In this Nonprofit AI Podcast midweek check-in, Carolyn tackles the anxiety around AI and the changing labor market. While it can feel like AI is everywhere, a recent report from Anthropic shows we are nowhere near 100% adoption—but the roles most likely to be impacted are the white-collar, management, and knowledge-work positions often held by older, highly educated women in the nonprofit sector.

The conversation covers the gap between using AI tools and actually having a policy for them, and why wishful thinking isn't a substitute for a training budget. Carolyn discusses:

Who is actually exposed to AI: Why seasoned nonprofit leaders and managers in roles like fundraising and strategic planning need to pay attention and stay engaged in the way their job descriptions are shifting to incorporate AI literacy.
The Governance Gap: Only 19% of organizations have formal AI policies—maybe even lower in the nonprofit sector. But organizations without AI governance run considerable risks. The time to start is now.
Why AI literacy is the new job requirement in nonprofit work: Moving beyond entry level tricks like drafting emails to using AI as a strategic partner for mission-driven work has huge possibilities. The nonprofit sector is uniquely positioned to use AI in innovative and impactful ways.
High-quality training that won't break the budget: A rundown of free and low-cost certificate programs specifically designed for nonprofits.
Evidence-based use cases: Look at how peer organizations are using AI for mission delivery, not just office productivity with Project Evident's library of nonprofit AI use cases.

As AI literacy becomes a baseline skill, Carolyn encourages nonprofit boards and executive teams to prioritize learning—ensuring staff have the time, tools, and training to navigate this shift safely.

Resources Mentioned:

Anthropic Report: Labor Market Impacts of AI
Infotech Research: AI Trends 2026
Infotech Research: Data Priorities 2026
NPTechForGood: AI Certificate for Marketing & Fundraising
NetHope & Kaya: Fundamentals of AI for Nonprofits (Free)
Data.org: AI Skills for Nonprofits
Anthropic Academy: AI Fluency for Nonprofits (Free)
Project Evident: Equitable AI Adoption Case Studies

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Thanks for listening.

Nonprofit AI: Resources on Workforce Changes and Training Courses, Project Evident Library of Use Cases