Panel Examines Opportunities and Risks

Moderated by Nahja Martin of Resilia, the panel featured Megan Anhalt (Whole Whale), Lucia Manzano (United Nations), Kristína Moss Guðrún Gunnarsdóttir (Jobs for the Future), and Satwik Sashasai (Board.dev). The hour-long discussion tackled efficiency, equity, global responsibility, workforce readiness, and governance.

Efficiency Without Losing Humanity

Megan Anhalt, President & COO of Whole Whale, explained how nonprofits can use AI to streamline operations and avoid overburdening staff.

“The organizations that learn how to harness AI thoughtfully will be able to scale impact without scaling burnout,” she said.

But she also cautioned against adopting technology without direction.

“This isn’t about piling on new software,” Anhalt said. “It’s about identifying where AI can save you time so you can reinvest that energy in people and programs.”

Communities First

Moderator Nahja Martin steered the conversation toward equity, emphasizing that technology should never overshadow people.

“AI should never be about chasing shiny tools,” Martin said. “It’s about how we use technology to bring more dignity, equity, and impact to the communities we serve.”

She added that community voice must remain central in these decisions.

“If your community doesn’t see themselves reflected in how you’re using AI, then the technology is working against your mission, not for it.”

Global Implications

Representing the United Nations, Lucia Manzano reminded attendees that AI has far-reaching effects beyond local communities.

“AI doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For mission-driven organizations, the question is not just what AI can do, but how it affects trust, transparency, and equity globally,” she said.

She also encouraged nonprofits to advocate for fairness and accountability in how AI is developed and deployed.

“We cannot allow algorithms to widen the gap between those who have access and those who do not,” Manzano added. “Nonprofits must become advocates for global equity in AI.”

Workforce Preparedness

Kristína Moss Guðrún Gunnarsdóttir of Jobs for the Future spoke about the importance of preparing employees and communities for AI-driven change.

“AI literacy is now a core skill,” she said. “We need to make sure staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries alike have the tools and confidence to use AI responsibly.”

She also stressed the role of training in reducing fear.

“The more people understand AI, the less intimidating it becomes,” she explained. “Education and training are what turn fear into empowerment.”

Governance at the Top

Satwik Sashasai of Board.dev underscored the need for leadership engagement in AI adoption.

“If AI is going to be integrated into mission-driven work, boards and leadership must be equipped to ask the right questions,” he said.

Without governance, he warned, nonprofits risk losing the trust of the communities they serve.

“Governance is the safeguard for both opportunity and risk,” Sashasai said. “Without it, organizations may unintentionally erode the trust that sustains their missions.”

Frequently Asked Questions About AI for Nonprofits

Q: What is AI for nonprofits?
AI for nonprofits refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools and strategies to help organizations improve efficiency, enhance donor engagement, create impactful content, and better serve their communities. Examples include using AI for donor segmentation, fundraising analysis, social media automation, and personalized communications.

Q: How can AI help nonprofits save time?
AI helps nonprofits by automating repetitive tasks such as drafting newsletters, generating social media posts, scheduling content, and analyzing donor data. This allows staff to spend more time on mission-driven activities like community engagement, fundraising, and program delivery.

Q: Is AI too expensive for small nonprofits?
No. Many AI tools are affordable—or even free—for nonprofits. The key is choosing the right tool for your mission and budget. With the right strategy, nonprofits of any size can use AI to make their teams more effective without overspending.

Q: What are the risks of using AI in nonprofits?
AI risks include data privacy concerns, reinforcing existing biases, and adopting technology without considering community needs. That’s why nonprofit leaders and boards must develop governance policies around AI adoption and ensure the technology aligns with the organization’s mission and values.

Q: How can nonprofits use AI responsibly?
Nonprofits can use AI responsibly by starting small with specific use cases, ensuring transparency with stakeholders, protecting sensitive data, and prioritizing equity. Training staff and community members in AI literacy also helps ensure the technology is used ethically and effectively.

Q: How does AI improve fundraising for nonprofits?
AI can analyze donor behavior, segment donor lists, and personalize communication strategies to increase giving. It can also help nonprofits predict which campaigns are most likely to succeed, track engagement, and automate follow-ups with supporters, all of which strengthen fundraising results.

Q: What did the AI for Mission-Driven Growth panel at AI Week NYC highlight?
The panel emphasized that nonprofits should use AI to enhance efficiency, keep communities at the center of adoption, improve global equity, promote AI literacy, and engage leadership in governance. Speakers included leaders from Whole Whale, the United Nations, Jobs for the Future, Resilia, and Board.dev.

Q: Can Scot Media Tulsa help nonprofits with AI adoption?
Yes. Scot Media Tulsa offers a Nonprofit AI Consulting Package designed to help organizations develop AI strategies, create content, and build AI-powered fundraising and engagement plans. Additional services include AI-driven content calendars, social media automation workshops, and volunteer management solutions. Email Scot Media Tulsa CEO Jeromee Scot at jeromee@scotmediatulsa.com to discuss your goals.

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