Andrew Applegate

AI for Social Impact: Nonprofit Strategy & Fundraising | VP of Operations, Petra Solutions

Since discovering the power of AI in creating human-focused solutions, Andrew Applegate has established himself as a leader in innovative nonprofit management who leverages AI technologies to transform how mission-driven organizations operate and raise funds.

His immersive experience applying artificial intelligence solutions to the nonprofit sector has positioned him as a thought leader at the intersection of technology and social impact. Andrew is passionate about democratizing access to AI tools for the social sector, believing that by creating smart, AI-enhanced work processes, nonprofit leaders can amplify their impact without amplifying their workload. His focus is to help mission-driven organizations harness the power of AI to achieve more with less administrative burden.

As a project management professional focused on nonprofit program development and grant writing, Andrew brings a wealth of experience across sectors. He provides comprehensive support for national nonprofits, managing communications with stakeholders and developing innovative training programs. His time as a Planning Coordinator with a Community Action Agency and Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer equipped him with expertise in data management, program evaluation, and program administration that he now enhances through AI applications.

Andrew holds a Master in Public Management and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Andrew brings a unique global perspective informed by his studies in France and time living in Italy. His multilingual abilities in English, French, and Italian further enrich his approach to community building.

When not revolutionizing nonprofit operations with AI, Andrew enjoys exploring new worlds in fantasy and sci-fi literature, traveling to far-off places, building things in his shop, growing things in his garden, and creating adventures in the world of tabletop role-playing games. This blend of creative pursuits, hands-on craftsmanship, and imaginative storytelling complements his professional approach to problem-solving and community building.

Leadership & Experience

As a project management professional focused on nonprofit program development, Andrew brings a wealth of experience across sectors. He provides comprehensive support for national nonprofits, managing communications with stakeholders and developing innovative training programs. His time as a Planning Coordinator with a Community Action Agency and Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer equipped him with expertise in data management, program evaluation, and program administration that he now enhances through AI applications.

Community & Impact

Andrew's dedication to advancing the nonprofit sector is evident in his professional development and community leadership. He holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the prestigious IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, mastering the principles and techniques of fundraising, major gift development, planned giving, and campaign management.

Most recently, Andrew demonstrated his commitment to the field of grant writing by becoming one of the founding members of the Grant Professionals Network of Northeast Indiana, a group devoted to elevating grant professional standards and practices and creating community in a field that is often solitary. His community leadership also includes serving on the steering committee for the Multicultural Council of Greater Fort Wayne and as board member for The Language Access Lab, demonstrating his dedication to creating vibrant, inclusive communities. Through these involvements, Andrew consistently works to foster connection and collaboration while advancing standards of excellence in both the nonprofit and grant professional sectors.

By uniting people around shared passions and forward-thinking goals, Andrew aims to deliver a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Expertise

Andrew specializes in designing AI-enhanced workflows in three key areas:

Grant Strategy & Development, where he uses AI and project management to identify optimal funding opportunities, analyze successful proposals, and craft compelling narratives that secure resources
Program Optimization, implementing AI to identify improvement opportunities, make evidence-based decisions, and create program guides for leadership
Nonprofit Operations, creating custom AI assistants that automate administrative tasks, allowing nonprofit leaders to focus on mission-critical work rather than administrative burdens

Andrew combines traditional nonprofit management skills with cutting-edge AI capabilities, including:

Custom AI assistant development for specialized nonprofit functions and program development
Seamless integration of AI tools with existing nonprofit workflows
Data-driven decision making enhanced by AI analytics
Advanced prompt engineering

This unique blend of technical expertise and sector knowledge allows him to create tailored solutions that address the specific challenges nonprofits face while maximizing their operational efficiency and impact.

My AI Commitment

My Commitment to Nonprofit Excellence Through AI

I pledge to partner with nonprofit leaders, program managers, and aspiring nonprofit founders who seek to amplify their mission's impact through thoughtful technology integration. My vision is one where AI serves not merely as a cost-cutting tool but as a mission multiplier that creates space for the human connection at the heart of all meaningful change.

The foundation of my commitment is ensuring that AI becomes accessible to mission-driven organizations of all sizes, empowering them to focus on what matters most: serving their communities.

I focus on:

Mission-Centered Innovation: Placing nonprofit values, program objectives, and community needs at the center of all AI solutions, ensuring technology enhances rather than replaces the human touch that makes nonprofit work transformative.
Grant Professional Empowerment: Equipping grant writers and fundraising professionals with AI tools that amplify their storytelling capabilities, streamline research processes, and create more time for relationship building and strategic thinking.
Resource-Conscious Implementation: Developing AI solutions specifically designed for resource-constrained environments, making powerful technology accessible to organizations regardless of budget limitations.

I commit to working as a true partner to the nonprofit sector, respecting its unique challenges and opportunities while advocating for ethical, accessible, and impactful technology integration that advances community well-being.

Contact Andrew

Schedule Discovery

Interested in what AI can do for your non-profit or how to enhance your storytelling into award winning grant narratives? Schedule an initial consultation free of charge. Start here.

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For more information about the Grant Professionals Network of Northeast Indiana or to attend one of our monthly events (second Friday of every month) follow us on Eventbrite.

Petra Solutions, LLC | Strategies for Kind Work

Grant Writing and Fund Development | Need help securing funding for your organization? Our Grant Writing & Fund Development service can assist with writing applications, be ready for grants, and prepare a development plan. Schedule

General Request

Send me an email at: aapplegate@petrasolutionsconsulting.com

petrasolutionsconsulting.com/

aapplegate@petrasolutionsconsulting.com