Resources shared in this episode:

Gallop Poll January 2026 on AI use: https://apnews.com/article/ai-workplace-gemini-chatgpt-poll-4934bc61d039508db32bc49f85d63d99

Build Consulting 5 Category AI Implementation Framework by Kyle Haines: https://buildconsulting.com/blog/a-strategic-framework-for-nonprofit-ai-investment/

1: Return on Investment - what are you trying to do, and is an AI tool the best way to do it?

2. Technical and Data Feasibility - are you ready? Is your data ready?

3. Mitigating AI Risks - legal, ethical, reputational...

4. Anticipating Costs - AI tools are not free

5. Change Impacts - making sure intentional change management is in place.

How AI is changing search, Yoast wrap up from 2025: https://yoast.com/seo-in-2025-wrap-up/

AI Literacy Measures and Suggestions from US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/TEN/2025/TEN%2007-25/TEN%2007-25%20%28complete%20document%29.pdf

AI Literacy Measures:

1. Understand AI Concepts

2. Explore AI Uses

3. Direct AI Effectively

4. Evaluate AI Outputs

5. Use AI Responsibly

Delivery Principles for AI Literacy Growth

1. Enable Experiential Learning

2. Embed Learning in Context

3. Build Complementary Human Skills

4. Address Prerequisites to AI Literacy

5. Create Pathways for AI Learning

6. Prepare Enabling Roles

7. Design for Agility

Webinar: How to Use AI Tools Safely at Your Nonprofit with Matthew Eshleman. https://communityit.com/webinar-how-to-use-ai-tools-safely-at-nonprofits/

_______________________________
Start a conversation :)

• Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/
• email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com
• on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening.

In this episode host Carolyn Woodard is joined by Norwin Herrera, IT Business Manager and Team Lead at Community IT. Together, they walk through a real-world case study of a public charter school that implemented a Single Sign-On (SSO) platform called Clever that can solve cybersecurity and accessibility challenges for adult or child students.

Strategic IT Leadership for Nonprofits

Unlike a traditional account manager, an IT Business Manager (ITBM) acts as a strategic partner, helping nonprofit leadership understand the technology landscape and make informed decisions that align with their mission. The ITBM role is unique to Community IT and is an example of a commitment to partnering with clients over the long term.

In this case, the goal was to find a SSO solution that could handle a complex mix of Chromebooks and Windows devices while remaining user-friendly for both adult students and faculty.

The Power of Single Sign-On

SSO acts as one door for all of your doors. By using Clever as an identity manager, the organization was able to:

• Enhance Cybersecurity: Centralizing access allows for immediate offboarding. If a student or staff member leaves, closing one account automatically secures access to all others, prevents fraud, and saves money.
• Automate User Provisioning: Through zero intervention integration with the Student Information System (SIS), accounts are created or deactivated automatically based on enrollment status.
• Improve User Experience: Students no longer need to remember multiple different passwords for Google, Microsoft, Zoom, and Slack for example. One password provides access to all the apps they have access to as a student using a school device.
• Reduce Administrative Costs: Norwin breaks down the ROI of SSO, comparing a small per-user fee against the hundreds of hours of manual labor required to manage accounts individually.

Change Management and Successful Implementation

A successful IT project is about more than just software; it is about people. Norwin explains why this project resulted in zero tickets and no complaints: it started with leadership buy-in and a commitment to clear communication.

Whether you are an executive at a school or a volunteer board member at a community nonprofit, this episode offers practical insights into how integrated cybersecurity and strategic IT planning can save your organization time and money.

Listen in to learn how your organization can move toward a more secure and efficient digital future by subscribing to the Community IT Innovators Technology Topics podcast.

_______________________________
Start a conversation :)

• Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/
• email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com
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Thanks for listening.

Nonprofit AI: Vetting Your Tools and Understanding AI Agents

In this midweek AI check-in, Carolyn Woodard explores how nonprofit leaders can make informed, safe decisions in an increasingly crowded technology landscape. The episode begins with a review of a new AI Tools Safety Guide specifically designed for the nonprofit sector. This resource evaluates popular tools based on the criteria that matter most to mission-driven organizations: data privacy, security, and ethical responsibility.

Carolyn also demystifies the concept of AI Agents. By breaking down the hierarchy of AI—from simple bots and assistants to more autonomous agents—she explains how these specialized tools can eventually handle the busy work of repetitive tasks, such as cross-referencing spreadsheets or organizing files.

Whether you are just starting to draft your organization's AI usage policy or you are looking for ways to streamline your internal workflows, this episode provides practical guardrails for navigating AI adoption at nonprofits.

Featured Resources

• Tool: AI Tools Safety Guide for Nonprofits Visit Meet the Moment A searchable directory of AI tools evaluated for trust and safety by reputable nonprofit technology experts. It’s an ideal starting point for organizations with strict data handling needs and limited research time.
• Template: AI Acceptable Use Policy Download from Community IT IT is better to establish clear principles now than to wait for time to make a perfect policy. This template helps you communicate expectations to your staff and board regarding the use of generative AI.
• Community Discussion: Nonprofit IT Management Join the Reddit Community Have a specific question about an AI tool or a repetitive task you'd like to automate? Connect with Carolyn and other nonprofit professionals on our dedicated subreddit to share insights and ask questions.

_______________________________
Start a conversation :)

• Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/
• email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com
• on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening.