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Nonprofits & AI: Key Trends and Emerging Practices

Thursday, March 25, 2027

2:00 pm–3:00 pm ET

Sponsored by

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About the Event

Whether and how to use AI across nonprofit management functions and program design is one of the most challenging questions leaders face today. A recent report from Bridgespan and NTEN, “Choosing Your AI Path,” found that 70 percent of nonprofit leaders and staff believe their organizations are missing meaningful opportunities to use AI. For justice-centered organizations, the challenge is compounded by widespread public concern about the environmental impact of data centers and AI regulation writ large.

NPQ is pleased to welcome Afua Bruce, an award-winning technology executive, engineer, and author, to explain trends and emerging practices in nonprofit AI use. A nationally recognized expert on public interest technology, she has advised government agencies, companies, philanthropies, social enterprises, and communities on using data, AI, and technology responsibly.

This session will explore:

    • What we know: Recent data on nonprofit AI use and the challenges and opportunities leaders face.
    • Strong practices: What we know so far about using AI responsibly.
    • Compelling use cases: Instructive examples of how nonprofits are using AI across management functions and program design.
    • Setting strategy: Practical guidance on positioning AI in your organization's broader technology plan.

This session is a must-attend for nonprofit and philanthropic staff committed to a responsible and effective use of AI technology across the sector.

Moderated by Jeanne Bell, NPQ program host.

Featured Panelists

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Afua Bruce

Afua Bruce is an award-winning technology executive, engineer, and author known for helping communities & organizations use technology responsibly.

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Jeanne Bell

Jeanne Bell, MNA is a Program Host for NPQ online events advancing critical conversations about equity-centered management and leadership.

 

Featured Panelists

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Shétu Rose

Chief Executive Officer, Diverge Finance Cooperative

Shétu Rose (she/her) is Chief Executive Officer at Diverge Finance Cooperative with over 20 years of financial management experience. Over the years she has led and supported administrative and strategic management teams for local and international organizations in the non-profit sector.

Prior to Diverge, Shétu was the VP of Finance and Operations at the Center for Economic Inclusion and the Director of Finance at AchieveMpls (now Achieve Twin Cities). She also has a wealth of international experience, having worked in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

She is a passionate advocate for equity and human rights and is committed to bringing about sustainable economic change for families and communities. She currently serves on the Board of Arise Community Credit Union and a founding board member of MUFEYA in Minnesota.

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Curtis Klotz

Chief Learning Officer, Diverge Finance Cooperative
As a presenter, Curtis Klotz, CPA, (he/him) shares business model strategies for nonprofits and a commitment to equity in financial leadership that have emerged from more than 40 years of direct work in nonprofit organizations. Prior to founding Diverge, Curt held roles as Director of Nonprofit Innovation at CLA, VP of Finance & CFO at Propel Nonprofits, and Director of Finance and Administration at Indian Law Resource Center. He was also a founding board member and past Chairperson of the Montana Nonprofit Association. Curt has contributed a number of articles to Nonprofit Quarterly, various CPA journals, and was the principal author of CLA’s Innovation in Nonprofit Finance blog.
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Jeanne Bell

Program Host, Leading Edge (NPQ)
Jeanne Bell, MNA directs NPQ‘s Advancing Practice program to advance critical conversations about nonprofit management and leadership.