The 6th Annual Power of Philanthropy Summit, hosted by Kinetic in partnership with the UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management, brought together nonprofit leaders, fundraisers and changemakers for a timely conversation on artificial intelligence and the future of philanthropy.

As AI continues to reshape how organizations operate, the Summit focused on a deeper question:

How do we ensure innovation strengthens, rather than replaces, the human core of our work?

Watch the Summit Sessions

If you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the discussion, you can watch the full recordings below:

What Emerged from the Conversation

Across both sessions, a few themes stood out.

AI is not the strategy. Leadership is.

Technology alone is not what drives impact. The organizations seeing meaningful results are those approaching AI with intention, aligning it with mission and embedding it within a strong culture.

Curiosity is becoming a core leadership skill

As the pace of change accelerates, the ability to ask better questions, challenge assumptions and explore new possibilities is proving just as important as technical expertise.

The real opportunity is more human, not less

AI has the potential to reduce administrative burden and improve decision-making. But its greatest value may be in creating more space for the work that matters most: relationships, trust and understanding.

The sector is shaping what comes next

AI is not a fixed path. Nonprofit leaders have an active role in defining how it is used, ensuring it reflects the values and priorities of the communities they serve.

Download the 2026 Key Takeaways

For a deeper look at the ideas shared during the Summit, including practical considerations and next steps for organizations, download the full summary:

Continuing the Conversation

The conversations from this year’s Summit are only the beginning.

As organizations continue to explore the role of AI, the focus remains clear:
use technology in ways that strengthen connection, expand impact and stay grounded in purpose.

We are grateful to our keynote speaker Nathan Chappell, panelists Rhodri Davies, Donell Hammond and Carla Meyer de Dumont, and our partners at the UMKC Bloch School of Management and the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership for making this year’s Summit possible.