In this week’s episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by Anne Murphy, founder of She Leads AI and CEO of Nonprofit411. Anne shares her fascinating journey from working in higher education fundraising to launching a consultancy that empowers nonprofits to leverage AI to improve operations and increase impact.
1. Protecting Your Energy as a Nonprofit Professional
Anne opens up about the importance of protecting your energy in the nonprofit sector. She explains, “You are a gift to the nonprofit sector on loan to your current employer. No matter what you do, protect your energy because you are needed. The whole sector needs you.” Nonprofit leaders often find themselves stretched thin, and Anne’s advice is a reminder that in order to stay impactful, we need to take care of ourselves first.
2. AI: A Tool for Optimizing Time and Energy
Anne also discusses how AI can be a game-changer for nonprofit organizations, helping staff save time and focus on high-impact tasks. As Anne puts it, “AI allows us to save our best energy for the things that only we can do. It’s a way to lighten our backpacks, so to speak, and ensure that we’re focused on the tasks that matter most.” With AI handling routine or repetitive tasks, nonprofit leaders and staff can concentrate on the creative and strategic work that drives their mission forward.
3. The Joy of AI
Anne reflects on how AI reinvigorated her work, particularly during a challenging period when she was struggling with long COVID. She shares, “The first time you use AI, it brings joy.” By providing a quick and easy way to generate ideas and overcome mental blocks, AI offers nonprofit professionals a valuable tool to lighten their cognitive load and boost productivity.
4. Overcoming Reluctance to Fundraise
Throughout the episode, Anne shares her thoughts on the reluctance many nonprofits feel when it comes to fundraising. She explains that many organizations stop asking for donations when times are uncertain, thinking that donors won’t be able to give. However, Anne urges nonprofits to keep asking, reminding us that “Now is the time to engage your community, mobilize people, and make sure the work is getting done.” Donors want to help—they just need to be asked.
5. Getting Started with AI
Anne offers practical advice for nonprofits interested in starting their AI journey. She encourages nonprofit leaders to begin by spending just 10 hours exploring AI tools like ChatGPT. Once you get comfortable using the tool, you can begin to integrate it into your daily work and start using it for tasks like writing emails, generating ideas, and brainstorming solutions. “Start getting your first ten hours under your belt so that you’re moving in the right direction because you’re going to be faced with big decisions that you won’t be capable of making if you haven’t been using AI.”
Final Thoughts
AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be an incredibly useful tool for nonprofits looking to streamline their operations, engage with donors more effectively, and improve their overall impact. Anne’s journey into AI and her approach to integrating it into nonprofit work offers a roadmap for nonprofits looking to stay relevant in a fast-paced, tech-driven world.
To hear more from Anne Murphy, listen to the full episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast at https://www.nonprofit411.org/podcast.
