Nonprofit budgets are getting cut while need goes up. This workshop is a concrete way to hold your impact steady with the team you already have.
In two hours, you'll build your own AI agent, customized to your organization. We are not showing demos or just having you take notes - you will leave with an actual, functioning AI agent.
.org, .edu, and .gov are all welcome!
What you'll build
Grant & Funding Research Agent (everyone) — scans funding sources, matches them against your mission, and delivers a summary of relevant opportunities. Replaces hours of manual searching every week.
Program Data Reporter (if time allows) — takes your raw program data and drafts the narrative report your funders ask for each quarter.
Who this is for
Staff and leaders at Hawaiʻi nonprofits. No coding, no prior AI experience. We'll have roughly one tech volunteer for every ten attendees, so nobody gets left behind.
Before you come (15 minutes — this must be done beforehand)
Install the Claude desktop app on the laptop you're bringing (Mac or Windows): claude.com/download. The browser chat will not work here.
Sign up for the Claude $20/month plan (you can always cancel later).
Bring: a 1–2 paragraph description of your mission and programs; a list of 3–5 places you currently look for funding. Optional: An example of a past grant application; a recent funder report and a spreadsheet of program metrics
On privacy: please strip client Social Security numbers, medical records, and other sensitive personal information. On a paid plan, the AI companies commit not to train their models on your data — similar to the trust most organizations already extend to Google for email and documents.
Your hosts
Richard Matsui — Founder/CEO of 2 tech companies in the energy industry. Co-founder of Movers & Shakas and ThriveHI. Raised in Kapahulu.
Brent Akamine — Co-founder of Vinovest, acquired in 2026. Previously led design at TikTok and other major tech companies. Raised in Manoa.
Miki Hardisty —