Category Archives: Apparo

Artificial Intelligence for Social Good Playbook – Now Available for Free Download

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Apparo, a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits do more to improve lives in our communities through the strategic use of technology, is now offering a free, detailed guide the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To quote the Playbook, “Leveraging AI technologies, nonprofits can optimize their operations, enhance their impact, and better fulfill their missions in the communities they serve.”

Stephanie McKee leads AI workshop for nonprofits
Photo caption: Stephanie McKee leads AI workshop for nonprofits.

Download the playbook here: https://apparo.org/artificial-intelligence-playbook-ai-for-social-good/

The playbook’s author, Stephanie McKee, Apparo’s Chief Technology Thought Partner, explains, “As a nonprofit ourselves, we understand the unique needs and concerns of nonprofits. We heard more and more from our nonprofit partners that they were interested, but apprehensive when it came to Artificial Intelligence. They knew it had important potential, but were worried about using it the wrong way.

“Like all the work we do at Apparo, this Playbook was created specifically for nonprofits. That said, there is a lot of information in the Playbook that is useful for any individual or organization that wants to improve the way they use AI. The strategies and tips are easy to follow and can help make big impact quickly to both new users and those who want to expand and optimize their use of AI.”

The Playbook details background on the history of AI from 1945 to present day, explains and compares current AI tools (e.g., Microsoft CoPilot, ChatGPT, Google Gemini), reviews key AI terminology (e.g., generative AI, machine learning) and delivers tips on improving AI prompting and applying AI to streamline workflows.

By applying learnings from the Playbook, organizations will be able to create time saving efficiencies across departments – from administrative/back office to client service, fundraising, marketing, volunteer management and much more. Nonprofits and businesses interested in creating an AI strategy for their organizations will also find guidance.

The Playbook also addresses important AI related topics that are not as frequently discussed. It dives into ethical considerations, security implications and the development of organizational use policies. Training is another important topic covered, with a detailed list of free resources for increasing AI education for individuals and teams. As the Playbook explains, AI is not just for saving time. It’s also for generating new ideas, improving writing, finding new patterns in data, engaging with donors and much more.

McKee adds, “I’m passionate about helping nonprofits achieve more through technology and stay up-to-date on the most powerful ways to affordably use new tools. I will continue to update the Playbook on a regular basis to ensure that it delivers the most current, useful information possible.”

Apparo delivers AI and other technology education leveraging McKee’s expertise, that of the entire Apparo Tech Therapy® team and through the generosity of volunteers. Apparo seeks skilled volunteers to work remotely, individually or in teams to support nonprofits in improving their use of technology. Learn more about volunteering with Apparo here: https://apparo.org/volunteers.

In late 2024, Apparo led two important half-day events to help educate nonprofits on the use of AI to further their missions. First, they offered a half-day workshop for nonprofits, entitled “How to Put AI to Work for Your Nonprofit.” The workshop included an overview of the Playbook by McKee, a panel discussion (with Apparo’s Jennifer Ray, Kevin Carney of Kingsmen Software, and Truist’s Joe Fuqua) bringing to life real world AI use cases and a hands-on prompting exercise led by Shereese Floyd, Founder of AI Consultants for Nonprofits.

Read more about the workshop here: https://apparo.org/how-to-put-ai-to-work-for-your-nonprofit-ai-playbook-panel-and-prompting.

The second event was a deep dive into AI prompting. Apparo brought together 40+ skilled volunteers from AvidXchange, EY and Honeywell who helped nine nonprofits identify new ways to use AI to improve the way they work and flesh out helpful AI prompts. The nonprofits served were: Carolina Youth Coalition, Heart Math Tutoring, Digi-Bridge, Hope Haven, The Park CDC, Dottie Rose Foundation, The Boost Pad, Beattie’s Ford Road Vocational Trade Center, and Feeding Charlotte. After the session, Lauren Grant, Director of Development and Communications from participating nonprofit, The Park CDC shared, “What I learned today will help me support and empower my team to collectively work smarter and ultimately achieve our goals in a more efficient and effective manner. I look forward to sharing these new insights and using AI tools to maximize our ability to manage our operations, raise awareness and support for our organization, and deliver meaningful programs to our West Charlotte community. This is the best professional development event I have attended this year.” Read more about this event here: https://apparo.org/ai-art-of-the-possible-empowering-ai-day-of-service/. Apparo is available to bring events like these to other organizations.

Apparo logo
Image caption: Apparo logo.

About Apparo:

Apparo delivers advice, education and solutions to nonprofits, related to not only AI, but also to a broad range of technology and business process issues. Apparo is available to support nonprofits at low/no cost in putting technology to work to help them create more social good. Learn more about getting support from Apparo for a nonprofit here: https://apparo.org/nonprofits/.

For media inquiries and more information please contact marketing@apparo.org.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0402-s2p-mckee-ai-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Stephanie McKee leads AI workshop for nonprofits.

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0210-s2p-apparo-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Apparo


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Apparo), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/artificial-intelligence-for-social-good-playbook-now-available-for-free-download/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P125218 NOREL-3B

 

Apparo Expands Impact in Atlanta, Empowering Nonprofits through Strong Corporate Partnerships

ATLANTA, Ga., March 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Apparo, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing nonprofit effectiveness through skilled corporate volunteering and technology solutions, is calling on Atlanta’s corporate community to join their mission. Over the past three years, Apparo has expanded their footprint in Atlanta, collaborating with local nonprofits to drive digital transformation and operational efficiency. Through their partnership, leading corporations and Apparo are helping nonprofits streamline operations, secure funding, and amplify their community impact.

Apparo - Amplifying Nonprofit Impact
Image caption: Apparo – Amplifying Nonprofit Impact.

Since entering the Atlanta market, Apparo has engaged corporate volunteers to support 24 nonprofits with technology planning, process optimization, and cybersecurity improvements and has already delivered nearly $1 million in support and upskilled 200+ nonprofit staff members.

Apparo welcomes Atlanta-based corporations to explore partnership opportunities and make a direct impact on the nonprofit sector. To learn more, visit apparo.org/corporations.

Apparo’s ability to drive corporate-nonprofit collaboration is reinforced by its recent membership in CVC Atlanta (Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta). This strategic move positions Apparo to connect with Atlanta’s leading businesses, offering them meaningful opportunities to leverage their employees’ skills for social good.

“Our expansion in Atlanta has shown that when businesses and nonprofits work together, real transformation happens,” said Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo. “Through skilled volunteerism, corporate partners not only strengthen the nonprofit sector but also create lasting community impact. We invite Atlanta’s corporate leaders to join us in making a difference.”

A prime example of this impact is Apparo’s recent partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA). With a 65-year legacy of youth mentorship, BBBSMA has grown rapidly, increasing its staff from 34 to 100 while serving over 2,000 children across 11 metro Atlanta counties. However, their technological infrastructure struggled to keep pace with this growth. Apparo paired BBBSMA with skilled volunteers from CapTech Consulting and Hylaine, who conducted a comprehensive technology assessment. The result: a strategic roadmap that enhances efficiency, strengthens cybersecurity, and streamlines processes—ultimately enabling BBBSMA to better serve Atlanta’s youth.

Adam Boitnott, Apparo Board Chair and CEO of Hylaine, emphasized the value of these partnerships: “At Hylaine, we’ve seen firsthand the power of skilled volunteering. The work we’ve done with Apparo demonstrates how corporate expertise can drive real impact for nonprofits, and I encourage more companies to get involved in this important work.”

Upon completing this Community Impact Project, BBBSMA anticipates significant operational improvements. By optimizing its ticketing system and increasing efficiency, the organization expects to reduce staff time on resolving technology issues. As Harold Mizell, a BBBSMA representative, explains, “When the Development Department is operating at peak efficiency, we can more effectively fundraise. On the same note, when we get the same amount or more work done while using fewer resources, there are financial benefits.”

Hylaine’s Debby Murphy, a skilled volunteer in this Community Impact Project shares, “Working with Apparo and Big Brothers Big Sisters was a great experience. The BBBS IT Team was already doing great things on their own, yet was very receptive to input from our project team. I enjoyed learning about the organization – the enthusiasm of the BBBS team was truly inspiring.”

About Apparo:

Apparo is a Charlotte-based organization that empowers nonprofits through technology and business process improvements and corporate volunteer partnerships that enhance capacity, amplify nonprofit missions, and create profound community impact. Learn more and get involved. Subscribe to stay up to date on all things Apparo.

Learn more: https://apparo.org/

NEWS SOURCE: Apparo


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Apparo), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/apparo-expands-impact-in-atlanta-empowering-nonprofits-through-strong-corporate-partnerships/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P124949 NOREL-3B

 

Apparo’s Transformative 2025 Mission Possible Award Program Open for Nonprofit Registration

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Apparo opens their 2025 Mission Possible Award Program, a nonprofit accelerator sponsored by Accenture that takes nonprofits on ideation journeys to envision how technology can solve nonprofits’ most pressing challenges.

Apparo - Amplifying Nonprofit Impact
Image caption: Apparo – Amplifying Nonprofit Impact.

Mission Possible was launched to address Charlotte’s economic mobility crisis, identified in research by Harvard economist Raj Chetty, which ranked the city last among major U.S. metro areas for upward mobility and the Triangle Area slightly above, at 48. Apparo created this program to drive systemic change and uplift economic mobility across our communities. Now open for the 2025 season, this program has equipped organizations with the frameworks to expand their impact and improve economic mobility.

Each year, Mission Possible provides participants with strategic guidance from corporate skilled volunteers to create a proposal for a tech-based solution to maximize your organization’s work, with two lucky organizations walking away with a $10,000 grant and up to an additional 50 hours of pro bono consulting.

TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF MISSION POSSIBLE AWARD PROGRAM

Hope Renovations, a North Carolina nonprofit providing hands-on training in construction trades for women and gender-expansive individuals, has transformed its workforce development program by implementing Canvas learning management system (LMS). This game-changing advancement was made possible through Apparo’s Mission Possible Program.

Hope Renovations, the 2023 Mission Possible winner, was seeking a solution to enhance training accessibility, engagement, and scalability. The organization provides a hands-on, construction-based workforce training program to help individuals secure jobs in the skilled trades, an industry facing a massive labor shortage. However, their previous training model relied heavily on in-person instruction, limiting how many participants they could serve and requiring significant administrative work to track progress.

Through Mission Possible, Hope Renovations worked with Apparo and skilled Accenture consultants to implement Canvas LMS, a leading learning management system used in educational and professional training settings.

With this technology-driven solution, the nonprofit has experienced measurable improvements, including:

  • 40 Percent Reduction in Administrative Workload: Staff now spend significantly less time managing materials, tracking participant progress, and organizing lessons- more than 300 hours of staff time annually on cohort communications alone.
  • Increased Trainee Engagement and Flexibility: With on-demand access to structured digital coursework, participants are more engaged and better prepared for hands-on learning. Trainees can review course materials at their own pace, making it easier to accommodate different learning styles and personal schedules.
  • Enhanced Scalability: Hope Renovations can now train more participants at once, expanding access to life-changing career opportunities. In 2023, Hope Renovations had 3 cohorts; in 2024 they have 10, and they now have a goal of 20 cohorts for 2025, doubling their service in cohort programs.

“This experience with Apparo has been a huge win for Hope Renovations,” said Sarah Campbell, Vice President of Training of Hope Renovations. “Technology can be something that really hinders nonprofit growth, efficiency, and productivity. For a nonprofit, hindered productivity directly impacts people’s lives so this type of work is incredibly valuable and sets nonprofits up for future success. I appreciate Apparo seeing the nonprofit need, filling the knowledge gap, and being there to support us.”

The shift to a hybrid training model, enabled by Canvas, aligns with Hope Renovations’ broader goal: to increase access to sustainable careers for individuals facing barriers to employment. With this new system in place, the organization can expand its reach beyond North Carolina, providing more individuals with the skills they need to succeed in construction and skilled trades.

Hope Renovations’ success demonstrates the power of technology to transform nonprofit operations and create profound, sustainable impact. Through Mission Possible, Apparo partners with nonprofits with potential for growth and provides them with customized technology solutions, expert guidance, and hands-on corporate volunteer support.

“We know that technology can be the key to breaking down barriers to economic mobility,” said Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo. “Mission Possible exists to ensure that nonprofits like Hope Renovations have the digital tools they need to expand their impact and help more people build better futures.”

“Canvas makes our training more professional and efficient. It instills confidence in our trainees, staff, and community partners. Growth is necessary to continue fulfilling our mission, and we couldn’t achieve this growth without a tool like this,” said Sarah Campbell, Hope Renovations Vice President of Training. “I felt so supported by Apparo and Accenture and am so appreciative of everyone who was involved in the Mission Possible process.”

Since its inception in 2017, Mission Possible—led by Apparo and Accenture—has supported nonprofits in streamlining operations, improving efficiencies, and scaling their services, proving that investing in nonprofit technology is an investment in stronger communities.

Nonprofits interested in Mission Possible 2025 can learn more and apply today through March 7 at https://apparo.org/mission-possible.

About Apparo:

Apparo is a Charlotte-based 501(c)(3) organization that empowers nonprofits through technology and business process improvements and corporate volunteer partnerships that enhance capacity, amplify nonprofit missions, and create profound community impact. Learn more and get involved at https://apparo.org/.

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0210-s2p-apparo-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Apparo


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Apparo), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/apparos-transformative-2025-mission-possible-award-program-open-for-nonprofit-registration/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P123934 NOREL-3B