WHAT THE FUNDRAISING
149: Intro to AI & Using it in Your Nonprofit with Dena Vongchanh
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“Nonprofits need to remember that other organizations are adopting AI now, and waiting could impact the communities they serve.”
– Dena Vongchanh
Episode #149
Overview
In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast…
Welcome to a thought-provoking episode that’s set to redefine the way nonprofits approach technology and innovation. Join us in unraveling the layers of AI adoption, from overcoming fears and ethical considerations to practical steps for implementation.
In this engaging podcast episode, we have the privilege of having Dena Vongchanh, a passionate advocate for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in nonprofit organizations. She is the Associate Director of Development at Students Rising Above, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through education and mentorship. With a passion for technology and its potential to drive positive change, Dena brings her expertise to the nonprofit sector, helping the organization harness the benefits of AI and data-driven solutions to further its mission.
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of the tech landscape within nonprofits. Dena shares valuable insights into the varying comfort levels and technology adoption across nonprofit teams. She emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between tech enthusiasts and those who may feel overwhelmed by the fast-paced changes in the digital world.
Dena sheds light on the urgency of AI adoption in nonprofits and how it can optimize operations, allowing organizations to focus on their core missions. The discussion also touches upon the ethical considerations surrounding AI, particularly the importance of addressing biases in AI data.
Dena offers practical advice for nonprofits eager to embrace AI. She introduces using familiar tools like Grammarly and Canva as entry points into AI adoption, highlighting their behind-the-scenes AI functionalities.
The conversation takes a deeper dive into privacy concerns as Dena and Mallory discuss the responsibility of nonprofit leaders in safeguarding donor data and ensuring ethical AI usage. Dena provides actionable tips on navigating privacy settings and policies to protect sensitive information.
Join us for this enlightening episode to understand AI’s potential in nonprofits and delve into the challenges and opportunities it presents!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
- AI Adoption in Nonprofits: Balancing Potential Benefits and Ethical Challenges
- Navigating the Ethical Quandaries of Data and AI in Nonprofits: Uncovering Hidden Biases and Ensuring Inclusivity
- AI for Nonprofits: Entry Point with Familiar Tools like Grammarly
- Nurturing Tech Adoption in Nonprofits: Overcoming Fears, Building Policies, and Fostering Collaboration
- Bringing AI to Nonprofits: Workshops and Expertise for Seamless Integration
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Many thanks to our sponsor, iWave for making this episode possible. Our friends at iWave help nonprofits identify, qualify, and retain donors to raise more major gifts. Using their comprehensive software, iWave gives you access to the industry’s highest quality wealth and philanthropic information so you can determine who to ask, how much to ask for, and when to ask. To get a demo and learn more, check out iWave.
- If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link.
- If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point
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TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY
- Don't shy away from adopting new technology, including AI. Recognize that technology can enhance your nonprofit's efficiency and impact.
- Understand that many nonprofits and organizations are already leveraging AI. Learning from their experiences can help you confidently navigate the implementation process.
- Center your nonprofit's efforts around human-centricity. Ensure that your data collection and AI usage consider all community members, including those not well-represented in your data.
- Encourage team members to familiarize themselves with AI tools such as Grammarly and Canva, which can be entry points to AI adoption.
- Foster open discussions among your team members about AI adoption. Encourage dialogue about fears, concerns, and potential benefits to create a more inclusive and informed environment.
- Be vigilant about potential biases in AI tools, especially when gathering data about smaller or less recognized communities.
- Within your organization, promote the adoption of AI tools that can streamline tasks. For example, consider using AI-powered note-taking tools to improve efficiency during meetings.
- Create clear policies and procedures for AI usage within your nonprofit. Ensure everyone understands the rules, ethical guidelines, and responsible practices when working with AI.
FAVORITE QUOTES
- Nonprofits need to remember that other organizations are adopting AI now, and waiting could impact the communities they serve.
- AI allows nonprofits to optimize their work and focus on building relationships with the community and donors.
- We have to be mindful of the data in AI, ensuring it doesn't inadvertently have negative impacts on our communities.
- Be human-centered and focused on data inclusivity. Understand who's not accounted for in your data.
- Smaller communities can be overlooked in data when they're lumped into larger categories.
- Embrace technology evolution and don't fear it taking away jobs; use AI to enhance productivity.
- Develop clear policies and procedures for AI usage within nonprofits.
- Talk to colleagues and engage in open discussions to address concerns and boost AI adoption.
- AI can help nonprofit professionals better understand their communities if they actively communicate with them.
- Encourage your colleagues to evolve and learn new AI tools to enhance their skills and work, focusing on the parts of their jobs that can't be replaced.
RELATED CONTENT
Get to know Dena Vongchanh:
Dena Vongchanh is deeply committed to leveraging technology in the nonprofit sector to promote racial and economic equity. As the Associate Director of Development at Students Rising Above, Dena ensures that technology initiatives both enhance operations and foster meaningful relationships with donors, all while pushing for significant societal change. With a foundation built at industry leaders like AT&T and Verizon, she seamlessly blends technological expertise with a heartfelt desire to enact change. Moreover, via her consultancy, Dena Vongchanh & Co., she provides workshops like “Empowering Nonprofits: The A.I. Edge in Fundraising and Marketing,” guiding organizations to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, and offers deep expertise in CRM database management and process refinement. All these efforts stem from her overarching vision: shaping a society where inclusivity and fairness are enhanced by technology and understanding.
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I teach nonprofit fundraisers to bring in more gifts from the RIGHT donors… so they can stop hounding people for money. Fundraising doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
- CEO & Creator of the Power Partners Formula™
- Disruptor in the funding sector, changing lives everyday
- Relentlessly committed to the movement of money into the nonprofit sector
- Focused on win-win partnerships that allow fundraisers to be authentic and empowered in their work
- Over 15 years working in nonprofits (managing director and ED of multiple fast-growth organizations)
MALLORY ERICKSON
