REPLAY: Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT: Practical Applications for Nonprofits

Here is the video replay from our June 20th event “Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT: Practical Applications for Nonprofits”, presented by the TechSoup Connect Western Canada Chapter.

Key Links from the Chat

We would like to thank our expert speaker, Erik Blanchard, who shared his knowledge and experience with large language models and AI tools. Connect with Erik at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikblanchardpdx/

June 20: Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT: Practical Applications for Nonprofits

TechSoup Connect Western Canada is delighted to announce our next event with guest expert Erik Blanchard. Join us for a virtual event on June 20 for Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT: Practical Applications for Nonprofits.

🗓️ Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at 12 PM PDT

🎟️ https://events.techsoup.org/e/m8tu5c/

Chat GPT is all the rage these days but do you as a nonprofit really understand how it can help you? 

This virtual event will see Erik summarize what ChatGPT and other AI tools can do from a practical perspective. He will also work through some live prompt engineering with ChatGPT with people providing ideas in the event chat.


More on Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT: Practical Applications for Nonprofits

“Technology like this will turbocharge nonprofits. You will be able to get out messages better, increase your fundraising efforts, and get more volunteers. Organizations are often limited by gaps in knowledge and experience that gives you a hard stop on a problem. Things like AI may be able to help”,  says Blanchard.

Learn More About Speaker Erik Blanchard

Erik has a background in managing and maintaining complex IT systems. He leads a team of three who help optimize infrastructure and provide exceptional client support.


He and his team have embraced using artificial intelligence in their daily operations. AI-driven technologies have significantly improved communication, decision-making, and productivity for them and their clients. Erik describes himself as a pseudo-programmer and renaissance man. 

Reach out to Erik on LinkedIn via his profile at linkedin.com/in/erikblanchardpdx or get in touch with him via email at erik.b.blanchard@gmail.com.

REPLAY: Audience Research: Save Time And Effort With Your Communications

Thank you for joining us for our June 6, 2023 event”Audience Research: Save Time And Effort With Your Communications”, presented by the TechSoup Connect Western Canada Chapter. We hope that you found the session informative and helpful.

Links from Alison

We would like to thank our expert speaker, Alison Knott, who shared her knowledge and experience to help you with your audience research. Connect with Alison at: https://alisonkconsulting.com/

Why Audience Research Will Save Your Nonprofit Time And Effort

TechSoup Connect Western Canada is delighted to announce our next event with repeat guest expert Alison Knott. Join us for a virtual event on June 6 for “Audience Research: Save Time And Effort With Your Communications.”

🗓️ Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 at 12 PM PDT

🎟️ https://events.techsoup.org/e/m6vstb/

Nonprofits can get excited to start their marketing efforts immediately, but we must know our target audience first. In this workshop, Alison will share best practices for audience research and what nonprofits like yours should do before you get into the tactics.

“How do organizations decide what they are going to talk about? That’s going to be worth our time, our very limited time as nonprofit teams,” says Knott.  “We are going to measure twice and cut once and research before we start thinking about what to put on TikTok and Instagram, in newsletters and webinars.”

Who Is Alison Knott?

Alison K supports brands putting good into the world with marketing consulting and training. She shows you how to make your marketing ethical, doable, and lovable so you stick with it to get the goods and do more good.

More on Audience Research: Save Time And Effort With Your Communications

“While it can be tempting for staff working for non-profit organizations to be turning out things for the sake of churning out things.” Knott says that “it’s getting back to easy, affordable, enjoyable research that will help you create content ideas and content and understand who we want to reach from an advocacy perspective or educational perspective.”

“Perhaps there is a fear of greenwashing, excluding voices/perspectives or other concerns that make team members unsure how to communicate effectively,” says Knott.

The challenges faced by non-profits are many and before you act on the tactics of your messaging without really understanding why it is you are doing what you are doing.

Learn More About Alison

Her presentations are an unusual blend of high-octane enthusiasm and actionable lessons. Boring tech jargon has no place in her talks!

Alison aims to engage audiences at the highest level. Action plans, workshop sessions and giving out candy are just a few examples. Whatever it takes to have people leave inspired, she’s on board.

In addition to public speaking, Alison has held teaching positions at NSCAD University and NSCC IT Campus, mentoring hundreds of students about design and the web.

Learn more about Alison’s work: https://alisonkconsulting.com/

May 9: Hot Topics in Nonprofit Technology: AI, VR, and Mastodon [IN-PERSON]

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming in-person event exploring the hot topics in nonprofit technology, including Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), Virtual Reality (V.R.), and Mastodon.

This event will take place on Tuesday, May 9th at the Creekside Community Centre, and will look at what you, as a small to middle-sized non-profit, need to know about these technologies.

Register: https://events.techsoup.org/e/mghs6s/

Venue map: https://goo.gl/maps/osjTCRCC896da2f38

Jai Djwa will share his knowledge and insights on how these technologies can be used to advance the work of nonprofits. AI will impact how nonprofit organizations handle things like engagement and conversion, while VR helps us think about different aspects of perception.

Our agenda for the evening

  • 5:45 PM Doors open
  • 6:00 PM Event Starts
  • 6:15 PM: Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits. AI and its applications in nonprofit organizations
  • 6:30 PM: Virtual Reality for Nonprofits. The potential of VR in creating immersive and engaging fundraising campaigns.
  • 6:45 PM: How Mastodon can be used as an alternative social media platform for nonprofits.
  • Q&A 7:00 PM

In addition to the informative presentations, we will provide ample opportunities for networking and engaging in discussions with fellow nonprofit professionals.

We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their support in making this event possible. If you are interested in sponsoring or partnering with us, please email eli@vandergiessen.ca

Events like this one allow us to come together as a community, share our knowledge, and support each other. So please mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s make this event a success!

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Ben and Eli, TechSoup Connect Western Canada

REPLAY: The Fundraising Drivers that Raise You More

Here is the video replay from our March 7, 2023 event “The Fundraising Drivers that Raise You More”, presented by the TechSoup Connect Western Canada Chapter. We hope that you found the session informative and helpful in your efforts to raise more money for your organization.

📃 View the slides

We would like to thank our expert speaker, Rebecca Alfred, who shared her knowledge and experience to help you with your fundraising. Connect with the Trellis team: bit.ly/techsoup-van-trellis

Free Guide: The Fundraising Drivers that Raise You More

Organizations that are raising more for their causes are approaching fundraising differently, and it’s working. As you read this guide, you’ll learn the secrets from organizations that are raising more so you can do the same.

Download: bit.ly/techsoup-trellis

What to expect:

  • An introduction to donation augmented fundraising techniques
  • A deep dive into each fundraising driver
  • Data insights from a study of over 1000 fundraisers
  • A one-pager for your board
  • Actionable next steps to help you succeed

Download the free guide: bit.ly/techsoup-trellis

Oct 13 & 14: Volunteer BC & BCACG CONFERENCE for Nonprofits, Charities & Volunteers

Join BC Association for Charitable Gaming (BCACG) & Volunteer BC . This conference is for individuals around BC interested in learning more about volunteerism, non-profits, charities & Community Gaming Grants.   Attend our event aimed at helping you move forward and adapt to a post-pandemic world. Everyone is welcome! 

Keynote: Crystal Flaman founder of Inspiring Success Services – Inspiration, Collaboration and Creating You Extraordinary Future.

Sessions: Attracting & Engaging Youth Volunteers, Governance as Leadership, Community Gaming Grant & Funding Updates, Tech Trends for Non-Profits, Impactful Storytelling and more.

Date: October 13 & 14, 2022
Location: Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, Richmond
Fees: $200/2 days(member) – $300/2days(non-member)

Registration fees include:   All sessions, breakfast, lunch, coffee & refreshments. 

For more info: Event Details (https://bit.ly/VBCACG22)

The Top Digital + Technology Trends for Nonprofits in 2022

What are the top emerging trends in digital and how will nonprofits be impacted? Where should we focus our attention (and resources) in 2022?

TechSoup Connect Western Canada hosted a fast-paced hour of 5-minute mini-presentations on the trends, tools, and techniques nonprofits should use to create more impact.

TRENDS

  • Cryptocurrency trends to watch in 2022 with Jason Shim
  • Quantifying Your Desired Outcomes from Investments in SaaS/Cloud with Kevin Christopher-George
  • AI, Ethics, and Nonprofits with Kirk Schmidt
  • The triple threat of cheap and cheerful market research with Darren Barefoot
  • How to grow awareness by leveraging the audiences of others with Alison Knott
  • Video marketing: easier, cheaper, more effective with David Phu
  • How mobile and express payment options impact online giving with Salvatore Salpietro
  • Building donor relationships in 2022 with Sara Hoshooley
  • Automated Personalization with John Bromley
  • Learning the latest trends in individual giving and donor stewardship with Shelina Dilgir
  • Ransomware, Spyware, and Malware with Charles Buchanan
  • Investing in Your Fundraising Skills with Rowena Veylan
  • User Experience FTW with Jai Djwa

Event Resources

Alison K’s article

Links from Salvatore Salpietro on Mobile Payments: Impact On Giving

Slides

Volunteer BC BCACG Conference October 28-29

THE FINAL SCHEDULE IS HERE!

The Volunteer BC & BCACG Conference for non-profits, charities & volunteers is around the corner – October 28 & 29!  Check out the full schedule and exceptional line-up of non-profit experts. Plenty of sessions, panels and networking to choose from.

Member rate only $100 for 2 days.  Save your seat!



LOOK WHO’S TALKING

Still deciding? Check out the speaker line-up.