FundraisingAI

Episode 76 - AI at a Crossroads: Humanity, Ethics, and the Future Ahead

This conversation explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence on humanity, work, and relationships, framed through reflections on the World Economic Forum in Davos. Nathan and Scott discuss how AI has overtaken environmental issues as the dominant theme, while also questioning the irony of elite climate discussions driven by private travel. They examine how rapidly AI is reshaping daily life and challenge listeners to think beyond the present, including the implications of a near future marked by ideas such as "AI 2027" and the path toward artificial general intelligence.  The discussion turns to philanthropy and nonprofits, where AI can improve efficiency but cannot replace human generosity, judgment, or relationships. Nathan and Scott emphasize ethical oversight, critical thinking, and responsible use of donor resources. They also address AI's impact on jobs, youth, and relationships, warning against over-reliance on relational AI. The conversation concludes with a call for curiosity, adaptability, and thoughtful leadership in an AI-driven world!  HIGHLIGHTS [02:24] Davos and the Impact of AI on Humanity   [08:30] The Role of Donors and AI in Philanthropy  [14:18] The Evolution of AI and Its Impact on Jobs   [19:38] Practical Considerations of AI   [30:59] The Impact of AI on Youth and Relationships   Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠  LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠  Website: ⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠⁠⁠ 

Episode 75 - Building Data-Driven Nonprofits with Kelley Hecht

This conversation features a thoughtful discussion between Nathan and Kelley Hecht on how nonprofits can use AI in practical, responsible ways.  Nathan introduces Kelley and highlights her work at AWS, where she helps nonprofit organizations adopt cloud technology and AI with a strong focus on data, security, and ethics. Kelley shares her journey into AI, explaining how early confusion helped her understand the gap between hype and reality. Together, they explore common misperceptions about AI, stressing that it is not about tools alone, but about clear goals, good data, and strong decision-making.   The conversation emphasizes data as a strategic asset and introduces Amazon's "working backwards" approach to solving problems. Nathan and Kelley also discuss challenges faced by both small and large nonprofits, the importance of leadership support, and the role of culture in AI adoption. They conclude by reinforcing that AI should strengthen human connection, not replace it.    HIGHLIGHTS  [02:22] Kelley's Role and Contributions to Nonprofit AI  [07:04] Challenges and Misperceptions in AI Adoption   [12:11] AI's Role in Nonprofit Ecosystems   [15:00] Data Strategy and AI Integration   [20:52] Working Backwards: Starting With the Why  [24:16] Moving Beyond "AI as the Answer"  [32:59] Data as the Lifeblood of the Organization  [41:45] Future of AI in Nonprofit Sector   Connect with Kelley:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelleyhecht  Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠  LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠  Website: ⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠⁠ 

Episode 74 - Redefining Success: AI and the New Nonprofit Productivity

The rapid development of AI technologies is changing the rules of productivity, creativity, and success in ways that are a marvel in comparison to before. Nonprofits now have the tools closer by to accelerate workflows, generate insights, and unlock new possibilities, but the challenge is defining what success looks like in this fast-growing landscape. Leaders must rethink priorities, protect time for strategic thinking, and harness AI to amplify mission impact rather than just speed when linear benchmarks, incremental growth, and traditional measures of output are no longer enough. Join Nathan and Scott in this new year’s episode and learn how organizations can thrive by pairing technology with imagination, intention, and cross-team collaboration.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    [00:57] The end of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026.   [02:46] The challenge of defining success in a rapidly changing world.   [08:30] AI’s potential for increased output and the risk of burnout.  [12:52] Curiosity, intentionality, and the ability to apply passion with direction.  [16:00] Redefining success as adaptability, alignment, and intentional choice.  [20:30] Lack of imagination in the nonprofit sector.   ]21:51] The future of AI and its implications for nonprofits.  [27:45] Turning AI from a tool into a strategic advantage.  [29:09] Predictions for AI in 2026.  Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠  LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠  Website: ⁠fundraising.ai/⁠   

Episode 73 - Agency in the Age of AI: Navigating Infinite Possibility and Doom

AI is a dichotomy of infinite possibility and infinite doom. It challenges humans to reclaim agency in an era strongly shaped by technology. From reshaping creative industries to redefining authenticity, AI is more than just a tool but a mirror of decision-making, curiosity, and restraint. Join Nathan and Scott in their conversation on how leaders, creators, and organizations can navigate cognitive dissonance, acknowledge AI as a thinking partner, not a task executor, and focus on human-centered action amid rapid technological development.   HIGHLIGHTS    [02.27] The importance of understanding one’s values in the age of AI.   [05.34] Infinite possibility and infinite doom.   [13.08] Task-executor vs. cognitive partner.   [20.00] Common objections to AI and resistance to change.  [27.19] The Future of AI: Predictions for 2026.   [36.12] Predictive vs. generative AI.   [36.52] Australia: The first country to outlaw AI or social media for teenagers.   [39.25] The value of social media platforms.   [43.10] Quantum computing and AI development.  [47.51] The potential for AI to enhance and transform creative processes.  RESOURCES    Australia begins enforcing world-first teen social media ban  reuters.com/legal/litigation/australia-social-media-ban-takes-effect-world-first-2025-12-09/     GPT-5.2 Release  linkedin.com/posts/openai_gpt-52-is-now-rolling-out-to-everyone-this-activity-7404948016161488898-uz_2/     Disney strikes $1B deal with OpenAI  linkedin.com/news/story/disney-strikes-1b-deal-with-openai-8080826/   Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/   

Episode 72 - Understanding Agentic AI and Vibe Coding

In this episode, Nathan and Scott talk about how quickly AI is changing the fundraising world. They look back at 2025 and think about what 2026 might bring. Nathan points out that no one expected AI to advance this quickly in just three years, and both agree that staying curious and adaptable is essential.  They share real examples, such as Nathan's young sons building apps, to show how easy it is to use AI tools. They also discuss AI's impact on jobs, with reports suggesting that nearly 12% of the US workforce could be affected.   A big part of the episode focuses on agentic AI—AI that can perform complex tasks on its own—and "vibe coding," which lets people build apps simply by talking to their computer. They also discuss Google's Gemini 3 and tools such as Notebook LM that make creating content faster and easier.  To wrap up, Nathan and Scott encourage listeners to stay open-minded, keep learning, and make the most of new AI opportunities as we head into 2026.  HIGHLIGHTS [05:05] AI's Impact on the Workforce and Personal Experiences   [08:03] The Role of Agentic AI and Vibe Coding   [21:14] Google's Gemini 3 and AI Integration   [30:10] AI Strategy and Ethical Considerations   [32:03] Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond  Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/