About the cohort
AI for Foundations: A Nonprofit Tech Readiness Cohort is a structured, six-month learning experience that combines expert-led courses with hands-on mentorship for foundation and grantmaking staff. Participants build practical knowledge of AI strategies, governance, and implementation through curated coursework, while receiving dedicated coaching to design and launch an AI-enabled project that strengthens insight, decision-making, and operational effectiveness within their organization.
The goal of the cohort is to significantly advance the AI-enablement capacity of foundations while building technology project leadership, management, and confidence for nonprofit staff. This cohort is open to foundation staff in any department or team. Participating staff can be from any professional position, organizational department, or AI experience level who want to gain new skills, build capacity to use AI in their organization, and receive dedicated coaching to support launching an AI-enabled technology pilot or project.
Participants and their organizations will benefit from comprehensive assessments, sector-specific training and resources, and personalized guidance, ensuring they emerge as effective technology leaders with more effective organizations. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped with the skills and confidence needed to address complex technology challenges and maintain strategic technology plans in their organizations. Every participant will be able to customize both the learning topics and the project they want to pursue for their own work and organization, while also moving through a shared learning and project development process with peers in the cohort.
Schedule
Plan for a six-month time commitment, with 8–10 hours per month for program work.
Orientation
April 1, 2026
Ask questions and explore the online learning and community space.
Sessions
April 2026–October 2026
Take part in educational and mentorship activities.
Celebration
March 2026
Celebrate achievements and hear from inspiring guest speakers.
Conference
March 23–26, 2027
Attend the 2027 Nonprofit Technology Conference virtually for free.
Program
You'll be supported as you move your customized technology project from the idea stage to a full-blown action plan and get the guidance you need to implement the project. You do not need to have a project decided or in mind when you start.
Session assessments
Direct review of organizational needs and support with planning, culture change, and implementation.
Open office hours
Drop-in opportunities to get direct support.
Educational series
Training sessions that cover the core competencies of technology planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation.
Leadership opportunities
Facilitated process for discussing feedback and practicing and modeling experiences you can replicate at your organization.
Interactive workshops
Working sessions to build your project planning skills and develop connections with your peers.
Topics
The curriculum is tailored to the cohort participants’ needs, and new courses are added as available. Topics include:
- AI for decision-makers
- AI pilot programs
- AI-powered communications
- Introduction to large language models
- Human-centered and responsible generative AI
- Introduction to Responsible AI
- Mitigate bias in AI
- AI for impact evaluation
- Legal considerations with AI
- Streamline grants management with AI
Additional benefits
You'll get free enrollment in NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Professional Certificate. After the cohort ends, you'll also continue to have access to the materials and online community space.
Enroll in the cohort
Who should enroll?
- This cohort is designed for foundation and grantmaking staff who want to strengthen their AI readiness and build practical AI project management skills.
- This cohort is open to staff with any technical background and currently serving in any job type within a foundation.
- Participants should have the ability to support or influence the development of an AI pilot or project in their organization.
- Participants can be from anywhere in the world.
- Board members and volunteers are not encouraged to participate unless they have organizational support to advance an AI project.
Note: Program delivery and materials are in English and event scheduling is based on Pacific Time Zone (PST).
Can more than one person from our foundation participate?
Yes. There is no limit to how many staff from a single foundation may enroll. However, total cohort enrollment is capped at 25 participants to ensure a high-quality learning experience.
Are we required to use specific AI tools?
No. NTEN takes a product-agnostic approach, supporting participants in selecting AI projects that are most strategic for their organizations and technology tools that meet their requirements, needs, and values.
Cohort coaches provide guidance on evaluating tools and can connect participants to technical expertise through NTEN’s partnerships when additional support is needed.
If you have any questions about the cohort, please email Jeremy Garcia at jeremy@nten.org.
Pricing
- $2500 for members
- $3250 for non-members
Each cohort has only 25 spots, filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Please ensure you have a free NTEN account to proceed.
