Recently, Agile Cloud Consulting hosted a panel featuring an all-star cast to discuss the key takeaways from the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG) 2025 conference held in Atlanta. The panel, facilitated by Marisa Lopez, Strategic Account Director at Agile Cloud Consulting, included Ursula Stewart, Nonprofit Industry Advisor at Salesforce; Jennifer Katell, Grants Officer for Systems and Processes at Sequoia Climate Foundation; and Matthew Kastellec, Manager of Systems and Knowledge Management at NewSchools. Their conversation highlighted the unique TAG community, the changing focus of technology in grantmaking, and the central role of data and AI,.
The TAG Community
Both Jennifer and Matt, first-time TAG attendees, shared overwhelming enthusiasm for the event. Jennifer described TAG as the “niche within the niche” where she felt like she was “with my people.” Attendees appreciated the ability to connect with peers similarly focused on the intersection of technology and philanthropy. Matt also highlighted the value of participating in the TAG Emerging Leadership Institute (ELI), an application-based initiative designed to foster leadership development and pairing participants with mentors.
For seasoned attendees, like Ursula, this year’s conference stood out for its more holistic and welcoming nature. The theme “Navigating Change. Building Resilience. Leading with Purpose.” was fully embraced, inviting anyone in the grantmaking or nonprofit space to be part of the technology conversation.
Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and the Power of Data
Another core theme of the conference revolved around data and AI, anchored by a thought-provoking keynote from the distinguished author, professor, and Chief Data Scientist at the New York Times, Dr. Chris Wiggins. Dr. Wiggins emphasized that tech is not good, bad, or neutral, and that ethics should be framed not as a simple binary (good or bad) but as a discussion about tension and establishing a shared vocabulary on principles. Matt highlighted several of the key concepts from Dr.Wiggins keynote, including the idea that new access to data fundamentally “rearranges power.” Dr. Wiggins’ new book, How Data Happened, which was made available to TAG participants, takes a deep dive into the relationship between data and power.
When it comes to AI adoption, the panelists discussed the importance of experimentation and starting small. Jennifer highlighted practical examples shared at the conference, such as Zoom chat transcripts and ChatGPT to help collect grantee reporting information, thereby reducing the burden on grantees. All examples shared underscored the necessity of “keeping humans in the processes.”
Ursula emphasized a significant finding from recent TAG reports: nonprofits and grantees are using AI at a much higher rate than foundations, yet technical assistance receives the least amount of funding. She delivered a call to action, noting that grant makers must become partners in the ecosystem and support the AI journey for nonprofits by providing the necessary funding.
Hopes for the Future
Panelists concluded the webinar by sharing their hopes for the future of TAG. Both Matt and Jennifer suggested actions to enhance the structure of the event. Matt recommended broadening the inclusivity of attendees, perhaps ensuring that program and investment staff are present, so that the relevance of keynote topics is maximized across roles. Jennifer suggested adding learning tracks based on roles or experience levels to help guide attendees.
Ursula expressed a desire for the community to continue the full “learning circle.” Most importantly, she advocated for bringing nonprofits into the conversation directly, rather than just talking about them, to hear their specific needs and perspectives. The consensus affirmed that the event’s success lies in its collaborative spirit, encouraging new voices, and ensuring it remains a dynamic space for technology and philanthropy.
You can watch the full recording below.
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