Making AI Accessible, Fun, and Impactful for Nonprofits with Tim Lockie

Tim Lockie is the CEO of The Human Stack, an organization dedicated to helping nonprofits and teams integrate technology, including AI, into their workflows. With a background in nonprofit work and tech implementation, Tim is passionate about making technology accessible and practical, especially in data-driven decision-making and fundraising.  

In this episode, Tim shares the origin and development of the "Human Stack," a concept born from his nonprofit background and experience implementing Salesforce in 2009. Noticing that only 5% of organizations effectively use data for decision-making, Tim coined the term "Human Stack" to describe the collaborative nature of human teams, mirroring how tech stacks work together. 

Tim recounts the launch of the Human Stack in 2022 after rebranding his previous firm, initially hesitant about incorporating AI. However, later, he recognized the importance of AI and created courses to help organizations embrace technology, including AI for fundraising. He elaborates on his "AI for Anyone" course, designed to make AI accessible and enjoyable, using a "trampoline model" to ease users into the experience. 

Tim explains how the ethos of responsible AI, influenced by the fundraising AI framework, shapes his training, helping nonprofits practically integrate AI. As the episode progresses, Tim shares his excitement for the upcoming fundraising AI summit and the release of his new AI Playbook, a course aimed at helping teams leverage AI in their workflows. Throughout, the conversation emphasizes the shared goal of making AI a force for good, especially in the nonprofit sector.  

HIGHLIGHTS

[02:06] Origin Story of the Human Stack  

[09:09] AI for Anyone and Its Evolution  

[20:54] AI for Anyone Course Details  

[25:19] Integration of Fundraising AI Ethos  

[26:19] Thoughts on Upcoming Summit and Tim's AI Playbook 

TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY 

• Help team members see themselves as AI users, regardless of their experience level. 
• Join the 5% of organizations using data to drive decisions—start small with key metrics. 
• Overcome reluctance; AI can enhance both human and organizational efficiency. 
• Educate your team on AI and technology to reduce fear and foster adoption. 
• Use engaging models to make AI learning enjoyable. 
• Help team members see themselves as AI users, regardless of their experience level. 
• Regularly collect feedback to ensure your courses or tools are user-friendly. 
• Build an ethos of responsible AI by integrating it into your training programs. 
• Participate in AI-focused summits or workshops to stay connected with innovations. 
• Help teams integrate AI in everyday workflows with practical, leader-oriented guides. 

Resources: 

Connect with Tim: 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tlockie/ 

Mentioned in the episode: 

AI for Anyone partner page: hubs.ly/Q02QRRVs0 

Connect with Nathan and Scott: 

LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ 

LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans 

Website: fundraising.ai/