February 7, 2024

Hello Everyone,

I’m just back from Microsoft’s inaugural Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit in Seattle. There were over 1,400 in-person attendees and another 4,000 online. In their first ever gathering, Microsoft surpassed the size, hype, and celebrity of any nonprofit conference I’ve attended.

Did I say celebrity? Yeah—Trevor Noah, Microsoft’s “Chief Questions Officer,” led a session. So did Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. They also brought along Jaime Teevan, Chief Scientist and Technical Fellow, and Natasha Crampton, Chief Responsible AI Officer. There were dozens of other names you’d recognize.

So suffice it to say, Microsoft is not only all-in on AI, they’re all-in on the nonprofit sector.

The event focused almost exclusively on AI, and served as a showcase for their new AI copilots. Sessions included product demos, responsible AI, AI use cases in program delivery, getting ready for AI, AI training and skills, and more. Justin Spelhaug, global head of the Tech for Social Impact group, talked about the Common Data Model and the need for interoperability and easier data exchange.

I think I’ve already said it, but I’ll be on repeat for awhile: Microsoft will become the key AI player of 2024, and there is immense interest among nonprofits and foundations on getting started. If 2023 was the year of AI reflection and hand wringing, 2024 is the year of action. The FOMO is real.

I’ve been asking—for years—for an online nonprofit community. Microsoft delivered, officially announcing the launch of their Nonprofit Community. It consists of discussion spaces, blogs, event listings, and group hubs. With 1,300+ members already signed up, it’s going to quickly become a major watering hole for nonprofit practitioners.

The coolest session I saw was a demo of a new Microsoft + Goodwill application. Take a photo of a clothing item and tag, and GPT writes a brief description of the item, provides a list price, and posts the item online. It will enable Goodwill to get much more of their merchandise online, which will translate to more revenue for their mission. 

A major shoutout to Devi Thomas, global leader of nonprofit community capacity at Microsoft Philanthropies, and her team for pulling it all together. And if you missed it, here’s several of the recorded sessions. I can’t wait til next year.

Brad Smith for president. That dude was incredible.

Sam Caplan

Vice President of Social Impact

Submittable

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From Submittable

In 2024, many nonprofits are moving from intention to execution when it comes to AI. Chapter four of our Impact Report digs into what this will look like in the year ahead. 

For many government grantmakers, this year will be pivotal for making digital transformation a reality. No matter where you are in that journey, you can use our tailored framework to help you modernize your grant program. 

For Your Review

I’ve discovered a new group committed to advancing AI and fundraising (named fundraising.ai). If you’re a fundraiser and thinking about how AI is going to impact you and your work, check em out.

I’m getting excited for the upcoming coming National Grants Management Association’s Annual Grants Training coming up February 27 - March 1, 2024. This one is mostly geared towards government grantmaking. If you’re there, stop by the Submittable booth and say hey.