AI for Nonprofits

Chapter 390-Day Blueprint for AI Success

Based on insights from an interview with Charlene Li.

If you're one of the many busy nonprofit leaders who have heard the buzz about AI but haven't yet taken the plunge, you're probably worried about the unknown. You may be asking, “What kind of commitment are we talking about here, anyway, and do I have the bandwidth to move forward responsibly?” While new technology adoption is often daunting, the good news about AI is that it doesn't need to be that complicated. And we're here to help!

So, let's break it down. This chapter will provide you with a quick guide to navigating the crucial first 90 days of responsibly adopting AI in your nonprofit. This blueprint shared below is based on the book Winning with Generative AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success by Charlene Li and Katia Walsh (Amplify Publishing, 2025). Think of it as your road map to ensuring AI helps you achieve your mission faster, better, and with greater impact, all while adhering to any guardrails needed to protect your organization and those you serve.

Critical Skills and Competencies

Week 1: Establish Your Minimum Viable Team

Your first step is to create your minimum viable team, or MVT. This team of at least two leaders will draft an 18-month plan to be fleshed out by the remainder of your staff. Again, your MVT can be limited to as few as a couple of people, but the key is that this group must represent multiple perspectives:

• Tech-savvy leader: This person is ...