Rhodri Davies, a leading thinker on philanthropy and technology, recently joined Stanford PACS’ Education for Philanthropy Professionals (EPP) program to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in the nonprofit sector. We caught up with Rhodri to reflect on his session, the value of programs like EPP, and how philanthropy professionals can bridge the gap between knowledge and action in an era of rapid change.

What do you hope attendees took away from your session?

I wasn’t aiming to provide concrete answers, especially on a topic like AI, where certainty is hard to come by. Instead, I wanted to equip people to ask better questions. The goal was to help nonprofit leaders think through how AI might impact their organizations, both in terms of opportunities and risks. I hope participants walked away feeling inspired to test tools they haven’t yet explored and more confident in connecting broader conversations about AI to their day-to-day work. This isn’t just a tech issue for IT departments, it’s a strategic question for everyone in leadership.

Why are programs like EPP particularly timely or essential right now?

People in nonprofit leadership roles rarely have the time to pause and take that “30,000-foot view.” Courses like EPP create structured space to do just that. When it comes to AI or any of the big, systemic questions in philanthropy, we need time to step outside of our organizational silos and think across the whole sector. EPP offers a rare chance to reflect, learn from others, and see beyond immediate priorities.

Why would you encourage others to participate in EPP, whether as a speaker or attendee?

For one, the caliber of the speakers and participants is incredibly high. It’s not just about hearing from experts, it’s about being able to engage with them in small group settings, ask questions, and have real dialogue. That interaction adds so much value. As a speaker, I also appreciated the chance to clarify and update my own thinking. In fast-moving fields like AI, that’s essential.

And I learn a lot from the participants, too. They’re experienced, thoughtful leaders. Their questions and perspectives often challenge me and spark new insights.

The program is delivered in a hybrid format. What’s the impact of that structure?

The hybrid model makes it accessible to people like me who are based internationally, while still allowing for meaningful in-person connections. I know from my own teaching that some of the most lasting value comes not just from the curriculum, but from the networks and relationships that form among participants. That sense of shared inquiry and purpose is a huge part of what makes a program like this effective.

How does EPP help bridge the gap between knowledge and effective action?

One of the biggest challenges in philanthropy is the disconnect between academic research and real-world practice. There’s valuable, insightful work happening in academia, but it often doesn’t reach the people making day-to-day decisions. Programs like EPP serve as crucial bridges because most practitioners don’t have the time to sift through dense academic papers. But when research is explained in a way that’s accessible and relevant, its value becomes clear. You have to meet people where they are, rather than expecting them to seek it out on their own. Without that connection, practitioners risk repeating the same mistakes or reinventing solutions to problems that have already been studied. We can’t afford that kind of inefficiency, especially when the knowledge is already out there. The challenge is making it usable.

Any final thoughts?

Just that I’ve really appreciated being part of this program. It strikes a thoughtful balance between virtual and in-person formats, and it makes high-quality learning both accessible and impactful, especially with the ability to draw from experts globally.