NONPROFIT TECH TALK
Explore the latest technological advancements and uncover ways to leverage digital tools to enhance the work of your nonprofit organization. Nonprofit Tech Talks bring together experts who understand the intersection between tech and the nonprofit sector, and we encourage them to provide real-world solutions that address the specific issues faced by nonprofit organizations whose missions span a diverse range of arenas. Every episode is an opportunity to learn, and our co-hosts pose tough questions to these experts and push them to provide practical insights that truly work on the frontlines of your nonprofit’s operations. Each segment prioritizes obtaining the most current information and aims to simplify the language and processes of using digital tools. Nonprofit Tech Talks open doors to digital solutions that can support nonprofit organizations, while enabling your team members to remain focused on the core missions.
The most pressing issues and trends that shaped the nonprofit sector in 2024. With a blend of expertise and passion, Jennifer Alleva, CEO of Your Part-Time Controller, unpacks the year’s most impactful topics, including strategic planning, AI integration, cybersecurity, and the ongoing challenges in nonprofit staffing and financial management.
Jennifer opens this energizing conversation, hosted by Julia Patrick, with an inspiring reflection on strategic planning, emphasizing its importance even in uncertain times. “A plan is like charting your way to the moon; you may never get there, but it guides your direction,” she says, advocating for alignment between leadership, staff, and the mission. She reveals how YPTC embraced a collaborative process involving their entire senior management team to create a robust five-year strategic plan—a model any nonprofit can follow.
On the role of AI, Jennifer strikes a balance between innovation and humanity. She explains how YPTC established an AI Solutions and Training department led by a dedicated expert, ensuring ethical and effective use of AI tools. “Use AI to speed our work, but never forget the human side of things,” she advises, urging nonprofits to adopt this transformative technology responsibly to enhance efficiency and tackle staffing shortages.
Cybersecurity, another hot topic, takes center stage as Jennifer points to the growing risks nonprofits face in protecting sensitive donor & organizational data. “Your reputation is at major risk if you have a security breach,” she warns, advocating for multi-factor authentication, regular backups, and robust staff training to mitigate threats.
Jennifer inspires nonprofit leaders to embrace change, adopt innovative solutions, and prepare for the future while staying grounded in their mission. This is the first of a two part series. Next she takes us forward with her forecast for the big issues of 2025!
The innovative Social Sector Hero Award celebrates organizations that are making measurable improvements in their communities through impact-driven initiatives. The Social Sector Hero Award offers over $20,000 in prizes to organizations that embody eight principles. Adam Luecking, CEO of ClearImpact.com, who has dedicated 18 years to supporting public sector and philanthropic organizations, shares details about the award and provides insights on the importance of measurement in driving meaningful change. "At the end of the day, we need to help people bring precision to their passion," he says, promoting the need for data-driven accountability in nonprofit work. Nominees don’t have to be clients of Clear Impact—they just need to demonstrate a commitment to improving lives. “We want to build champions who can articulate these concepts to others in their organization,” Adam says--highlighting the award's mission to foster leadership and measurable growth within the sector. Learn more about applying for the award at SocialSectorHero.com
Host Julia Patrick asks Adam to share how Clear Impact is revolutionizing the way organizations measure success. Through their work, Clear Impact supports nonprofits by offering practical tools like the Scorecard—a free tool that lets organizations track their progress in real time. This tool helps nonprofits align their efforts with measurable outcomes, ensuring that every step taken is purposeful and impactful. Adam comments, “The only way to bring precision to your passion is through measurement.”
Adam’s emphasis on marrying narrative with data is transformative for the sector, blending the emotional appeal of storytelling with the power of transparent, measurable results. “Transparency creates trust,” Adam goes on to explain as he advocates for nonprofits to openly share performance reports to gain trust from funders and community members alike.
#SocialSectorHero #ImpactMeasurement #Nonprofitawards
Julia Patrick and Edwin Harvey dive into how "Mindfulness is the New Tech," bridging cutting-edge AI with mindful workplace practices. Although Edwin donned a giraffe costume on his toddler’s advice, he offered profound wisdom from his role as AI Solutions leader at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). Edwin highlights that adopting AI tools responsibly isn’t just about technological advancement but about cultivating a mindful approach.
Edwin’s view on mindfulness brings clarity to using AI in the workplace: “The more clear we are about what we want to do and why, the more willing we are to explore tools that support those goals.” He explains that technology can foster collaboration, not isolation, in increasingly digital spaces.
For AI to serve nonprofits effectively, Edwin suggests using it as a “junior coworker” – it’s competent yet needs guidance. He shares, “AI may not replace us, but rather support us to thrive if we approach it responsibly.” This mindful approach empowers nonprofits to be transparent about AI’s role with employees, stakeholders, and donors.
Mindfulness, he adds, isn’t only about clarity but self-awareness. When engaging with #AI, Edwin emphasizes, “Understand your emotions around tech – it’s okay to be hesitant; just stay engaged.” His ideas will inspire you to try AI through simple tasks, from content creation to strategic planning.
As #AI continues to evolve, Julia and Edwin’s Halloween-themed episode brings a reassuring perspective for nonprofit professionals navigating the digital landscape. Embracing AI as an ally in achieving organizational purpose and missions begins with awareness and responsibility – making technology work for people, not the other way around. Happy Halloween!!!
#MindfulTech #NonprofitInnovation #AIinNonprofits
Nonprofit Power Week covering artificial intelligence and it’s role in the nonprofit sector. This conversation centers around answering viewers questions about practical concerns and considerations from nonprofits.
The duo begin with comments about the shared responsibility between humans and AI within nonprofits. While AI can automate tasks and provide valuable insights, human oversight remains essential. Validating AI-generated content, ensuring data accuracy, and making informed decisions based on AI outputs are all critical steps in maximizing AI's benefits while mitigating its risks.
One listener question focused on the use of personal devices and public AI platforms for work purposes. Jeff acknowledges the allure of readily accessible AI tools like ChatGPT but cautions against the use of sensitive data on such platforms. "The tech contractor is accurate in saying you shouldn't do that," Jeff explains, referring to the practice of inputting proprietary data into public AI models
He advocates for a more controlled approach, leveraging platforms that prioritize data security and responsible AI usage.
Another crucial point raised is the ongoing nature of AI implementation. Jeff pushes for a measured approach, starting small and iteratively expanding AI usage as the organization gains experience and comfort. He draws an analogy to training an intern, highlighting the need for continuous learning and refinement. "AI learns," he explains, "but we have to teach it what it needs to know”
The understanding you’ll get from this lively chat is the importance of viewing AI as a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can significantly enhance nonprofit operations.
AI is not just for tech giants—it is accessible, and with the right approach, it can empower nonprofits to achieve their missions more effectively. In the nonprofit world, staying current with technology is essential for efficiency and growth. In this Nonprofit Power Week episode, Jeff Hensel, a director at Eide Bailly, highlights the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into nonprofit operations. AI offers a wealth of opportunity, but as Jeff points out, it's essential to adopt it thoughtfully.
“AI is completely possible in your organization, but you need to be ready for it before you start using it,” Jeff begins. Nonprofits need to assess their current processes, secure their systems, and ensure leadership and staff are aligned in their understanding of the technology.
The fascinating conversation touches on AI’s potential for streamlining time-intensive tasks, like data management, freeing staff for more strategic work. As an example, Jeff describes how robotic process automation (RPA) reduced one client’s workload by 70%, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks. Such automation, he suggests, can be a game-changer, especially for smaller organizations with limited resources.
While the fear of AI replacing jobs is a common concern, Jeff describes to host Julia Patrick, that AI, when implemented correctly, enhances productivity without diminishing the human element. It’s about improving processes, not eliminating roles.
This video treatise with Jeff, is that nonprofits, regardless of size, are encouraged to start small—perhaps with automating content creation or donor communications—and build from there. This gradual integration allows teams to see immediate benefits, reducing fears and fostering a culture of innovation. Ultimately, the key to success with AI is to “map your process” first, ensuring that you're automating well-thought-out systems rather than perpetuating inefficiencies.
Enjoy this buzzing conversation about the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nonprofit sector. The theme? Winning the Tech Game! Jeff Hensel, a tech expert from Eide Bailly, with a background at Microsoft, brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the conversation, sharing game-changing insights on how nonprofits can harness the power of AI. “At the end of the day, AI is going to become pervasive,” he says. . . . . .Whether you’re a chemist, an accountant, or a nonprofit leader, the future is clear: AI will be integrated into nearly every aspect of work. The question is, how can nonprofits stay ahead of the curve?
A key theme of this discussion, with cohosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock, is the gradual, mindful implementation of AI. As Jeff describes, “It’s a process…you don’t want to go too big in terms of your scope.” He emphasizes the value of starting small, especially with manageable tasks like content generation or HR processes, to build momentum and achieve quick wins. This cautious yet proactive approach helps nonprofit organizations avoid the pitfalls of rushing into AI adoption without a solid foundation in place.
The trio also talk about the human element of technological change. Meico suggests how a successful AI integration depends heavily on people’s buy-in and engagement, saying “From a psychological perspective…it’s actually healthy in terms of being able to support long-term change,” adding that employees need to see tangible short-term results to maintain momentum and alleviate fears about AI displacing jobs. And Jeff goes on to concur, stressing that fostering a culture of trust and continuous learning is crucial for navigating the complexities of AI adoption.
Organizational success with AI lies not just in adopting the technology, but in aligning it with long-term strategic goals and ensuring strong leadership support. Jeff shares that AI should be seen as a tool to complement, not replace, human efforts, with its true potential unlocked when approached thoughtfully, with careful planning and organizational buy-in.
This is day 3 of a very insightful Nonprofit Power Week Series, with Eide Bailly, covering many important aspects of tech in nonprofits. Don’t miss any of them!
Nonprofits, like other organizations, are facing a pivotal moment where technology, particularly AI, is becoming increasingly central to operations. However, adopting new tech is not always seamless, and nonprofits often struggle to integrate these changes effectively. In this Nonprofit Power Week Day 2 episode, cohost Julia Patrick, along with Meico Marquette Whitlock, engage with Jeff Hensel, Director at Eide Bailly, in a discussion about preparing nonprofits for technological changes.
Jeff begins by describing how one of the key components for success in adopting technology, especially AI, is understanding data. He explains that AI is built on data, both structured and unstructured, and organizations must be strategic in managing this data. He says, "AI is built on data...you need a strategy for both structured and unstructured data," reinforcing that a well-thought-out data management plan is essential for leveraging AI effectively. Without this strategy, organizations risk inefficiency and even potential security issues.
This thought provoking conversation also explores the cultural barriers within organizations that may impede technological progress. Meico highlights that organizations often fail not because of the technology itself, but because of a lack of alignment and culture within the organization. He points out that having formal data systems in place is not enough if informal, disconnected systems persist—employees may still rely on their personal methods, like using Dropbox or thumb drives, which can undermine collective efforts. . . . . .reinforcing the importance of a shared vision and consistent organizational practices.
Finally, the trio talk about governance and security, reminding nonprofits that technological change is not just about adopting the newest tools but also about safeguarding data and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. As Jeff suggests, nonprofits must think holistically about technology, emphasizing the importance of governance structures that align with the organization’s long-term objectives.
the growing role of AI in the sector. Jeff Hensel, Director at Eide Bailly’s Technology Consulting Group, joins our cohosts as they examine the practical and transformative potential of AI for nonprofits. This is the first in a deep dive five-part series dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations understand how AI and technology are reshaping the sector and how to navigate this shift effectively.
Cohost Julia Patrick sets the stage with comments about the fears and uncertainties many nonprofit leaders feel about AI. Jeff responds, noting that AI, particularly generative AI, is more accessible than ever. . ... “The reality is that technology impacts every organization, and it’s not a magic wand but a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can supplement and enhance your organization’s work,”. His remarks reflect how AI is not a distant futuristic tool but an immediate reality that nonprofits must integrate into their long-term planning. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, he suggests that nonprofits approach AI like they would a new intern: "AI can add value, but it needs direction and guidance from humans to be truly effective." This synergy between human oversight and AI capabilities is where the real magic happens.
As Jeff continues, he touches on the exponential growth of AI technology, warning that nonprofits should not fall into the trap of thinking AI will solve all problems instantly. Instead, they should focus on building a strategic plan that aligns AI use with their organizational goals. By understanding the limitations and strengths of AI, nonprofits can harness it for content creation, efficiency, and more, all while ensuring they don’t overlook vital aspects like data security and governance.
This first day of Nonprofit Power Week with Eide Bailly begins the expanded in-depth series to follow. Tune in to each episode!!!
Learn from this inspiring journey how innovative technology is being used to address the systemic challenges within foster care, with Dr. Jennifer Jacobs, co-founder and CEO of Connect Our Kids. She shares how they’re working to provide tools to make a difference for the lives of over 400,000 children currently in the foster care system.
An amazing series of connections. . . . . . . . Dr. Jacobs, whose background in nuclear engineering and counter-terrorism may seem unrelated to child welfare at first glance, was motivated to take action after reading about the foster care crisis. She discovered alarming parallels between the methods used to map terrorist networks and the processes that could be adapted to find families for foster children. “The foster care community does similar work with Post-it notes and Microsoft Excel,” Jacobs pointed out, highlighting the severe resource limitations faced by social workers.
Her organization's groundbreaking software helps social workers efficiently locate biological family members, strengthening critical kinship ties that can profoundly affect a child’s well-being. For example, Dr. Jacobs shares the heart-wrenching story of Kelly, a foster child who was repeatedly moved between homes. After being asked what would help her most, Kelly responded, "I want people in my life who aren't paid to be there." Using Connect Our Kids’ tools, Kelly was reunited with her biological family in just 20 minutes—a life-changing moment that allowed her to finally begin healing!!
The conversation between host Wendy Adams and Dr. Jacobs amplifies the crucial role of relationships in a child's development. Dr. Jacobs elaborates on the science behind this, commenting, “Relationships are key to the wiring of the brain,” which makes family and kinship connections indispensable for long-term emotional and mental health.
Watch this fascinating conversation and you’ll agree that while technology alone cannot solve the foster care crisis, it is an essential tool that, when paired with compassionate, skilled social workers, it can dramatically improve outcomes for children in need.
The monumental role data plays in transforming the social sector, with Adam Luecking, CEO and co-founder of Clear Impact. This discussion showcases how the right tools and mindset can empower nonprofits to create measurable, lasting impact, making it an invaluable listen for organizations striving to unlock their full potential through data.
Adam begins by outlining two key types of data that nonprofits need to focus on: population-level data, which relates to broader societal conditions, and program accountability data, which evaluates how well individual programs perform. He notes, “There’s really two types of data out there—population-level data, which is much bigger than any one program, and program-level data, which is focused on how much and how well you do something, but most importantly, whether anyone is better off from your services.”
He shares, with co-hosts Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, that the shift toward data-driven work can create anxiety within organizations, especially smaller nonprofits that lack experience in performance reporting. Continuing, he advocates for a phased approach, encouraging organizations to start small and build their capacity over time. “Pick three to five measures and focus on whether people are better off. Start small, build your performance and data muscles, and improve as you go,” he says.
This look into working with data also touches on the importance of aligning data reporting with funder expectations. Adam points to the need for nonprofits to shift their mindset from seeing data collection as a burden to understanding it as a core part of their mission. His mantra, “Bring precision to your passion,” encapsulates the idea that combining clear data with passion-driven work leads to greater social outcomes.
Embracing technological innovation in accounting and finance in the nonprofit sector, especially as it lags behind other industries in adopting these tools. Nonprofits can reduce errors, mitigate fraud, and make more strategic decisions, ensuring their long-term sustainability. Host Julia Patrick interviews Ben Hays, a manager with Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), during Nonprofit Power Week, on the evolving role of technology as a financial tool in the nonprofit sector. The conversation points to how data and technology are transforming financial processes, creating new efficiencies, and providing nonprofit organizations with the insights they need to thrive.
Ben begins by boasting about the value of data, noting that it is "like gold" for nonprofits. He outlines a three-step process crucial for leveraging data: gathering it, applying ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) methods to manage it, and finally delivering the information to decision-makers in an accessible format. He encourages nonprofits to embrace technology rather than fear it, underscoring how automation can streamline mundane tasks and allow the staff to focus on strategic analysis. As Ben advises, “Don’t be afraid of technology. A lot of times people say, ‘oh, technology, that’s evil, it can’t be trusted,’ just lean in. It’s time to accept that technology is here and it’s here to make those mundane tasks easier.”
Ben also touches on the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial processes. AI, he explains, can automate repetitive tasks like invoice processing and provide insightful financial analysis. By comparing financial trends with similar organizations, nonprofits can identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. However, he cautions against blind reliance on AI: “You need to have some lens of skepticism when you get something back from AI, and ask for its sources.”, which helps ensure the reliability and accuracy of the AI-generated insights.
The lively chat also digs into the importance of data visualization (dataviz), particularly for presenting financial data in a clear, concise manner to stakeholders who may not have a financial background. Ben points to the importance of simple and focused communication: "We have cash available for 88 days" could be an example of a headline in a data visualization, delivering key information efficiently.
This Nonprofit Power Week episode serves up a guidebook on ways to think of tech at your nonprofit!
Ryan O'Donnell, founder of GiveSunlight.org, brings forward powerful insights on the intersection of technology and social good, particularly in foster care. His deep experience in both the tech and nonprofit sectors, especially as a foster parent, enriches his approach to building systems that support vulnerable children. Ryan’s vision for Sunlight—improving America’s broken social safety net—accentuating his mission to modernize outdated structures and ensure that people can access the help they need more efficiently.
The foster care segment is a cornerstone of this varied discussion with Show host Julia Patrick. Ryan poignantly highlights the flaws in the child welfare system, from archaic tools like paper notebooks and fax machines to the inefficiencies in helping families stay together. He shares his personal journey as a foster parent, emphasizing how the lack of communication and outdated systems left him unable to provide clear answers to his foster son about reunification with his biological family. His emotional connection drives his commitment to developing technology that puts children and families at the center of the solution.
Sunlight’s case plan tool aims to streamline communication among the many parties involved in foster care, such as social workers, attorneys, foster parents, and biological families. By introducing a digital platform, Sunlight is working to replace the fragmented and bureaucratic systems with an intuitive app that enables secure, real-time messaging, document uploads, and better collaboration. This innovation, Ryan believes, can help expedite the process of reuniting families and prevent children from languishing in the system.
Ryan’s approach is not just about leveraging technology for the sake of efficiency but about using it to foster empathy and better outcomes for children. His unique perspectives of personal experience and technological expertise positions him to create real, impactful change in a system that is crying out for innovation. This thoughtful intersection of mission and method holds great promise for transforming foster care in the U.S. and ensuring that more children find the stability and love they deserve.
This informative conversation, featuring Dr. Daniel Donoho, explores the powerful intersection of technology and the nonprofit sector, showcasing the groundbreaking work being done by his organization, Surgical Data Science Collective (SurgicalVideo.io). As a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon, Dr. Donoho applies his expertise in surgical procedures to develop technologies that enhance patient care on a global scale. His organization brings together surgeons, computer scientists, and global health advocates, all working toward one mission: improving surgical outcomes through innovative use of data.
One of the key big topics discussed, with co-hosts Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, is the lack of accessible "game tape" for surgeons to review post-operation. Dr. Donoho likens this to how athletes review game footage to improve performance, lamenting that "surgeons actually have great difficulty in getting that game tape, despite the fact that it can literally be life-saving for their upcoming patients." This statement describes the gap in current medical practices and the potential for data-driven tools to revolutionize surgical training and patient safety.
Dr. Donoho continues, pointing to the importance of maintaining trust, privacy, and security when integrating technology into medical practice, a challenge that historically slows the adoption of these tools in healthcare. He notes, "We know how powerful it is...and particularly in this age of increasing computational techniques, algorithms and software...it's really imperative that we start to find sensitive, privacy-preserving, secure ways of understanding these critical events." His team’s approach prioritizes patient confidentiality while harnessing the power of data to improve surgical care.
This informative session demonstrates how nonprofit organizations, especially those leveraging technology, drive social change by overcoming systemic barriers like data privacy concerns. Dr. Donoho’s organization pioneers a new model for nonprofits, one that is not only mission-driven but also highly collaborative, striving to make surgery safer for future generations. The integration of technology into nonprofit work promises to become a fundamental way to foster trust, collaboration, and innovation in addressing global health challenges.
This conversation gives a critical call to action for nonprofits to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their operations and donor relationships in the digital age.
Host Julia Patrick engages with Jennifer Blasy from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com) to explore the dangerous fraud risks associated with digital giving apps in the nonprofit sector. As nonprofits increasingly turn to digital platforms to facilitate donations, the conversation outlines the critical robust internal controls needed to mitigate fraud risks.
Jennifer Blasy, who brings a wealth of experience as a forensic accountant and a consultant for numerous nonprofits, describes the vulnerabilities these organizations face as they adopt new digital fundraising tools. She points out that while digital giving apps offer convenience, they also open the door to potential fraud if not properly managed. "We want to encourage digital giving," Jennifer notes, "but it's crucial to tap the brakes and ensure that we are thoughtful about how we're accepting money and protecting both the organization and its donors."
One of the big challenges discussed is the use of cash apps for donations, particularly at off-site events or through personal devices. Jennifer highlights the value of using organizational accounts for such transactions to maintain the validity of tax deductions and avoid mismanagement. She explains, "You may have multiple different people using these apps if they're off-site, and you want to ensure they are using company devices, not their own personal devices, to prevent any mishandling of funds."
The two also dig into the alarming practice of fraudsters using nonprofit websites to test stolen credit cards. Nonprofits are often targeted because credit card companies are less likely to flag donations as fraudulent, giving scammers more time to exploit the stolen information. Jennifer offers, "Nonprofits can be on the hook for returning the gifts and transaction processing fees, which can be a significant financial burden, especially if thousands of transactions are involved."
As the discussion concludes, Jennifer shares a poignant reminder: "The best advice we can give is to make yourself a hard target. If things take a little longer or seem more complicated, most fraudsters are going to abandon you and move on to someone a lot easier."
New research about the world of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their significant impact on nonprofit fundraising. Mitch Stein, head of strategy at Chariot, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, sharing eye-popping insights from a recent report that explores DAFs' growing influence in the philanthropic landscape.
Mitch begins by simplifying what a DAF is, likening it to a 401K or HSA, but for charitable giving. He explains how a DAF allows donors to contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then allocate those funds to charities over time. The key innovation from Chariot, the "DAF Pay" tool, integrates DAFs directly into standard fundraising processes, making it easier for donors to give immediately without the hassle of logging into separate portals. As Stein emphasizes, "It’s about meeting donors at the moment they’re inspired to give."
The conversation describes the rapid growth of DAFs, which have seen a near tenfold increase in accounts and assets over the past decade. Mitch cites that this growth is not limited to the ultra-wealthy, as more everyday donors, including younger demographics, are utilizing DAFs. He dispels the myth that DAFs are only for the wealthy, pointing out that "The minimum gift size has come down to $50," showing how this tool is being used by a broader audience.
Mitch continues this informative conversation, discussing the implications of this growth for nonprofits, particularly in light of their report findings. The report reveals that nonprofits have seen a median increase of 214% in DAF revenue over the past five years, compared to just 1% in non-DAF giving. Mitch conveys the strategic importance of DAFs, stating, "For every single organization that participated, they’re seeing higher growth in DAF revenue than non-DAF revenue."
Mitch also talks about concerns about potential regulatory changes, acknowledging that while the IRS and Congress are paying attention to DAFs, any significant changes are unlikely in the near future. He reassures that DAFs are here to stay, stressing their role as a "key vehicle of support that’s proven to really increase giving for individuals."
This very informative episode concludes with a discussion on the upcoming "DAF Day of Giving" on October 10th, a new initiative aimed at encouraging collective giving through DAFs. All nonprofits can participate, as the day is a "shared event, similar to Giving Tuesday," and is designed to be accessible to organizations of all sizes.
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