February’s TechSoup Connect Canada event “How to Build AI Tools That Save Time and Money” was EPIC! We had an insightful discussion with experts Angeline Robertson and Matthew Lichty from Stand.earth Research Group, exploring how nonprofits can use AI and machine learning for advocacy research.

⬇️ Read the slides

Here are the top 10 takeaways from the session, with examples from the event transcript to help you integrate AI into your research workflows:

1. Have an AI Data Policy

• Establish clear guidelines on what data can and cannot be used in AI-assisted research.
• “We have an AI policy at Stand.earth so that we do not use any confidential, personal, or sensitive information. We’re really looking at publicly available information online for most of our data structuring work.” – Angeline Robertson

2. Start with Something You Know Well but Want to Do Faster

• Identify a repetitive, time-consuming task AI can streamline.
• “We weren’t looking for AI tools to reinvent the wheel. We just wanted to integrate AI into our methodologies in ways that let us get more done, faster.” – Angeline Robertson

3. Hire a Data Coach and Focus on Training Your Team

• Instead of outsourcing, train your team to integrate AI into research workflows.
• “Instead of hiring a firm to build a tool, we hired a data science coach to teach us how to do it ourselves. This meant we could keep learning and improving our methods rather than relying on outside consultants.” – Angeline Robertson

4. Start with Data Structuring and Use Information Available Online

• AI excels at organizing and categorizing unstructured data from PDFs, reports, and websites.
• “One of the biggest gains for us has been unlocking unstructured data stuck in PDFs—things we used to have to comb through manually. AI helps us turn that mess into structured data we can actually use.” – Matthew Lichty

5. Harness Your Domain Knowledge

• AI can process large datasets, but human expertise is essential for quality control.
• “We didn’t just plug in AI and hope for the best. We used years of experience analyzing bank policies to train AI on what actually matters. The human touch makes all the difference.” – Matthew Lichty

6. Use More Than One LLM

• Diversifying models reduces bias and enhances accuracy.
• “We’ve started using Perplexity, which lets us test different AI models side by side. This helps us spot inconsistencies and reduce the risk of relying too much on one tool.” – Matthew Lichty

7. Remember: Good Prompt Engineering Requires Good Writing

• The way you phrase prompts impacts AI output quality.
• “Writing clear, specific prompts is half the battle. If you ask AI a vague question, you’ll get a vague answer. We spend a lot of time refining our prompts to get the best results.” – Angeline Robertson

8. LLMs Have Short Attention Spans—Break It Down for Them

• Complex tasks should be split into smaller sub-tasks for better accuracy.
• “AI models don’t do well with long, complicated tasks. We had to break things into smaller steps, like focusing on one policy classification at a time, to get better results.” – Matthew Lichty

9. Use Coded Approaches to Analyze at Scale

• GUI-based tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity) are good for small tasks.
• “We started with the ChatGPT interface, but once we needed to analyze hundreds of documents, we wrote Python scripts to automate the process. That shift saved us an enormous amount of time.” – Matthew Lichty

10. Keep the Human in the Loop!

• AI is a tool—not a replacement for human judgment.
• “We’re not trying to replace researchers. AI helps us clear out the grunt work so we can spend more time thinking critically and making decisions.” – Angeline Robertson

Final Thoughts

The session showed that AI isn’t about replacing researchers—it’s about freeing up time for meaningful work. By using AI for structuring, analyzing, and summarizing data, advocacy organizations can dig deeper into their research and push for change more effectively.

I hope to see you at our next event!

The “How to Fundraise with AI Marketing” event, hosted by TechSoup Connect, brought together nonprofit professionals and enthusiasts eager to understand how artificial intelligence can revolutionize their fundraising strategies. Deepa Chaudhary, the founder of Grant Orb and a seasoned nonprofit expert, guided participants through the intricacies of AI and its potential to empower organizations with limited resources. Here’s a recap of this insightful session.

Introduction to AI in Fundraising

Deepa Chaudhary kicked off the session by highlighting her nonprofit background and her journey with AI. She shared how AI, a once complex and distant technology, has now become a practical tool for nonprofits. AI simplifies tasks, allowing organizations to do more with fewer resources by creating, personalizing, and optimizing fundraising efforts.

Understanding Generative AI and Its Impact

Deepa delved into the core of recent advancements in AI, focusing on generative AI powered by large language models. She discussed the transformation from machine learning-driven predictions to real-time interactive AI tools like ChatGPT, which have democratized AI access. This wave of generative AI enables nonprofits to generate content, whether it’s text, images, or even music, in ways previously unimaginable.

AI Tools for Nonprofit Success

Deepa introduced several AI tools that are instrumental for nonprofit fundraising:

• Chatbots and Real-Time Interaction: Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok provide interactive platforms for nonprofits to engage, learn, and generate insights.
• AI Visual Creations: Platforms such as MidJourney and Grok allow nonprofits to create compelling visuals that resonate with their audiences.
• AI Music and Art Creation: AI technologies enable nonprofits to integrate music into their communication strategies, enhancing their emotional appeal.

Practical Applications of AI in Nonprofits

The session explored practical applications of AI, focusing on creating visuals, generating captions, and optimizing image prompts. Deepa demonstrated how AI could empower organizations to create stunning, impactful content on a minimal budget, allowing small teams to achieve big results.

Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy

Deepa addressed important ethical considerations, particularly around the use of photorealistic AI-generated images of people. She encouraged nonprofits to align AI use with their organizational values and priorities, ensuring ethical practices and data privacy.

Deepa’s Top AI Tools

Deepa shared her personal go-to AI tools: Claude for general use, MidJourney for image creation, Grok for real-time research and image generation, and HeyGen for producing videos. She emphasized the importance of understanding tool capabilities and selecting those that align with organizational needs and goals.

Embracing AI for Nonprofit Growth

The session concluded with Deepa encouraging nonprofits to embrace AI technologies. She urged organizations to actively build their “AI muscle” by integrating AI tools into their workflows, fostering innovation, and improving efficiency in their fundraising efforts.

In sum, this event equipped nonprofit professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to harness AI for enhanced fundraising and communication. Deepa’s insights and practical examples showcased the potential of AI to accelerate nonprofit missions and amplify impact.

Stay tuned for more engaging events from TechSoup Connect Western Canada, where innovation meets purpose!

Resources

Here are links for some of the tools mentioned in the webinar:

• AI for Nonprofits newsletter
• LinkedIn Article on AI Music for Causes
• TechSoup Blog on Generative AI Policy

Generative AI and AI Community Resources

• Illuminate AI
• Vancouver AI Community Meetups
• OpenAI for Nonprofits

Google Tools

• Google Workspace Video Products
• Google Notebook LM

Audio and Video Tools

• HeyGen
• Udio
• Suno

In the dynamic landscape of project management, the foundation laid before a project begins can often be the deciding factor between success and failure. On October 15th, 2024, TechSoup Connect Western Canada hosted an insightful event titled “Feasibility Studies 101: Increasing Project Success With Preliminary Evaluation.” The session featured Alida Horsley, a renowned user experience researcher and designer from Tandem Studios, who shared valuable insights into the art and science of feasibility studies and their crucial role in driving successful project outcomes.

Meet the Expert: Alida Horsley

Our guest presenter, Alida Horsley, the research and design lead at Tandem Studios, brought nearly a decade of experience in user experience research and design to the table. She articulated how UX design is instrumental in aligning projects with the needs of end users, operational capabilities, and business objectives. This alignment ensures that projects are not only efficient but also cater to both user satisfaction and business goals.

Understanding Feasibility Studies

Alida defined feasibility studies as comprehensive evaluations that assess a project’s viability and determine whether the expected return on investment justifies the initial costs. She outlined essential components of feasibility studies, including business operations, strategy, stakeholder relationships, user experience, technical and financial resources, market analysis, and brand impact.

The Advantages of Feasibility Studies

Delving deeper into the subject, Alida shared numerous benefits of conducting feasibility studies. These include minimizing risks, reducing biases, enhancing decision-making processes, and boosting operational efficiency. Most importantly, feasibility studies facilitate an early understanding of stakeholder and end-user perspectives, leading to stronger partnerships and more successful project outcomes.

Real-World Examples and Best Practices

Throughout her presentation, Alida provided compelling real-world examples showcasing the significant influence feasibility studies can have on a project’s direction. One striking case involved BC United (formerly the BC Liberal Party) and United Way BC, where a lack of proper preliminary evaluation resulted in brand confusion and public backlash. This example underscored the necessity of thorough planning and foresight in project management.

Engaging Stakeholders: Effective Interviews and Buy-In

A critical aspect of feasibility studies is conducting interviews with stakeholders, staff, and end users. Alida stressed the importance of active listening and capturing unbiased feedback to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project landscape. She also offered strategies for securing buy-in from relevant parties by clearly communicating the purpose, benefits, and expected outcomes of the study.

Crafting the Feasibility Report

A successful feasibility study culminates in a well-structured report that captures key findings. Alida emphasized the importance of creating an impactful executive summary, as it often becomes the primary reference point for stakeholders. This report should clearly outline the study’s main insights and recommendations for moving forward.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future

As the event wrapped up, participants engaged in a lively Q&A session, tackling specific queries and discussing further applications of feasibility studies in their work. Alida reinforced the essential role that feasibility studies play in mitigating project risks and building client trust.

By adopting a systematic, user-centered approach to feasibility studies, organizations can unlock new levels of project success. This methodology fosters an environment where informed decision-making and effective resource allocation lead to sustainable outcomes. The insights shared during “Feasibility Studies 101” remind us all—nonprofits and businesses alike—of the immense value that thoughtful, systematic project evaluation brings.

TechSoup Connect and Alida Horsley inspired attendees to explore how feasibility studies can enhance their projects, emphasizing that early investment in research lays the groundwork for greater achievements and innovations.

---

Resources

• User Interviews
• Diary Studies
• Survey Best Practices
• Affinity Diagrams

TechSoup Connect BC is proud to present our next event, Bridging the Great Divide: Standardizing & Simplifying the Philanthropic Process Virtual Event, on June 4th, 2024, with Jeff Golby. The start time for this event is noon (PDT)

 It is the Foundation’s job to give away money, but it is also tough to get money from a Foundation as a charity. There is a disconnect in the philanthropic process, and this seminar hopes to address that. It also leads us to ask what’s so tricky about giving away money and how we can make it easier. 

Organizations looking for fundraising grants often use a spray-and-pray approach to get money. Philanthropists must find out where and to whom to give. This never-ending process involves both sides using old methods of philanthropic giving.

“Crappy funding practices are fast becoming a topic and a group on LinkedIn that is blowing up. Calling out funders for poor grant application processes and the hoops charities have to jump through to get money makes many charities angry,” says Jeff Golby. 

“It’s important to remember that we are doing something about this to unite those two worlds and not just focus on the anger.”   

Jeff Golby

This workshop will have participants examine how to re-engineer the process between philanthropists and charities and strengthen the connection of giving. What types of questions are essential to ask and be asked by a charity to a philanthropist and vice versa? 

An overview of the state of fundraising will be provided. Jeff will also share his discoveries about meeting with philanthropists and charities.  

He will show what a common middle ground could be when charities and philanthropists work together and agree on a philanthropic giving process.

About Jeff Golby

Jeff Golby is the CEO of Acts for Water, one of Canada’s oldest water charities, and the CEO and founder of WellFunded.io. Before these roles, he held senior leadership roles in technology companies and a law firm servicing the charitable sector and has worked extensively as a fundraising consultant.

This message is posted on behalf of Mina Demian.

Hello, wonderful friends in the nonprofit world!

My name is Mina, and like you, I’m devoted to making a difference through our work. Today, I’m reaching out to ask for a small favor—a favor that comes with the promise of coffee!

I’m on a quest to make grant writing less intimidating and more rewarding. We’ve all faced those late nights, endless revisions, and the odd coffee mishap in our quest for the perfect application. That’s exactly what I want to address.

I’ve put together a quick survey (just 5 minutes!) to delve into our experiences with grant writing—the successes, the challenges, and everything in between. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping a tool designed to enhance our grant-writing efforts, making them more effective and less frustrating.

To show my appreciation for your time and insights, I’m offering a $5 Starbucks gift card for a coffee on me (or if you prefer, a dose of good karma). It’s a small way to say thank you and perhaps provide a little extra motivation to share your experiences.

If you’re willing to share your grant-writing stories, please visit the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2afeKnN_N5FhhMTSJofNCsdraZfHQxxWI6zP4VfKJ6OQx5A/viewform

Your feedback could significantly impact our collective future in grant writing, making it a smoother and more successful journey for us all.

Thank you for considering my request. Together, we can take some of the stress out of grant writing and turn it into a more rewarding experience.

Wishing you a day filled with positivity and productivity,

Mina
mina.s.demian@gmail.com

P.S. If you have any questions, are curious about the survey results, or if coffee isn’t your thing (tea, anyone?), don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you in any way I can.

Introduction

Hey there! If you missed TechSoup Connect BC’s most recent webinar on corporate volunteering, we have you covered. Here’s the video:

Resources

📘 Download the slides

📊 See the brainstorm of corporate volunteer ideas

In the world of nonprofits, there’s a fantastic opportunity brewing – one that involves teaming up with corporate volunteers to supercharge your projects and make an even bigger impact. Recently, TechSoup Connect BC hosted a fantastic webinar where experts shared practical tips and exciting insights on how nonprofits can tap into the energy and skills of corporate volunteers. Let’s dive into the highlights and learn how your organization can benefit!

We would like to thank our expert presenters for sharing their expertise:

• Eric Franzo, Founder, Purposely
• Cree Henderson, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Purposely
• Nasira Aziz, YWCA

A Message from Purposely

Thank you to everyone who came out to our webinar on how to work with corporate volunteers. If you’d like to connect with Purposely and chat all things nonprofit, or how we can partner together, feel free to schedule a meeting with Cree. Stay up to date with us on LinkedIn for upcoming workshops, webinars and exciting news!”

Thanks again for hosting us, we loved having the opportunity to connect and share on this topic! Hopefully folks found it helpful 🙂

Corporate Volunteerism: Spicing Up Nonprofit Life

Picture this: a lively webinar where Elijah from TechSoup Connect BC set the stage for an inspiring discussion with some brilliant minds. We learned how bringing in corporate volunteers can jazz up traditional volunteering models. Cree Henderson, representing Purposely, highlighted the perks of getting these volunteers involved – from their fresh perspectives to their specialized skills. It’s like adding a dash of excitement and efficiency to your nonprofit recipe!

Revolutionizing Volunteer Engagement: Tips and Tricks

Next up, Eric Franzo shared a real-life success story about how corporate volunteer groups, like the one at Families Matter, can swoop in and make a big difference for local nonprofits. It’s all about showing how these teams can tackle tasks that might otherwise get pushed aside due to limited resources. Talk about a game-changer!

TechConnect Mentorship Model: Changing Lives, One Connection at a Time

Nasira Aziz from the YWCA wowed us with an amazing initiative where corporate pros mentor immigrant women aiming for careers in tech. This mentorship isn’t just about landing jobs; it’s about empowering dreams and guiding futures. It’s the kind of support that lights up both mentors and mentees.

Let’s Get Creative: Dreaming Up Volunteer Opportunities

One of the most exciting parts of the webinar? The brainstorming session! We all put our heads together and came up with tons of cool ideas for corporate volunteers. From sprucing up storage rooms to beautifying outdoor spaces, the possibilities are endless. It’s all about finding the perfect fit for their skills and your needs.

Cultivating Connections with Corporate Volunteers

Here’s the secret sauce: building lasting relationships with corporate volunteer groups. By staying in touch, showing appreciation, and inviting ongoing involvement, you can turn one-time gigs into long-term partnerships that benefit everyone involved.

Conclusion: Time to Take Action, Nonprofits!

So, what’s the big takeaway? Incorporating corporate volunteers isn’t just a trend – it’s a smart move for nonprofits looking to level up their impact. By understanding what makes corporate volunteers tick, finding meaningful ways to engage them, and nurturing those relationships, your nonprofit can tap into a goldmine of resources and fresh ideas.

Now’s the time to jump on board the corporate volunteer train! Let’s work together to make our communities stronger and more vibrant than ever before.

Get Ready to Soar: Embrace the Corporate Volunteer Movement

If you’re itching to bring the power of corporate volunteering to your nonprofit, take inspiration from the experts and get ready to elevate your game. With their support, you can take your projects to new heights and create positive change that ripples far and wide. Get ready to make magic happen!

TechSoup Connect Western Canada is delighted to announce our next event with guest expert Syju John. Join us for an in person event on July 11 and learn about the world of social media metrics and explore how they can be leveraged to enhance the effectiveness of your nonprofit campaign.

Date and Location

In-person Event – iATS Payments – 1188 West Georgia Street Vancouver V6E 4A2

When you arrive, please come up to the 6th floor and ring the doorbell on Suite 600

🗓️ Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 at 3 PM PDT

🎟️ https://l8.nu/rCXu

More on Social Media Metrics that Drive Campaigns

Organizations often think likes and follows are bringing them social media success but these numbers are often called vanity metrics, and they may not be true measures of success. 

Successful social media marketing campaigns are not only strategized prior, they are also measured effectively and efficiently to get accurate information that will allow you to really reach your target audience. 

“Social media gives you more than just reach, says Syju John.” It gives you access to target audiences – It can be either broad audiences based on demographics or an audience similar to those who have taken action that will also benefit you.”

In addition to this says John, you get 

1. Access to metrics at every stage of your audience funnel – be it awareness to engagement to conversions.
2. Access to tools to have conversations with your audience – Messaging platforms, comments, groups, AMA, polls etc.
3. Access to those who have an audience – Partnerships and collaborations to maximize impact and get more eyes on your organization as well

Learn More About Speaker Syju John

Syju is a results-driven performance marketing specialist with over 8 years of experience in the digital marketing industry. She leads digital media strategy at Girl Effect, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women throughout their journey.

During her tenure at Girl Effect, she has led various initiatives to drive impact and maximize results including Brand Lift Studies, leveraging data-driven insights to measure and enhance brand awareness. 

She has also organized digital marketing efforts related to AI-powered chatbots, improving the way Girl Effect engages with its target audience. Key contributions have been the development of performance-tracking templates specifically tailored for youth brands. 

Templates, we have established a culture of data-driven decision-making, allowing us to optimize our digital campaigns and achieve greater impact. I am deeply passionate about using data to inform and optimize marketing strategies.

Please connect with Syju via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syju-john/

To connect with Syju directly via email, do so at syju88@gmail.com.