driven by strong demand and early revenue traction. Nathan and Sophia then examine the accelerating impact of AI on nonprofits, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in adoption, including governance, compliance, and strategy. Sophia further emphasizes experimentation, clear goal-setting, and measuring success before deploying AI solutions. The episode concludes with a call for nonprofits to embrace risk-taking, continuous learning, and practical AI experimentation to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape!    HIGHLIGHTS [03:21] 3 Sided Cube USA and Its Brand   [06:26] Expansion to the US Market   [11:40] Impact of AI on Business and Nonprofit Sectors   [14:58] Challenges and Opportunities in Nonprofit AI Adoption   [23:21] The Role of AI in Nonprofit Innovation   [34:01] The Behaviors Behind Innovation  Resources:  Connect with Sophia:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophia  Website: 3sidedcube.com/  Mentioned in the episode:  ai-adoption.3sidedcube.com/  marketing.3sidedcube.com/ai-adoption-toolkit

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.  HIGHLIGHTS [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/