Episode Summary: What the Fundraising #238 – Harnessing AI To Amplify Nonprofit Impact With Nathan Chappell & Scott Rosenkrantz

In Episode 238 of What the Fundraising, host Mallory Erickson engages in an enlightening conversation with Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrantz about their groundbreaking book, Nonprofit AI. Released on May 6, 2025, this episode delves into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the nonprofit sector, offering actionable insights for impact leaders and change-makers seeking to revolutionize their fundraising and organizational strategies.

1. Introduction to Guests and Their Journey

Mallory Erickson opens the episode by introducing her guests, Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrantz, who have collaboratively authored Nonprofit AI. Both guests share their professional backgrounds and the motivations behind writing the book.

• Scott Rosenkrantz emphasizes his transition from a technologist to an accidental fundraiser in 2000, leading fundraising teams for two decades before rediscovering his passion for technology and AI. He notes, “Leveraging AI to inspire generosity” as a key focus over the past seven years (02:34).

• Nathan Chappell describes his career entirely within the nonprofit sector, starting as a prospect researcher and developing a love for data and predictive models. His collaboration with Scott has been instrumental in shaping their insights into AI's potential for nonprofits (03:17).

2. The Genesis and Purpose of Nonprofit AI

Mallory inquires about the impetus for writing Nonprofit AI and its intended impact on the nonprofit landscape.

• Scott shares the origin story, highlighting the need for significant innovation in fundraising practices. Initially working on Generosity Reboot, the project shifted focus to AI following a publisher's prompt. He states, “We’re taking a departure from just using AI for fundraising, thinking about it much more holistically” (03:55).

• Scott further explains the book's comprehensive approach to AI, distinguishing between generative and predictive AI. He asserts, “Organizations need more than generative AI; they need predictive AI to truly move the needle” (05:47).

3. Organizing the Book Around Nonprofit Challenges

Mallory appreciates the book's structure, which centers on solving specific nonprofit challenges rather than merely cataloging AI tools.

• Scott elaborates that the book begins with the "why" behind AI adoption, addressing headwinds in charitable giving and the critical need for innovation. He likens AI tools to a “hammer”—useful for building or, if misapplied, causing harm (07:52).

• The book features over a third of its content dedicated to practical case studies, showcasing how AI can enhance program development and evaluation. Scott remarks, “We address responsibility, beneficial AI, ethical AI, but also governance frameworks” (09:06).

4. AI as a Solution-First Approach

Mallory highlights the book's focus on using AI to address existing problems within the nonprofit sector, rather than adopting AI for its own sake.

• Scott concurs, emphasizing that AI should be leveraged based on specific challenges organizations face. He references Cassie Kozakov’s insight that “AI first companies are actually AI last”, meaning successful AI adoption starts with identifying problems rather than the technology itself (15:42).

5. Encouraging Leadership and Organizational Adoption

The conversation shifts to how nonprofit leaders can effectively integrate AI into their organizations.

• Mallory shares her personal journey of overcoming technological apprehensions and underscores the importance of breaking down technological barriers for nonprofit leaders seeking to innovate.

• Scott discusses the pivotal role of mindset and culture in AI adoption, noting that “70% of successful AI adoption is not about data or models or use cases ... it’s about people, and it’s about culture” (27:00). He advises leaders to foster curiosity and a willingness to experiment within their teams.

6. Practical Guidance and Resources

Mallory asks about the book's utility for readers at various stages of AI adoption.

• Scott recommends viewing the book not as a linear read but as a reference guide where readers can jump to sections most relevant to their immediate challenges. He encourages iterative engagement with the book, “take at least one actionable next step, and then implement that, feel comfortable with it, and then go back and read the book again” (22:01).

• Both authors highlight their website, nonprofitaibook.com, as a hub for additional resources, including a comprehensive prompt library tailored for nonprofits (33:17).

7. Overcoming Resistance and Fostering Innovation

Mallory and her guests discuss strategies to overcome skepticism and resistance within organizations.

• Mallory recounts her experience as a naysayer transitioning to an advocate for AI, illustrating how the book serves as a supportive tool for individuals facing similar internal challenges.

• Scott underscores the importance of addressing fears around AI’s ethical implications and the necessity of aligning AI initiatives with organizational values. He shares, “Where we see the smallest, scrappiest nonprofits doing the most creative things and amplifying their mission the greatest” (22:45).

8. Final Thoughts and Call to Action

As the episode concludes, Mallory encourages listeners to engage with the book by selecting chapters that resonate most with their current challenges. She advises readers to let the book be a “partner in figuring it out”, fostering a collaborative approach to innovation.

• Scott reiterates the book’s mission to empower nonprofit leaders with the confidence to embrace AI, stating, “Our book is for those individuals that lean in, ask why, and then understand that this is just something that they can continue to explore and get better at over time” (32:20).

• Mallory and Scott direct listeners to their respective websites for further engagement, resources, and opportunities to deepen their understanding of AI in the nonprofit sector.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Scott Rosenkrantz: “The curious generalist outperforms every day because that's a person that can connect dots.” (00:38)
• Scott Rosenkrantz: “Organizations need more than generative AI; they need predictive AI to truly move the needle.” (05:47)
• Scott Rosenkrantz: “70% of successful AI adoption is not about data or models or use cases ... it’s about people, and it’s about culture.” (27:00)
• Scott Rosenkrantz: “Where we see the smallest, scrappiest nonprofits doing the most creative things and amplifying their mission the greatest.” (22:45)

Conclusion

Episode 238 of What the Fundraising serves as a compelling exploration of how AI can be harnessed to amplify nonprofit impact. Through insightful dialogue, Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrantz provide nonprofit leaders with both the inspiration and practical guidance needed to integrate AI responsibly and effectively. Whether you're an AI novice or looking to deepen your technological integration, Nonprofit AI emerges as an essential resource for driving meaningful change in the nonprofit sector.

For listeners eager to transform their fundraising strategies and organizational practices, purchasing Nonprofit AI and accessing the supplementary materials at nonprofitaibook.com is a recommended next step.