Episode 21 – AI and Endowments: The Future of Strategy for Nonprofits
Host: May Harris, Esq.
Guest: Kate Azar
“AI has the potential to help nonprofits struggling with minimum staff and limited time and tools. AI creates efficiencies within organizations and allows nonprofit workers to focus on the most important. However, there are scary stories in which it has been used and had negative impacts, and it poses some security data privacy issues. It is only as good as the data from which it pulls. The risk is when users don’t understand the data pool from which this information comes.”
- Kate Azar
In This Episode
How nonprofits are leveraging AI, investments, and succession planning for long-term success.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the nonprofit sector—but is it always the right fit? In this episode, May Harris talks with Kate Azar from PNC Institutional Asset Management about how nonprofits can approach AI thoughtfully to boost efficiency and decision-making while addressing ethical concerns like data privacy and bias. They also dive into the complexities of nonprofit endowments, when they’re a good fit, and why professional guidance is critical for managing investments. Finally, Kate shares her perspective on succession planning and the importance of developing future nonprofit leaders to ensure strong governance and mission continuity.
Key Takeaways
Insightful moments and lessons from the conversation.
When endowments make sense for nonprofits and how to manage them wisely.
How AI can streamline operations but also introduces risks nonprofits must manage.
Why succession planning is critical as boards and leadership age.
The role of aligning investments with organizational values and IRS requirements.
Why governance policies must evolve as technology and donor expectations change.
Guest Bio: Kate Azar
Director of Nonprofit Strategy for PNC Institutional Asset Management, Kate Azar brings 17 years of experience advising nonprofits, governments, and foundations on governance, finance, and long-term planning. She has worked with organizations including The California Endowment, Disney, Maria Shriver, and the British Royal Family. A Chartered Sustainable Responsible Investment Counselor, Kate helps nonprofits align investments with their missions while considering environmental, social, and governance factors. She has held executive roles in nonprofit leadership and is passionate about helping organizations build sustainable futures.
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