Becoming AI-Ready

AI has arrived with accelerated speed, moving the conversation from "someday" to now. Becoming AI-Ready cuts through the hype and fear of AI to provide a grounded, practical roadmap for the here and now. Drawing on a decade of collaboration, authors Joe Manok and David Woodruff argue that "AI-readiness" is ultimately about organizational readiness.

This book is your guide to navigating the chaos without losing public trust. Learn to cultivate a culture that harnesses intelligent tools to elevate, not replace, the human relationships at the heart of philanthropy. It's time to move past the panic and find space to lead with curiosity and ethical integrity.

Expert Endorsements
"This book offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders aiming to embrace innovation without losing sight of the relationships and purpose that drive real impact."
-Ron Shaich, Founder and Former CEO of Panera Bread, Trustee, Clark University

"Becoming AI Ready offers a thoughtful perspective for philanthropic leaders thinking about how emerging technologies may support their organizations. Its focus on judgment, values, and purpose is a useful contribution to an important conversation."
-Olivia Leland, Founder and CEO of Co-Impact

"Becoming AI Ready provides nonprofit leaders with a critical roadmap to navigate the AI transformation and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age."
-Hans Vestberg, Former Chairman and CEO at Verizon

"The next generation of advancement will depend on the ability to translate insight into action while preserving trust. In Becoming AI Ready, Joe Manok and David Woodruff demonstrate how AI can enhance the strategic work of fundraising while keeping relationships and values at the center."
-Eric Grimson, Computer Scientist and Chancellor for Academic Advancement at MIT.

"Institutions that aspire to endure must continuously adapt while remaining faithful to their mission. Becoming AI Ready offers an important perspective on how AI can help mission-driven organizations strengthen strategy, governance, and long-term impact without losing the human values that sustain them."
-Abdo Kadifa, Technology Investor, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at American University of Beirut.

"Having a roadmap to navigate the challenges and opportunities of adopting AI is essential for today's university chief advancement officer. Becoming AI Ready offers an important perspective for leaders of nonprofits in building strong teams to meet the future."
-Brian Lee, Former Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development, Harvard University.

"Fundraising has always been deeply human work built on relationships, courage, and trust. Becoming AI Ready shows how AI can support fundraisers in that work, freeing them to focus less on administrative tasks and more on the conversations and connections that truly inspire generosity."
-Mallory Erickson, Co-Founder of Fundraising.ai, Founder of Practivated.

"The future of artificial intelligence in fundraising will be defined not by technology itself, but by our ability to pair innovation with human insight, discernment, and trust. When used with intention, AI can illuminate impact, deepen connection, and accelerate the good philanthropy makes possible. Becoming AI Ready meaningfully advances this conversation, offering an essential lens for leaders shaping a more human, more impactful future for our field."
-Michael McNally, Chief Development Officer, Academic Medical Centers, Mass General Brigham.