A bold Idea to help nonprofits

By Adam Walker, Project 900

It’s time for a crazy idea to help struggling nonprofits.

I love nonprofits. I run one (48in48), and many of my friends do, too. Right now, nonprofits are struggling more than usual. They’re underfunded, understaffed, and already behind on technology. As AI takes off, they’re falling even further behind—while still doing the hard, on-the-ground work of changing the world.

You don’t know me yet, so a quick intro: I’m Adam Walker — husband, father of five, wearer of fedoras, and serial entrepreneurial dreamer. I’ve started three nonprofits and about five companies (depending on how you count). One of those nonprofits was another “crazy idea” — to build 48 free websites for nonprofits during a 48-hour event. We called it 48in48. It sounded impossible until we did it, again and again. Ten years later, we’ve built over 1,400 websites.

Not bad for a crazy idea.

This summer’s crazy Idea: Project 900

This summer, I’m launching Project 900 — a free initiative to help 900 nonprofits adopt AI and use it to boost their marketing. You can learn more at project900.com.

The program kicks off on June 20th and runs for roughly 90 days. It’s open to anyone working in a nonprofit or community-serving organization. To sign up, you just need to provide your email.

Here’s how it works:

• Mondays: A new lesson delivered to your inbox
• Tuesday–Thursday: Assignments and supporting resources
• Fridays: Live Q&A calls where I’ll answer questions, share ideas, and dive deeper into how AI can help nonprofits thrive

Participants will need about 20 minutes a day to go from an AI novice to advanced AI user in 90 days.

We’ll start with the basics — what AI is, how it works, and how to use it for personal productivity and nonprofit tasks or operations. Then we’ll dig into advanced prompts, frameworks, and tools. By the end, we’ll even build AI agents — think of them as digital interns—to help nonprofits get more done with fewer resources.

But Project 900 isn’t just about lessons. It’s also about building a community — nonprofit leaders supporting each other, growing together, and learning how to embrace technology to further their missions. I hope this community becomes a living, breathing support network long after the project ends.

Why am I doing this?

Great question. There are a few reasons.

First—and I know this might sound cheesy — I want to help people who help people. I may not be changing the world directly, but I can help the people who are. That’s something I care deeply about.

Second, it’s just a crazy idea worth doing. Sometimes you chase something because it’s bold and needed — and because you believe it can work.

Third, I’ll admit, it might expand my network and future opportunities. That’s not my main motivation, but I’m not blind to it either. 

Will you help?

I saw a problem and realized I could do something about it. So I am.

I love nonprofits. I love big ideas with real impact. I love teaching, technology, and building connections. Project 900 ties all of that together — and I hope you’ll join me.

So here’s my crazy request: help me help nonprofits.

• Share project900.com on your social channels
• Forward it to nonprofit leaders you know
• Introduce me to others who can help amplify this message

Together, we can help 900+ nonprofits this summer — and the ripple effect could touch countless lives. Let’s build nonprofit capacity, unlock potential, and empower the people doing the hardest, most important work out there.

Let’s make it happen — together.

Atlanta Way 2.0 offers a space in our column for community members and partner organizations to highlight efforts to strengthen the civic fabric of Atlanta. We hope to provide insight and opportunities for our readers. If you have questions or would like to contribute, please get in touch with Britton Edwards.