The greatest risk of AI is to humans: displacement, disengagement, fear, isolation and desperation. The Purpose Network proves that community, knowledge & hands-on pro bono work can rebuild purpose - the antidote to this dystopia.
The greatest risk of AI is to humans: displacement, disengagement, fear, isolation and desperation. The Purpose Network proves that community, knowledge & hands-on pro bono work can rebuild purpose - the antidote to this dystopia.
Project Details
Updated 07/22/26 · Edited by orgThe Purpose Network was created to meet this moment of mass tech layoffs, difficulty of entry level people getting hired, and retired people feeling disconnected and left behind - often being blamed on AI. The people side of the equation of AI is where we are focused. The risk of isolation, learning gaps, overwhelm and fear of a very fast changing world that people can't keep up with inspired us to find a new way forward. We saw nonprofits facing cuts while excellent people sat on the sidelines.
We believe people have the power to use AI for good. So we put that belief into action and prototyped, built, launched a pilot and experienced the thrill of a virtuous circle of impact.
TPN is a platform where skilled professionals at every career stage come together in conversation in Communities of Practice, learn from each other in 2-way mentoring, and form pro bono teams to share and learn and do high value work for nonprofits. All while building their network, portfolios, resumes and knowledge using AI as a tool for collaboration and contribution.
The Body Positive was our first nonprofit, supported by a team of professionals who ranged from 65 to 25, retired to laid off to exploring law school. They came together from across the country, different backgrounds and experience to update the nonprofits strategic plan, updated their website so it was clear and responsive and stopped the spinning ball celebrating "20 years" when they were actually celebrating 30! The team came together and used 3 iPhones to create content announcing their new Exec Director, doing a podcast interview style, while also producing intros to use into the future for their social media campaigns. And everyone learned from each other, felt connected to a greater purpose and produced something real and valuable for a nonprofit who couldn't do it alone. Our 2nd nonprofit and team came together to learn about AI, the options they had, prompts that were strong, guardrails and security to consider. A member of the team, 26, was looking to transition to a new type of role and needed project mgmt experience, she led the team and landed a job a few months later, able to talk about the experiences she had. Our 3rd nonprofit, the YWCA of Berkeley and Oakland recently joined and the energy and excitement is palpable. The stories go on and on, when something is good - everyone feels it.
We are asking for a grant to expand our reach through marketing, AI agent automation, University partnerships, corporate sponsorship to match employee teams with volunteer opportunities (only 10% globally take advantage of the volunteer opportunities their companies offer - we hope to close that gap) and continue to improve functionality in the application especially in 2 way mentoring.
Theory of Impact
Updated 07/22/26 · By grantmaking.aiAI Risk: AI-driven displacement -> Loss of trust, skills and purpose -> Public fear and disengagement -> Less informed participation in AI decisions -> Greater social and institutional risk.
Our solution The Purpose Network community and projects -> AI literacy and responsible use -> People actively shaping AI for social good -> Stronger nonprofits and public trust -> Reduced societal AI Risk and a future humans will benefit from together.
The greatest risk from AI isn't the technology itself, it is what happens to human society when large numbers of people feel displaced, purposeless, hopeless and disengaged from the world around them. People who feel left behind by AI won't be able to see the benefits, where we can collaborate, how we can shape it for a future we want. We hope to reduce x-risk by engaging people AI such as those who have been laid off, entry level, the overwhelmed, become active participants, in community, to use it for good versus being passive victims. In building AI literacy, AI confidence, and bringing uniquely human skills and talents into the equation, while using it to help people and projects we believe in, we can create real outcomes that lead us to the future we want.
People
Updated 07/22/26 · Edited by orgFounder
Founder
Funding Details
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60 members joined The Purpose Network
3 nonprofits getting professional supported by The Purpose Network Teams
8 completed projects
60+ people receiving AI training and mentoring, network members and nonprofits with their boards
50 people able to talk about their experiences in the project, new skills, expanded network and use of AI in how we work and collaborate
Discussion
The Purpose Network provides an excellent outlet to ensure talent doesn't lose its value between jobs. The projects at the Purpose Network work can turn a career transition into an opportunity to create impact, sharpen skills, and strengthen the relationships.
Meanwhile nonprofit organizations gain access to expertise that might otherwise be out of reach. The result is stronger organizations, greater capacity, and more resources directed toward advancing their mission.
This grant will go a long way towards helping expand the reach of The Purpose Network!
As a founding member of The Purpose Network, I have seen firsthand how valuable this work can be. TPN gives experienced professionals an opportunity to apply their skills to real nonprofit challenges whereas continuing to learn, build relationships, and remain professionally engaged. At the same time, nonprofit organizations receive access to expertise and support they may not otherwise be able to afford.
I also believe TPN addresses an important part of the conversation about AI that is often overlooked. The discussion cannot focus only on the technology. We also have to consider the people whose careers, confidence, and sense of stability may be affected by it. If people feel displaced or excluded, fear and distrust of AI will continue to grow. TPN provides a practical way for people to learn how to use AI responsibly, participate in the changes taking place, and use the technology to help organizations and communities. I know for a fact because I was displaced and found myself in a quandary as to trust in AI or be suspicious of work that it produces.
The funding request makes sense to me. The minimum amount would cover the basic costs of keeping the platform running while supporting some initial outreach and testing. The ideal amount would allow the team to improve the platform, develop partnerships, better support members, and grow the community. The budget clearly explains where the money will go, and the team has already invested a great deal of its own time and effort into getting TPN to this point.
Throughout my career, I have managed major technology initiatives, supported nonprofit organizations, and led community-service programs. Based on that experience and my involvement with TPN, I believe the organization has a strong mission, a practical approach, and the ability to use this funding responsibly. As a founding member I have participated and delivered quality results. But it goes beyond metrics to the smiles and genuine appreciation from organizations that have benefited from our work.
I strongly support the application and am grateful for the opportunity to endorse it.
I fully endorse the application. As someone recently displaced, TPN has given me space to leverage my skills to help non profits with their efforts to serve the communities and causes they are passionate about. I agree with TPN's goal to use AI for collaboration and growth.
As Executive Director of The Body Positive, I am deeply grateful for the partnership and support we have received from The Purpose Network. Their investment in our organization extended far beyond volunteer hours. They became true thought partners, bringing fresh perspectives, professional expertise, and genuine care for our mission. Because of their support, we were able to strengthen key organizational priorities, enhance our digital presence, create new communications assets, and build momentum for our next chapter in ways that would have been difficult to accomplish on our own.
What makes The Purpose Network exceptional is the sense of purpose, collaboration, and possibility it creates for everyone involved. Their team demonstrated that when people are empowered to contribute their talents in service of a meaningful mission, the impact reaches far beyond a single project. We are proud to have been their first nonprofit partner and wholeheartedly support their continued growth so that many more mission-driven organizations can benefit from this innovative and deeply human approach.
Running a small nonprofit is a challenge. Having pro bono support from heartfelt, talented experts is a true blessing. As the founder and former executive director of The Body Positive, I spent thirty-one years searching for the type of help our organization received from The Purpose Network. The people involved were exceptional at understanding the issues our small organization faced, and using their skills with AI to expedite solutions that were easy to implement. The concept of bringing displaced workers together to support nonprofits as well as each other is brilliant! Every small nonprofit would benefit greatly from working with The Purpose Network. They deserve to receive a grant in the full amount they are asking for.
I joined The Purpose Network during a period of career transition. I was unemployed and while searching for my next job, I was looking for a meaningful way to continue growing my skills while making a positive impact. Through The Purpose Network, I received mentorship, developed project management skills, learned more about how nonprofit organizations operate, and found myself within a incredible network of professionals who are also committed to using their expertise for good.
The Purpose Network model creates value for everyone involved. Members gain experience, mentorship, and purpose regardless of what stage of their career they are in, while nonprofits receive access to skilled professionals and practical solutions they might not otherwise have the resources to obtain. Having experienced this firsthand, I have seen how thoughtfully the organization operates and how committed the team is to maximizing impact. I wholeheartedly support this proposal and believe funding The Purpose Network will strengthen both nonprofit organizations and the people preparing to thrive in an AI-enabled future.
I wholeheartedly endorse The Purpose Network as an organization deserving of significant grant support. As a founding member, I have found it to be an invaluable community -- one that keeps my professional skills sharp through real, meaningful project work rather than letting them atrophy between client engagements. Equally important, it has connected me with like-minded professionals who share my commitment to purpose-driven work and social impact, building relationships rooted in shared values rather than transactional networking.
What makes The Purpose Network truly unique is how it channels this talent for genuine good! By matching skilled professionals with nonprofits that need their expertise, it creates a mutually beneficial exchange. Nonprofits gain high-caliber skills they might not otherwise afford, and professionals gain purpose, community, and continued growth during transitional periods. This model is efficient, sustainable, and deeply human. It recognizes that career transitions don't have to mean a pause in contribution; instead, they become an opportunity to give back more intentionally.
I have seen the ripple effects firsthand, both in my own professional development and in the tangible value delivered to the nonprofits I've supported through the network. I am confident continued investment in The Purpose Network will expand this impact—supporting more professionals in transition while strengthening the capacity of the nonprofit sector at large.
I strongly endorse The Purpose Network's (TPN) grant application. As one of its founding members, I've seen firsthand the impact this organization has, both for the nonprofits it supports and for the professionals in its network.
TPN gives its members a real way to put their skills to use to help mission driven organizations grow. It also gives something back to those members: a chance to learn new things, build connections, and for those between jobs, stay active and sharp during a tough stretch.
I'm thankful to be given the opportunity to endorse TPN!
I am very happy to endorse the Purpose Network. Its mission to provide a community for talented people who are experiencing a break in their careers in large part through no action of their own is admirable, especially because these skills are directly employed to give organizations that often do not have the wherewithal to acquire professional help to support their altruistic missions. As a founding member, I have had the pleasure to work with teammates who have provided direct value to organizations in order to move them forward very quickly. Not only did we come together as individuals who bring disparate skills to achieving our goals, we encouraged each other to learn while also ensuring career continuity and the opportunity to acquire new and cutting edge skills, including in AI. It is a model that has already yielded value, and additional funding and resources has the potential to accelerate the organization's impact exponentially. Truly an effort worthy of support and encouragement!
Looks good, Anna.