One Way AI Can Help You Find a Path Where None Exists
Nonprofit Leaders: Ready to Move, But No Roadmap?
You have a vision but no clear way forward. Waiting for a ready-made path won’t get you there—you must build it. But that doesn’t mean starting from scratch.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. With over 35 million organizations in the U.S. alone, someone has solved a similar challenge. How do you find them fast?
This is where AI, as a research partner, comes in.
Identify Nonprofit Exemplars with AI: Accelerate Your Strategic Planning
Why It Matters:
If someone else has succeeded, you can too. Learning from their wins (and mistakes) helps you move faster and smarter.
Success Story: Building a National-Recognized Youth Program
Mary Helen Kress returned from a conference excited about a new youth program. But instead of copying it, we researched several proven models.
By combining the best elements and avoiding common startup pitfalls, she created Career Express. The program earned national recognition and millions in funding.
Before AI, finding the other models took weeks. Now, AI can surface models in minutes.
Use AI to Find These Proven Models in 15 Minutes
Finding strong examples takes hours of web searches, library research, phone interviews, and networking as part of strategic planning process. AI can jumpstart this with this strategic prompt:
AI Prompt
A well-structured prompt can turn AI into a research tool. Copy this into a large language model (like Claude or ChatGPT—free for this task).
“I am a nonprofit leader exploring options for [YOUR GOAL]. You are an expert in [CHALLENGE AREA]. Identify 3-5 nonprofits or for-profits in [YOUR SECTOR] that succeeded despite [YOUR CHALLENGE]. Ask me 3-5 questions, one at a time, until you can complete this task. Highlight how they overcame obstacles and what made their approach work.Focus on lessons I can apply to [NONPROFIT].”
Why This Prompt Works
You:
- Establish the context.
- Request expertise.
- Create an interactive process.
- Surface applied insights.
- Get help finding the right exemplars.
Key Takeaway: AI as Your Strategic Research Partner
AI doesn’t replace strategic thinking, but it can be your behind-the-scenes researcher. It can reveal pathways, ideas, and partnerships to lead your nonprofit to new heights.
Hi, I’m Karen Eber Davis, I partner with nonprofit CEOs who are committed to leading their organizations to new heights when no roadmaps exist. Together, we build custom strategies to realize their goals. (AI is a tool we can use to get you there sooner.)
Want to explore how AI can support your nonprofit’s strategic goals?
Email me for a free consult.
I partner with nonprofit CEOs who are committed to leading their organizations to new heights when no roadmaps exist. Together, we build custom strategies to realize their goals. (AI is a tool we can use to get you there sooner.)
