People say nonprofits are always playing catch-up—but that’s not what I saw at Changemakers. Instead, thanks to the support of Gambit, I watched organizations harness AI in bold, practical ways, proving that innovation isn’t just for big business. I’ve long found joy in both using and teaching nonprofits to use ChatGPT. When the chance came up to see what was on the horizon for nonprofits, I went in excited and curious; I left feeling even more inspired. After experiencing the demos of eight nonprofit AI agents and engaging with the incredible staff that created them, here’s what stuck with me:

1. People power change—AI scales it.

Every nonprofit founder, leader, and volunteer I met was solving a challenge that had touched their lives or impacted their work. It was a powerful reminder that change starts with personal experience. When people see a gap—whether it’s access to housing, mental health support, or healthcare—they don’t just wish things were better; they take action. AI can help make these solutions bigger and more efficient, but it’s people and passion that drive real change. It’s the same in marketing—problems spark solutions, and solutions fuel action.

2. We crave connection, but no one wants to talk to a robot.

People don’t want to be trapped in a loop with a lifeless chatbot. But they do want quick answers, helpful guidance, and meaningful interactions. The best AI tools I saw weren’t replacing humans—they were helping nonprofits engage with people in ways that felt personal, thoughtful, and supportive. The goal isn’t to automate for the sake of it. It’s to use AI to create more human moments, not fewer. All of the demos were inspiring, including:

A private, conversational care tool for people facing breast cancer, offering a safe space for support and information so they never feel alone.
A climate-action platform packed with the wisdom of sustainability experts, giving businesses the financial case and real-world impact data they need to go green with confidence.
A smart chat tool that makes it easy to find the perfect gathering space—whether for a birthday, concert, or community event—helping people connect in real life and build stronger social ties.

3. When we invest in nonprofits, we unlock incredible impact.

So many nonprofits are doing life-changing work with tiny budgets and skeleton teams. But when they get the right support—whether it’s funding, technology, or strategic expertise—their impact skyrockets. The technology they were showcasing last night was enterprise-level AI. And the results were incredible. The organizations at Changemakers proved that with the right resources, good ideas don’t just survive; they thrive. And when they thrive, entire communities benefit.

Why I’m Inspired

Agentic AI, these AI chatbots and tools that are built to be specialists in any given area, are soon going to populate most of our online experiences. There is the potential to be problematic (that’s true of all technology) but there is incredible potential for good—problem-solving, connection-bringing, and changemaking. Not because the AI works independently of people or communities, but because the tool is engaged with them.

Nonprofits are often seen as being behind the curve when it comes to tech, but Changemakers left me feeling hopeful. It reminds me that AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about amplifying their efforts. Imagine what could happen if resources weren’t a constant challenge—brilliant minds merged with the latest tech for social good. When we invest in human connections and give nonprofits the right tools, remarkable things happen. And that’s something worth believing in.

Sarah Whyte is Bright Light Content’s Copywriter and Brand Strategist. She’s a quick talking, avid reader who delights in noticing big truths in everyday places.