My friend Jon Robinson has created software to help nonprofits convert an annual report PDF into an interactive digital experience. He's letting nonprofits that read my newsletter try it out for $300. If you don't have a plan for telling your story this year, check out Jon's product and send him an email. jon@onautumn.com

I don't get anything in return if you work with him. I'm just doing Jon a solid.

I got a promotion

This summer, I was promoted to Super Senior Software Engineer at tedkriwiel.com. It doesn't come with a raise, but lots more responsibility. Nonprofit leaders know all about promotions like these.

"My summer with Claude" is what I've been calling it.

I've desperately tried to avoid the hype and hysteria about AI, and I'll spare you my breathless excitement.

I'll just say this.

In the 12 months before meeting Claude code, I created zero apps. In the 4 months since meeting Claude, I've built five. I'm releasing my first to the public in two weeks.

Can't wait to share it with you.

AI will give and take away

As I sift through the posts and articles about AI, I repeat this phrase over and over again. AI is going to take something from us and it's also going to give us something new. I have fears and reservations, but here's something I'm incredibly hopeful about.

One reason Jon was able to build his app for nonprofits at such a ridiculously low price is because of AI. A few weeks ago, Sam Adiv released a CRM for nonprofits that's anchored to nurturing relationships instead of closing deals. He was able to build that because of AI. The app I'm releasing in two weeks: same story.

One of my hopes for nonprofits during the AI boom is that they get better tools that truly serve them instead of more hand-me-down's from the for-profit sector.

"The solution for the problem will come from the people experiencing it"

I heard an ex-gang member say this last night. He was explaining why he is uniquely qualified to reach youth who join gangs. He said "We will be the answer to our problems."

What if AI gives nonprofits the power to build the tools they need for themselves?

Before I got into Claude Code, an Executive Director of a nonprofit sent me an app he built on Lovable.dev. At the time, I was dragging my feet on AI and trying to avoid the hype.

The app he sent me opened my eyes.

That executive director got a promotion.

He builds no-code apps now.

Here's my question for you:

Did you get a promotion this summer?

If so, I hope you got a better raise than me.

Until next time,

Ted