Mara Zepeda

Collaborating for Equity Through Community-Built Tools We’re excited to announce the launch of the Intersectional Dashboard Design Cohort, a collaboration between Women's Funding Network (WFN), Candid, and members of Women’s Funding Network. Together, we’re building an intersectional dashboard that provides an in-depth look at nonprofit leadership trends in the context of race and gender, making this data publicly accessible to all. This project is grounded in the feminist idea that data and data gaps aren’t neutral—rather, they reflect the structures of power, priorities, and inequality from which they emerge. The strength of this work comes from the expertise and perspectives of the cohort members, whose backgrounds span advocacy, data analysis, leadership, evaluation, and equity-focused research. Carolyn Van Nelson, Director of Finance and Technology, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Shawnda Chapman, Former Director of Innovative Grantmaking and Research, Ms. Foundation for Women Dr. Travis Speice, Applied Research Director, The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Aleeka Kay Morgan Executive Director, Nurturing Wāhine Fund Viviana E. Alvarado Pacheco, M.A. Senior Research and Policy Manager, The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade Taryn Kearns, Learning and Evaluation Officer, Global Fund for Women Maria Casey, Database and Reporting Associate, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation & Fund for Women and Girls Mara Montante, Knowledge Management Coordinator, WNY Women’s Foundation Solace Mensah-Narh, Data Analyst, G4GC Cesar Del Valle, Partnerships Director, Candid Demographic data about nonprofits is increasingly recognized as an important element of organizational transparency and funder accountability, but until recently has not been easily accessible to the public. Nonprofits make up 10% of the U.S. workforce, yet the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) only releases data about the nonprofit sector every five years—and without the comprehensive demographic analysis available in quarterly and annual reports generated about the private sector. Together, this talented team will build a tool to meet a community need to apply an intersectional lens to data analysis and bring visibility to disparities within the nonprofit sector that are often masked by aggregated data. With data sourced from the Demographics via Candid dataset, the tool will provide funders, researchers, and nonprofits with a quantitative baseline to evaluate and build upon equity strategies. Work on the project will begin in November 2024 and will be featured at the upcoming UN World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia. Sincerely, Sara Keilholtz Women’s Funding Network Director of Data and Strategic Insights

3

2 Comments

AI Companies Redefining Creativity "In this new paradigm, the critical skill of the future is not generating new ideas but curating those developed by generative AI. The role of idea curators will be crucial in discerning the most promising concepts, refining them to enhance their viability, and promoting them to gain widespread acceptance. This process can be broken down into three essential elements. "The first step in effective curation is the ability to discern and select the best ideas from a vast pool generated by AI. This requires a deep understanding of the relevant industry, market trends, and the specific needs of the organization. Curators must sift through numerous AI-generated concepts, identifying those with the greatest potential for impact and feasibility. This skill involves critical thinking, industry knowledge, and an intuitive grasp of what will resonate with stakeholders. "Once the best ideas are selected, the next step is editing and refining these concepts. Generative AI, despite its capabilities, can still produce raw and unpolished ideas that require human intervention to reach their full potential. Curators work closely with AI to fine-tune these ideas, addressing any gaps or weaknesses and enhancing their overall coherence and appeal. This collaboration between human and machine ensures that the final product is not only innovative but also practical and implementable. "The final element of curation involves promoting the refined idea to ensure it gains traction and buy-in from key stakeholders. This requires excellent communication and persuasion skills, as curators must present the idea compellingly and convincingly, relying on materials prepared with the help of Gen AI. They must also navigate organizational dynamics, securing support from decision-makers and aligning the idea with the strategic goals of the company."

1

Another great The Job newsletter by Paul Fain and Work Shift News. Thanks for including my thoughts on how #colleges can navigate #tech hype cycles. More #colleges (and #workers/#students) will need to do this across the innovation economy. #AI mania, for now; something else tomorrow. Different tech, same challenges. Read Paul's newsletter (and subscribe if you haven't yet): https://lnkd.in/e-RJTXqE

30

2 Comments

Don't be seduced by the siren's song in your systems change efforts! Part 4 of Impact Insider's Funder's Guide to Systems Change is here: "Silence the Siren with Data." In this post, Carsten Terp will discuss some of the ways data can be misleading, utilizing ideas from Adam Luecking's #SocialSectorHero book. This blog will inspire you to break down your data and uncover new insights that can strengthen your efforts and ensure your change project stays on course. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e9B57Z9h

9

This article, from (un)Common Logic talks about the threat of AI-driven job loss for workers in Kansas. It points out that 10.3% of the state's workforce is at risk, making it the second highest rate in the U.S. This risk arises from the progress of AI technologies, which can now handle tasks across industries that were once thought to be safe from automation. The surge in AI-related patent applications and research papers has driven these advancements, leading to AI systems that can surpass humans in cognitive tasks, sparking concerns about their impact, on employment opportunities. The analysis categorizes occupations based on their exposure to AI and the likelihood of automation. High-AI-exposure, low-automation-risk jobs, such as those of lawyers and CEOs, are less likely to be fully automated but still benefit from AI enhancements. In contrast, roles like loan officers and accountants face both high AI exposure and high automation risk, making up about 9% of the national workforce. The article also notes a shift in the demographics of at-risk workers, with AI automation posing a higher threat to higher-income jobs compared to past automation trends that primarily affected lower-income positions. The impact of AI varies by location, with states and metropolitan areas having different levels of risk based on their workforce composition and industry presence. https://lnkd.in/gmNh8qvM

2

1 Comment

Your ability to recognize, use, and evaluate AI technologies comes down to one thing - your own level of literacy and ability to read, understand, and access it. Which is why making AI accessible is incredibly important. Shereese Floyd, Founder, AI Consultants for Nonprofits (AICN) has built an organization to do just that - to make AI literacy accessible to nonprofits through training and accreditation programs. Their team of "extraordinary humans" (the BEST LINE of their website) supports nonprofit leaders, higher education, government agencies and officials in "getting back to the essence of their work by using AI to save time, money and people." We were proud to talk to her this #AIAugust. toth shop (ts): What is an opportunity for AI to enhance brand messaging or how organizations communicate? Shereese Floyd (SF): “We have an incredible opportunity to use these tools as a second and third brain to challenge conventional thinking. We can get stuck in our own way of doing and perceiving. Now, we have tools that can ‘think’ alongside us, but also act as opposing viewpoints so we can see our messaging from all angles. This allows us to enhance messaging by tapping into a fuller and more broad perspective that attracts those we are meant to serve.” ts: Where do you see gaps in AI-powered communications and messaging? SF: “There’s a gap when it comes to strategy. Generative AI is a powerful tool, but it can't fix a broken or non-existent strategy. Going into a tool and asking for social media posts or video scripts, without defining the audience, why you're speaking to them and what you'd like them to do doesn't go far.” ts: How do brands/organizations become smart AI users in terms of using the tools to communicate with audiences? SF: “Start by asking, ‘How can AI help with this?’ Practice and play with AI tools to understand its capabilities, focusing on those that align with your communication style. Know your audience well, as this will guide how you use AI to tailor messages. When you identify tasks where AI can make a difference in your process, integrate those into your workflow. It’s less about knowing every tool and more about mastering the ones that enhance your specific communication needs." To learn more about AICN, please explore their website linked in comments below.

2

1 Comment

We all have biases that affect the way we behave and the decisions we make. And so does AI. That's why it's important to identify our biases - both conscious and unconscious - to understand how to manage them and reduce their impact. Dave Birss created a simple and fun tool to help you learn about biases and their effects: https://lnkd.in/guaGtEku. Check it out!

14

We've just published Part 2 of our latest #GovXS findings on Optimism Foundation Retro Funding voting designs. In this article, we reveal how the voting rules promote ease of use and governance accessibility. We’ll dive into how GovXS validates whether Retro Funding voting rules make participation easy, ensuring voters understand the process and know how to achieve their goals. https://buff.ly/3TOQaTu #research #web3 #crypto #retrofunding #impact #blockchain

6

📊 Dive into the world of Nonprofit data visualization and unlock the power of compelling storytelling with Nvirse! 💡 Learn how to harness the potential of Nonprofit data visualization to make your stories impactful and meaningful. Discover the key steps to identify your audience, establish objectives, and select the right visualization techniques. Ready to revolutionize your communication strategy? Read the full article now and start telling compelling stories with data! 🔍 https://lnkd.in/gUAps4mm #Nonprofit #DataVisualization #Storytelling #ImpactfulCommunication #ReadNow

4

Fortifyd co-founder Anne Pisor met with other adaptation professionals at the National Adaptation Forum this week, sharing our ideas for how combining adaptation best practices, behavioral science, and teaching can help people prepare for the next emergency. Like the NAF, we're serious about moving beyond adaptation awareness to adaptation action. One insight is that storytelling can help us not only raise awareness about risks, but share actions that people are taking to address them. #adaptation #nationaladaptationforum #climateadaptation #climateresilience #NAF2024

8

Digital resources are continuing to outpace physical items in circulation at public libraries, but how libraries purchase e-books and e-audiobooks for their collections doesn’t follow the same pricing model as print materials. This has led to increased costs for libraries and lending restrictions for patrons. To address these concerns, the Urban Libraries Council is releasing a new resource for libraries on equitable access to e-content purchasing that asks publishers to provide stable lending models and fair pricing, like there is with print books. Learn more about why this matters for libraries in my latest blog post - https://lnkd.in/eKGyP_bx

21

Being a newly-minted empty nester, I now have the time and headspace to think about… well, stuff. I’ve recently developed the habit of analyzing all the stuff around me—stuff on my desk, in the garage, basement, and even the refrigerator door with its assortment of rarely used condiments. No, we won’t use the pickle relish. We don’t eat hotdogs. Everything I look at makes me wonder: - Will I really use that again? - Why am I actually keeping it? - Am I just avoiding making decisions? - Should I toss it, donate it, or sell it? The mental energy needed to think about things, make decisions, and take action has often led me to postpone some deciding. As they say, don’t sweat the small things… and they’re all small things. But small things do add up. The same happens for what's going on in our heads. There's some decluttering we all have to do mentally. In this week's post, I share the key questions you need to ask yourself as you declutter your physical space and your headspace. #headspace #declutter #transitions

12

3 Comments

Since discovering AI, I write every day. Before AI, my thoughts were scattered across notebooks and random documents, waiting to be developed further. If you have ADHD, you might understand this manic scribbling. Do I ask AI to write my blogs? I wish! Instead, I have AI prompts or assistants that help me with challenging aspects of writing, such as rephrasing unclear passages or offering different perspectives and analyses. Often I know where I want to go, but my own ADHD can almost overanalyse the stopping points and send me off task. A simple question from AI asking 'How can you explain this another way?' can bridge gaps that weren't there before. This support has helped me redefine what writing means to me. With AI bringing a new level of confidence to my communication, I can focus more deeply on analysing topics and connect them to things that are personal and relevant to me. Thanks for the insights, Noam Ekhaus!

14

1 Comment

🚀  Is your nonprofit thinking of launching a new program?  🚀 To create programs that truly hit the mark, ground your efforts in data.  As we kick off our October series on #programdesign, we’ll focus on strategies to lay the foundation BEFORE designing solutions: 🔎 Deep dive into the issue: Conduct thorough research, analyze data, and truly understand the problem you're trying to solve.  👂 Listen to those with lived experience: The most valuable insights come from those most affected by the issue you’re aiming to solve.  📈 Set clear (and SMART) goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. This clarity will guide your design process and make it easier to track progress and measure impact. 🌟 One standout example of intentional program design is The Human Impacts Institute (HII).  As they started to think about designing a new program aimed at helping environmental justice organizations to use arts and culture initiatives to support their missions, the HII team dove into existing literature on the topic. Alongside this work, Impactful Insights Data Partners helped them to conduct in-depth interviews and surveys with environmental justice groups working in the field. By engaging groups with lived experience in the area of driving environmental justice action within their communities, we were able to validate and expand on findings from the literature, as well as ground findings in real-world experiences. 🙌 Getting started with program design? Here’s a tip: A thorough understanding of the problem often comes from using a mix of research methods (think literature reviews, data analysis, surveys, interviews, etc.) to create a complete picture. Want to learn more? -Check out this deeper dive: https://lnkd.in/gtTBXqQH -Stay tuned throughout October as we discuss the next steps in the program design process. #ProgramDesign #Nonprofit #DataDriven #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalJustice

4

AI can be a useful tool for grantmakers, but AI adoption should never become your main goal. In today’s Impact Audio episode, Jean Westrick, executive director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, digs into how grantmakers can stay mission focused in this new era of tech. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/esEsb4ND She covers: ▪ How to balance digital transformation with other big challenges ▪ Where AI fits into efforts to make grantmaking more inclusive ▪ How some grantmakers are already using AI

15

Please go vote for Chip Kennedy. He has a startup called CivicReach.AI. His goal is to improve govt customer service (We all know how that can be!). this is a much needed to in our government more than ever! How can you help him? 1. Watch the video (go to his post) 2. Vote at the end of the video!

6

1 Comment

This is precisely why one should never rely on a single provider to provide full redundancy. I don't care if it's a redundant route or power supply or whatever, if it's on the same platform or running through the same core network, it's subject to a single bad config to bring it all down. I've seen it happen too may times. https://zurl.co/C8Z5 #Unifiedcommunications #innovation #cloudcommunications #convergeip #Cybersecurity #cyberattacks #dataprotection #dataprivacy

1

💡 AI-Driven Fundraising: The Future of Nonprofit Success 💡 Are you ready to take your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts to the next level? At Squark, we believe that Applied AI isn’t just for tech giants—it’s for forward-thinking nonprofits too. By using predictive AI, organizations can unlock key insights that optimize donor outreach, forecast donations, and reduce acquisition costs. 🚀 In our latest blog post, we explore: 📊 Key AI use cases in nonprofit fundraising 🧠 How Squark's predictive AI can transform your donor engagement 🔧 How to get started with AI to improve results and maximize impact. The future of nonprofit fundraising is here, and AI is at the heart of it. If you're ready to learn how AI can revolutionize your strategies, read the full blog post below. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ep4HJhcV #Nonprofits #Fundraising #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DonorEngagement #FutureOfFundraising #SquarkAI #Innovation

6

I’m excited to share the latest publication in MIT Sloan Management Review, co-authored by Mahdi Sour, Tucker Marion and Frank Piller. Loft Design is one of the case studies. Big thanks to Tucker Marion, Frank Piller, Mahdi Srour for including us! The article explores how #GenerativeAI is revolutionizing product development. It highlights #AI's role in enhancing creative workflows, deepening consumer insights, and simplifying the use of complex engineering tools, thereby making the product development process more efficient and innovative. The full article is available. It discusses how leading companies like Siemens, Loft Design, Creative Dock Group, and FlecheTech are leveraging tangible benefits in their product development strategies by: Employing large language models (LLMs) for ideation and image generators for visual refinement, enhancing creativity in product design. Analyzing and simulating customer needs to quickly refine business models and product offerings, ensuring they meet market demands. Using LLMs as natural language interfaces to democratize access to advanced engineering software, promoting broader experimentation and enhancing efficiency. https://lnkd.in/dJs6Srbh

37

2 Comments