Beyond the Hype: How AI is Scaling Impact for Central Texas Nonprofits
At the Sooch Foundation, we have a responsibility to empower organizations that provide a pathway out of poverty through education and economic mobility. To do that effectively in 2026, we have to look toward the potential of emerging technology.
Recently, the Sooch Foundation Board heard from three of our innovative grantees to discuss a critical frontier: Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI is often discussed in the context of Silicon Valley tech giants, our grantees are proving that AI’s most profound impact might actually be in the social sector—streamlining operations and, most importantly, increasing client success.
We first heard from Alex Wright, Founder and Executive Director of Level. For many nonprofits, rigorous evaluation is a daunting, manual task. Level is changing that by developing AI applications that automate and enhance evaluation processes, allowing for real-time insights into program efficacy.Beyond operations, Alex’s work is deeply human-centric. As a member of the AI & Worker-Informed Design Entrepreneurs-in-Residence cohort with JFF Labs, Alex is developing a virtual career mentor.
Next, we explored the classroom of the future with Wayside Schools. In partnership with Playlab, a leader in AI Edtech, Wayside is putting the power of AI directly into the hands of educators.Rather than adopting "off-the-shelf" software, Wayside is empowering teachers to build their own tools. By leveraging AI to align goals, curriculum, and student data, educators can create hyper-personalized learning experiences. This ensures that every student receives the specific support they need, exactly when they need it, leading to measurable gains in academic success.
Finally, we heard from Llyas Salahud-din, founder of GrantAppli, which utilizes AI to help organizations navigate the complex landscape of funding. By utilizing AI to identify the best-fit opportunities and assist in the drafting process, the tool is helping nonprofits secure the capital they need to stay focused on their mission, rather than their paperwork.
The "AI gap" is a real risk; if nonprofits aren't supported in exploring these technologies, the communities they serve risk being left behind. By investing in innovation, we allow our partners to:
Fail fast and learn: Discovering what tools actually work in a community context.
Prioritize Ethics: Ensuring AI tools are built with worker-informed and student-centered designs.
Scale Efficiency: Shifting hours from administrative tasks to direct client service.
The Sooch Foundation is proud to stand behind these social entrepreneurs. AI is not just a tool for efficiency; it is a tool for social impact.
