From AI Curiosity to Practice: Applying AI in Philanthropy Workflows and Grantmaking

You’ve probably attended an AI session before. Maybe you’ve experimented a little. But what would it look like to actually use AI in your work next week? What’s getting in the way?

This interactive session helps philanthropy professionals move from awareness to practical application of AI. Through live demos, guided practice, and structured reflection, participants will explore how to integrate AI into real workflows with clarity, judgment, and intention.

What will you learn?
How to identify meaningful, real-world use cases for AI in your role
Practical ways to use AI for tasks like summarizing reports, drafting communications, and preparing briefings
How to design workflows that integrate AI without losing human judgment
Key considerations around ethics, data privacy, and responsible use
A step-by-step protocol to evaluate where and how AI fits into your work

Speakers
Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, Founder, The AI Social Worker
Simrun Krompasky, Founder, SSK Strategy Group

Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $95 for Non Member Grantmakers

Who should attend?
All interested members, regardless of roles. Philanthropy professionals across operations, HR, administration, grantmaking, and program teams who are curious about AI but want practical, grounded ways to apply it in their day-to-day work. What to expect: This is a highly interactive workshop designed to move beyond theory into practice. The session includes:

• A brief grounding and framing discussion
• Live AI demonstrations with real use cases
• Guided, hands-on breakout sessions where participants apply AI to their own workflows
• Structured reflection on ethics, risk, and responsible use
• A practical framework (AI Workflow Protocol) to help integrate AI into ongoing workWho should attend?

Participants will leave with tangible tools, tested use cases, and one clear action they can implement immediately.