If you have wondered about the real difference between using a free tool like ChatGPT and an enterprise-level solution like Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini, this episode will provide much-needed clarity. While the potential for efficiency is high, many nonprofit leaders are rightfully concerned about data security and how to ensure they are using these models safely.

In part one from their recent webinar, Community IT Outreach Director Carolyn Woodard is joined by Chief Technology Officer Matt Eshleman to demystify the current AI tool landscape, particularly for data security.

In part two, Matt and Carolyn go over ways to tell you are logged in to your official account or not, the importance of continuous and iterative staff education, and how (and why) to get started creating AI policies to share with staff.

This episode one covers:

• The distinction between freemium AI models and enterprise-protected tools.
• The AI continuum, ranging from assistive technology to workflow assistants to autonomous agents.
• A breakdown of pricing tiers and what nonprofits can expect in terms of data privacy and functionality.
• Practical advice on why terms and conditions matter when protecting your organizational data.

Whether you are already using AI daily or are just beginning to explore its possibilities, this discussion offers a professional and grounded look at how to navigate these tools securely.

_______________________________
Start a conversation :)

• Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/
• email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com
• on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening.

Resources shared in this episode:

Gallop Poll January 2026 on AI use: https://apnews.com/article/ai-workplace-gemini-chatgpt-poll-4934bc61d039508db32bc49f85d63d99

Build Consulting 5 Category AI Implementation Framework by Kyle Haines: https://buildconsulting.com/blog/a-strategic-framework-for-nonprofit-ai-investment/

1: Return on Investment - what are you trying to do, and is an AI tool the best way to do it?

2. Technical and Data Feasibility - are you ready? Is your data ready?

3. Mitigating AI Risks - legal, ethical, reputational...

4. Anticipating Costs - AI tools are not free

5. Change Impacts - making sure intentional change management is in place.

How AI is changing search, Yoast wrap up from 2025: https://yoast.com/seo-in-2025-wrap-up/

AI Literacy Measures and Suggestions from US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/TEN/2025/TEN%2007-25/TEN%2007-25%20%28complete%20document%29.pdf

AI Literacy Measures:

1. Understand AI Concepts

2. Explore AI Uses

3. Direct AI Effectively

4. Evaluate AI Outputs

5. Use AI Responsibly

Delivery Principles for AI Literacy Growth

1. Enable Experiential Learning

2. Embed Learning in Context

3. Build Complementary Human Skills

4. Address Prerequisites to AI Literacy

5. Create Pathways for AI Learning

6. Prepare Enabling Roles

7. Design for Agility

Webinar: How to Use AI Tools Safely at Your Nonprofit with Matthew Eshleman. https://communityit.com/webinar-how-to-use-ai-tools-safely-at-nonprofits/

_______________________________
Start a conversation :)

• Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/
• email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com
• on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening.

In this episode host Carolyn Woodard is joined by Norwin Herrera, IT Business Manager and Team Lead at Community IT. Together, they walk through a real-world case study of a public charter school that implemented a Single Sign-On (SSO) platform called Clever that can solve cybersecurity and accessibility challenges for adult or child students.

Strategic IT Leadership for Nonprofits

Unlike a traditional account manager, an IT Business Manager (ITBM) acts as a strategic partner, helping nonprofit leadership understand the technology landscape and make informed decisions that align with their mission. The ITBM role is unique to Community IT and is an example of a commitment to partnering with clients over the long term.

In this case, the goal was to find a SSO solution that could handle a complex mix of Chromebooks and Windows devices while remaining user-friendly for both adult students and faculty.

The Power of Single Sign-On

SSO acts as one door for all of your doors. By using Clever as an identity manager, the organization was able to:

• Enhance Cybersecurity: Centralizing access allows for immediate offboarding. If a student or staff member leaves, closing one account automatically secures access to all others, prevents fraud, and saves money.
• Automate User Provisioning: Through zero intervention integration with the Student Information System (SIS), accounts are created or deactivated automatically based on enrollment status.
• Improve User Experience: Students no longer need to remember multiple different passwords for Google, Microsoft, Zoom, and Slack for example. One password provides access to all the apps they have access to as a student using a school device.
• Reduce Administrative Costs: Norwin breaks down the ROI of SSO, comparing a small per-user fee against the hundreds of hours of manual labor required to manage accounts individually.

Change Management and Successful Implementation

A successful IT project is about more than just software; it is about people. Norwin explains why this project resulted in zero tickets and no complaints: it started with leadership buy-in and a commitment to clear communication.

Whether you are an executive at a school or a volunteer board member at a community nonprofit, this episode offers practical insights into how integrated cybersecurity and strategic IT planning can save your organization time and money.

Listen in to learn how your organization can move toward a more secure and efficient digital future by subscribing to the Community IT Innovators Technology Topics podcast.

_______________________________
Start a conversation :)

• Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/
• email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com
• on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening.