Nathan Chappell is a recognized leader in responsible AI and one of the foremost thinkers at the intersection of philanthropy and technology. Now, as the first-ever Chief AI Officer at Virtuous, Nathan joins a mission-driven team working to build responsive fundraising tools that increase generosity and deepen donor connection.
We asked Nathan five questions about his new role, what excites him most about the future of AI in fundraising, and why this moment—and this team—matters.
1. Why Virtuous?
I’ve been following Virtuous from the beginning, drawn to its unwavering commitment to Responsive Fundraising and its human-centered belief that generosity thrives when nonprofits prioritize connection over transaction. That idea has always resonated deeply with me—and still does.
What impressed me even more was the culture that Gabe Cooper and the team have built—one rooted in service, innovation, and authenticity. Gabe isn’t just a CEO; he’s someone who truly walks the talk, whether through his work with Giving USA or his broader impact across the sector.
For years, I admired Virtuous from afar. Now, I’m honored to join a team shaping the future of fundraising—ethically, intelligently, and with heart.
2. What are your focus areas as Chief AI Officer?
At Virtuous, I’m focused on integrating responsible, beneficial AI across every layer of our product—from fundraising intelligence to donor engagement and marketing automation.
Over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of pioneering AI applications within the nonprofit sector. This next chapter is about applying that knowledge to build systems that don’t just automate, but elevate—deepening engagement and amplifying impact.
But this role is about more than engineering. Every AI feature we release must enhance trust, protect donor dignity, and empower fundraisers to build lasting relationships. I’ll also continue serving as an author, speaker, and advocate to help the sector navigate both the promise and the risks of emerging AI tools.
Ultimately, this work is about using technology not to replace the human touch—but to elevate it.
3. What excites you about the future of nonprofit technology?
I see a future where nonprofit technology isn’t just powerful—it’s personal. Where tools respond in real time to a donor’s intent, behavior, and emotional signals. Where AI doesn’t just make things faster—it makes them more meaningful.
We’re moving from static CRM systems to adaptive platforms that listen, learn, and evolve. Virtuous is uniquely positioned to lead this shift—a future where systems don’t just manage relationships, but nurture them.
At Virtuous, being responsive means building technology that anticipates donor needs, adapts in real time, and helps nonprofits forge authentic, trust-based connections at scale. It’s about making every interaction feel purposeful and personalized.
What excites me most is seeing values like trust, transparency, and accessibility rise to the top of the priority list. The most impactful tech of the future won’t just be smart—it’ll be human-centered.
4. And what about fundraising specifically?
After 20 years of leading nonprofit teams and researching the intersection of generosity and AI, I believe the future of fundraising requires a bold reimagining of how we engage and retain donors.
Yes, the challenges are real—declining household giving, rising donor fatigue, and a growing trust gap. But I didn’t come to Virtuous just to study those problems. I came here because I believe we can solve them.
The future of fundraising will be shaped by those willing to reimagine it—and Virtuous is that kind of platform. It’s where innovation meets intention, and where responsive tools are being built to not just reverse the decline in giving, but to create a more generous, connected future.
I’m here to help build that future—and I’ve never been more hopeful about what’s ahead.
5. How do you think about ethics, privacy, and responsibility in AI?
For me, ethics isn’t a checkpoint—it’s the foundation. Everything we build at Virtuous must earn and protect the trust of our users and the donors they serve.
That means leading with transparency, safeguarding data privacy, and designing models that support equity and inclusion.
Having co-developed the world’s first Framework for Responsible and Beneficial AI in fundraising, I understand the long-term importance of building tech that serves both people and purpose. Responsible AI isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic imperative for mission-driven organizations.
By hiring one of the first Chief AI Officers in the nonprofit sector, Virtuous is showing true leadership—not just in innovation, but in its commitment to doing what’s right for its customers and the philanthropic community at large.
In every decision I make, I return to one simple, powerful question:
Does this make generosity stronger, safer, and more human?
