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Penn’s Northeast Releases New AI Guide to Support Nonprofits & Small Businesses
Penn’s Northeast is proud to announce the release of newly created and FREE AI Guide for Nonprofits & Small Businesses, a practical resource designed to help nonprofit organizations and small business owners better understand how artificial intelligence tools can support operations, enhance marketing, strengthen workforce, and drive growth.
“As AI becomes more accessible, it’s critical that small organizations have a roadmap on how to use these tools effectively and responsibly,” said Penn’s Northeast President/CEO, John L. Augustine III. “This guide was developed to interpret AI and help local organizations adopt technology at a pace and scale that makes sense for them.”
Why This Matters Now
Adoption of AI across industries has rapidly accelerated, but nonprofits and small organizations often face unique challenges including limited staff capacity, budget constraints, and uncertainty about where to begin.
The AI Guide aims to bridge that gap by providing:
· Clear, jargon-free explanations of AI tools
· Affordable and accessible use cases
· Workflow examples tailored to small teams
· Recommendations for training and integration
· Privacy, ethics, and data considerations
Foundations Driving Innovation in Our Region
The AI Guide was made possible through generous grant support from The Luzerne Foundation and the Sordoni Family Foundation, two philanthropic organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“The Sordoni Family Foundation is pleased to support Penn’s Northeast’s AI Guide for Non-Profits,” said Matthew Sordoni, President, Sordoni Family Foundation. “With the rapid advancement of AI and steep learning curve for users, we hope this will help make their operations more streamlined and impactful.”
“Our community thrives when small organizations are empowered with modern tools,” said Dave Pedri, President & CEO, The Luzerne Foundation. “This initiative supports our mission to strengthen local capacity, foster innovation, and improve outcomes for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Supporting Regional Growth
Nonprofits and small businesses represent a significant share of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s workforce and community infrastructure. By helping these organizations modernize processes and build technological readiness, Penn’s Northeast hopes to strengthen local competitiveness and long-term economic resiliency.
“AI shouldn’t be a barrier - it should be an opportunity,” said Penn’s Northeast’s Marketing Director, Rachel Hawk. “This guide shows that you don’t need massive budgets or large departments to experiment with new tools.”
The AI Guide for Nonprofits & Small Businesses is available for free. Download your copy at: https://www.pennsnortheast.com/aiguide
About Penn’s Northeast
Penn’s Northeast is the regional economic development organization for Northeastern Pennsylvania, promoting business growth, supporting investment, and strengthening the region’s competitiveness through collaboration, research, and strategic initiatives. pennsnortheast.com
About The Luzerne Foundation
Established in 1994, The Luzerne Foundation is a force for philanthropy in our community. To date over $190 million in grants has been distributed to nonprofit organizations and over 400 funds have been created. With over $100 million in assets The Foundation is positioned to do good today and tomorrow. luzfdn.org
About The Sordoni Family Foundation
The Sordoni Family Foundation is a private charitable foundation which supports other non-profit organizations. The Foundation focusses on arts and culture, economic development, education, health and human services and nature and the environment. The Foundation has a geographical emphasis on Northeastern Pennsylvania. sordonifamilyfoundation.org
“As AI becomes more accessible, it’s critical that small organizations have a roadmap on how to use these tools effectively and responsibly,” said Penn’s Northeast President/CEO, John L. Augustine III. “This guide was developed to interpret AI and help local organizations adopt technology at a pace and scale that makes sense for them.”
Why This Matters Now
Adoption of AI across industries has rapidly accelerated, but nonprofits and small organizations often face unique challenges including limited staff capacity, budget constraints, and uncertainty about where to begin.
The AI Guide aims to bridge that gap by providing:
· Clear, jargon-free explanations of AI tools
· Affordable and accessible use cases
· Workflow examples tailored to small teams
· Recommendations for training and integration
· Privacy, ethics, and data considerations
Foundations Driving Innovation in Our Region
The AI Guide was made possible through generous grant support from The Luzerne Foundation and the Sordoni Family Foundation, two philanthropic organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“The Sordoni Family Foundation is pleased to support Penn’s Northeast’s AI Guide for Non-Profits,” said Matthew Sordoni, President, Sordoni Family Foundation. “With the rapid advancement of AI and steep learning curve for users, we hope this will help make their operations more streamlined and impactful.”
“Our community thrives when small organizations are empowered with modern tools,” said Dave Pedri, President & CEO, The Luzerne Foundation. “This initiative supports our mission to strengthen local capacity, foster innovation, and improve outcomes for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Supporting Regional Growth
Nonprofits and small businesses represent a significant share of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s workforce and community infrastructure. By helping these organizations modernize processes and build technological readiness, Penn’s Northeast hopes to strengthen local competitiveness and long-term economic resiliency.
“AI shouldn’t be a barrier - it should be an opportunity,” said Penn’s Northeast’s Marketing Director, Rachel Hawk. “This guide shows that you don’t need massive budgets or large departments to experiment with new tools.”
The AI Guide for Nonprofits & Small Businesses is available for free. Download your copy at: https://www.pennsnortheast.com/aiguide
About Penn’s Northeast
Penn’s Northeast is the regional economic development organization for Northeastern Pennsylvania, promoting business growth, supporting investment, and strengthening the region’s competitiveness through collaboration, research, and strategic initiatives. pennsnortheast.com
About The Luzerne Foundation
Established in 1994, The Luzerne Foundation is a force for philanthropy in our community. To date over $190 million in grants has been distributed to nonprofit organizations and over 400 funds have been created. With over $100 million in assets The Foundation is positioned to do good today and tomorrow. luzfdn.org
About The Sordoni Family Foundation
The Sordoni Family Foundation is a private charitable foundation which supports other non-profit organizations. The Foundation focusses on arts and culture, economic development, education, health and human services and nature and the environment. The Foundation has a geographical emphasis on Northeastern Pennsylvania. sordonifamilyfoundation.org
