What's Good in Tech: Welcome the 2026 Academy Cohort
The Road to Beta
"The collective effervescence of being in community with other nonprofit founders navigating the messy middle is energizing, comforting, and restorative."
That’s Adrienne Heinz, one of 17 builders in this year’s Fast Forward Academy. These founders came in with problems worth solving. Now they’re building out AI tools that increase access to post-disaster recovery support. Turn complex cancer treatments into plans patients can follow. Help first-gen students develop financial literacy, and more.
What will the cohort accomplish during the Academy? A deeper understanding of who they serve, validated solutions, and a sharper GTM strategy. The goal: get ready for beta.
Stay tuned for more updates on the cohort’s journey. We can’t wait to see where the Academy takes these founders.
Building an AI Future We Can Believe In
Conversations about AI are shifting from “What can we build with AI?” to “How should we build?” AI-powered nonprofits have been answering that question all along.
In his latest piece with Candid, Fast Forward’s Kevin Barenblat explores the 2026 AI for Humanity Report. His biggest takeaway? AI-powered nonprofits build AI with values at the forefront. They start with what their communities need, not what’s shiniest. But a lack of funding leaves many of these organizations stuck at the pilot stage. This is a missed opportunity to bring tech-enabled solutions to more people.
Explore how AI-powered nonprofits are building a future we can believe in — and what they need to get there.
You Heard It Here: Expert Advice from Grantmakers and Builders
Two conversations, one question: what does it take to turn AI adoption into real impact?
Grantmakers and builders had answers. In “The State of AI-Powered Nonprofits” webinars, leaders from Google.org, the International Rescue Committee, and more shared what’s working for them: evaluation frameworks, tech stacks, governance strategies, and more. Missed them live? You can watch the recordings now:
"A Roadmap for Philanthropy": Philanthropic leaders explored how grantmakers can help AI-powered nonprofits build values-based AI for the long term.
"A Roadmap for Builders": AI-powered nonprofits shared how they’re advancing their missions with AI without losing sight of the values driving their work.
More Tech Nonprofit Stories
Jobs in the Tech Nonprofit Ecosystem
Student Basic Needs Coalition is hiring a Chief Growth Officer. Intelehealth is hiring a Director of Product Management, People Operations Partner, Senior Program Manager, and more. Recidiviz is hiring a State Partnerships Manager, Data Analyst, Director of Product, and more. Karya is hiring a Data Engineer, Strategy & Operations Analyst, Public Policy Lead, and more.
Post or find jobs in social impact on the Tech Nonprofit Job Board.
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