Curiosity + Technology = Capacity Unlock

Read time: 3 min

👋🏾 Hey! I’m Sid and this is The Philanthropy Futurist, a weekly advice column preparing you for the future of the nonprofit sector. Each Friday, I tackle reader questions about measuring impact, driving growth, and managing your nonprofit.

This Week’s Newsletter at a glance:

• Curiosity + Technology = Capacity Unlock

• Philanthropy News From This Week

• Sid’s Book Recommendation

Curiosity + Technology = Capacity Unlock

In a world that feels like its moving faster than ever, the biggest barrier to growth in the Nonprofit Sector isn’t funding… it’s mindset.

Too often, we default to “how things have always been done,” even as new tools emerge that could save our teams time, money, and potential burnout.

Technology isn’t just for larger orgs, it’s for small and mid-size orgs too.

With the right tools and an open mind, even small teams can streamline everyday workflows. But… it first requires a willingness to explore and experiment.

If done right, this can/will free up your team to dream bigger, move faster, and ultimately, solve more problems. That way you can truly be in the moment and focus on the work that matters most.

Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming… it can instead be empowering.

That’s why on Friday August 15, I’ll be releasing a public directory of AI tools that I’ve been curating over the past several months. I have talked about this resource in a few past articles, and I’m thrilled it’s finally almost here.

I designed this resource specifically with Nonprofits in mind, and it covers everything from easy-to-use automation tools all the way to advanced, agentic workflows. Whether you're just getting started or already testing AI on your team, this directory will hopefully give you a clearer map of what’s possible across your day-to-day use cases.

Note: This will be an open-source directory, meaning you'll be able to add tools yourself too— so we can learn from each other and grow together.

A Few Things To Consider As You Look Ahead:

1. Ask “what if?” more than you ask “how come?”

2. Encourage curiosity inside your organization— start piloting small experiments

3. Don’t chase every trend, instead focus on tools that solve real problems

4. Track where your team spends the most time and explore if tech can help

5. Make space for learning. Block 2-3 hours a week for trying new tools

The future belongs to the bold. Let’s build it, together.

Until next week y’all! Have a nice weekend ✌🏾

Have questions you want answered? Submit questions using this form and I’ll work hard to get you the answers by way of this newsletter.

Philanthropy News From This Week

• OpenAI launches $50M Fund to support Nonprofits and Community Orgs

• 7 Ways to Earn Foundations’ Trust and Win General Operating Support

• The Cryptocurrency, Stablecoin Gets Signed Into Law

• Lowe’s Foundation Skilled Trades investment grows to $43 million

Sid’s Book Recommendation

Each week, I recommend a book or film that has impacted my life in a positive way. My recommendation this week is:

FUTURE READY by Stephanie L. Woerner, Peter Weill, and Ina M. Sebastian

This book shares a practical framework for managers navigating the complexities of organizational change triggered by technology adoption. The authors draw upon case studies from multiple industries to show how companies successfully integrate strategy, structure, information technology, and leadership during periods of transformation. Learn more.

How You Can Help