Podcast Summary:

Nonprofits Are Messy – Ep 237: The AI Field Guide: A Playbook for Nonprofit Success
Host: Joan Garry
Guests: Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee
Date: September 27, 2025

Main Theme

In this episode, Joan Garry speaks with Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee, editors of the new book AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence (AI) stands to revolutionize nonprofit work—freeing up valuable time for staff, amplifying impact, and enabling mission-driven innovation. The conversation centers on encouraging nonprofits to overcome AI hesitancy, adopt responsible practices, and use AI as a tool for advancing their causes rather than viewing it as a threat.

Key Discussion Points

Why Another AI Book for Nonprofits?

• Filling the Post-ChatGPT Gap:
  Darian explains previous AI books for the sector were philosophical and written pre-ChatGPT; their new volume is the first to offer practical, tactical tips in a rapidly evolving landscape.

  “After the release of ChatGPT 3.5, there was a sea change… This isn’t up for debate anymore. This is coming, it’s here.” – Darian (04:11)

• Diversity of Voices:
  The book draws on insights from 57 diverse nonprofit and tech experts to provide a multifaceted field guide for busy leaders.

How Was the Book Developed?

• An Authentic Meeting:
  Cheryl shares the story of reconnecting with Darian at Stanford and eagerly joining the project—calling herself a “super nerd.” She frames AI as “like having a super smart intern” that still needs guidance.

  “You need to have that human in the loop… this book isn’t meant to be cover-to-cover, it’s really meant to be a field guide.” – Cheryl (05:28)

• Structure:
  The format allows readers to pick chapters relevant to their immediate challenges and scan for actionable solutions.

Underlying Thread: It’s About People, Not Just Technology

• Across all contributions, the central message is that AI should empower people—enabling nonprofit leaders and staff to focus on relationship building and impactful work.

  “AI isn’t just about technology. Ultimately, it’s about people… AI should free us to do more of what matters most to us.” – Cheryl (08:10)

Responsible AI Use: Policies, Guardrails, and Culture

• Intentionality Is Essential:
  Darian emphasizes that guides and policies are needed before using AI—especially regarding data privacy and sensitive information.

  “Every single chapter spoke to the need… to actually write down some kind of policy or just take a moment to reflect on your goals, reflect on the guardrails that are necessary…” – Darian (09:34)

• Wild West Anxiety:
  Many nonprofits have their “heads in the sand,” resisting AI due to fears and unfamiliarity.

  “For the most part… the vast majority of organizations have their heads in the sand around AI adoption… If you do want to get serious, it’s not that complicated. It is as simple as taking some time to write a policy and a strategy on paper…” – Darian (11:43)

Ethics and Equity in AI

• Ethical Adoption Is Non-Negotiable:
  Beth Kanter’s contribution: Balance opportunity with care—saving time, yes, but not at the cost of privacy or bias.
• Who Benefits—and Who Risks Being Left Out?:
  Amy Sample Ward urges nonprofits to ask tough questions about inclusion and trust.

  “Ethical AI is not optional for nonprofits. It’s how we protect and treasure that trust while embracing innovation.” – Cheryl (15:46)

Making the Most of the Book: Practical Usage

• Bite-Sized, Modular Reading:
  Darian suggests using the book as a reference manual where leaders or teams read a chapter, hold a discussion, and start with small, tactical experiments.

  “The idea is you can read any of these chapters in about 20 or 30 minutes… It’s all about helping get people started with a critical but minimal amount of effort…” – Darian (19:52)

• Build a Culture of Innovation:
  Consider monthly meetings around a chapter to encourage learning and experimentation.

Guidance for Adoption

Cheryl and Darian’s "Top Five" guidelines for introducing AI in nonprofits:

1. Mission First, Tech Second:
   Adopt AI for mission advancement, not trendiness.
2. Start Small, Win Big:
   Pilot low-risk experiments (e.g., AI-drafted emails or grant applications).
3. People Over Platforms:
   Frame AI as an assistant, not a replacement.
4. Guardrails Matter:
   Set clear, written policies for ethical use and data security.

   “At least half your team is already quietly using AI to make their jobs easier. They’re waiting for leadership from you… You want this out of the shadows.” – Cheryl (29:43)

5. Build for the Future:
   Choose flexible tools, train staff, and foster innovation and continuous learning.

Addressing Fears and Building Confidence

• Acknowledge Concerns:
  Directly address fears around job loss, data security, and potential negative impacts.
• Showcase Practical Examples:
  Seeing AI tools in action—such as using AI to draft a board committee charter—can demystify the technology and facilitate buy-in.

The Human Element Remains Critical

• Even as AI handles drafting and research, true relationship-building and strategic thinking remain the nonprofit leader’s irreplaceable value.

  “What she couldn’t do, what AI couldn’t do, was read between the lines… there’s a nuance and a humanity that comes around interpreting that…” – Joan (36:27)

The Evolving Tech Landscape: Past Lessons, Future Readiness

• Joan relates tech adoption to Excel: today’s intimidating novelty becomes tomorrow’s necessity.

  “I think about all these things that we now could never do without. And that’s what’s going to happen with AI. But leadership in this space… that this is about people and not about technology, I think is gonna make all the difference.” – Joan (43:07)

Quick Tips

• "Be Kind to Your Chatbot":
  Chatbots respond better when treated like colleagues.
• Resource Recommend:
  thereisanaiforthat.com – Explore the expanding universe of AI-powered tools. (44:18)

Beyond the Book: Building Sector Capacity

• The effort is not just about book sales: Darian and Cheryl are creating a comprehensive nonprofit AI resource hub (ai4np.org), hosting national events, and offering coaching and consulting.

  “We’re building a comprehensive clearinghouse for all things AI for good… inviting people to get involved…” – Darian (46:05)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “AI should free us to do more of what matters most to us… that’s the heartbeat of this book.”
  – Cheryl (08:10)
• “We need to take a responsible approach here. …It just needs a little bit of strategy and intentionality and to bring it out of the shadows…”
  – Darian (41:45)
• “AI isn’t here to run our nonprofits for us. It’s here to free us up to do more of what your nonprofit does best, which is putting the human back in humanity…”
  – Cheryl (40:39)
• “This is something like fire or electricity or the Internet… It not only unlocks efficiencies, it expands effectiveness and impact.”
  – Darian (41:45)
• [On leadership] “Reminding people that this is about people and not about technology I think is gonna make all the difference.”
  – Joan (43:07)

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Description | |-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | [00:00-02:30] | Setting the context: AI as exponential change | | [04:11] | Why this book? Filling post-ChatGPT gap | | [05:28] | Cheryl on joining the project and intent | | [08:10] | The human-centered thread across all chapters | | [09:34] | Tactical common denominator: write policy | | [11:43] | The “Wild West” of nonprofit AI adoption | | [15:46] | On ethics: Trust is the nonprofit contract | | [19:52] | How to use the book, in bite-sized pieces | | [29:31-33:30] | Top 5 guidelines for AI adoption | | [36:27] | The necessity of human insight in fundraising | | [41:45] | The leadership imperative: intentional change | | [44:18] | Quick tips: Be kind to chatbots, resource recs | | [46:05] | Beyond the book: resource hub, events, coaching|

Actionable Advice for Nonprofit Leaders

• Recognize AI is here to stay and begin organizational discussions.
• Start with clear, small experiments aligned with your mission.
• Develop a written AI policy covering ethics and data protection.
• Foster a culture of curiosity, learning, and intentional, people-first innovation.
• Make use of published resources and sector networks to accelerate your journey.

Resources:

• AI for Nonprofits – Available on Amazon and major booksellers.
• ai4np.org – Nonprofit AI clearinghouse and events.
• thereisanaiforthat.com – AI tool directory.
• helpingpeoplehelp.com – Darian’s consultancy.

Closing Thought

AI is not about replacing the human touch in nonprofits; it’s about enabling leaders, staff, and volunteers to focus on what’s irreplaceably human—building trust, fostering connections, and advancing social change.