Episode 112
Episode 112 of Tales From the Trenches Tuesdays again features Mario Hernandez, a two-time exited founder who’s now dedicated to helping nonprofits fundraise on LinkedIn while building an AI venture specifically for the nonprofit sector. Our conversation revealed some crucial insights about how smaller organizations can leverage technology without falling into common traps.
Mario’s passion for the nonprofit sector is rooted in a stark reality: 95% of nonprofits operate on less than a million dollars annually. While larger organizations have the budgets and systems to thrive, smaller nonprofits are drowning in administrative work, desperately seeking solutions that often don’t fit their needs. The challenge is finding AI tools built by people who actually understand the sector, not just tech companies applying generic solutions to specific problems.
One of the most compelling points Mario made was about grant writing. Too many small nonprofits spend months crafting grant applications only to discover they were never aligned with the funder’s criteria in the first place. It’s the classic square-peg-round-hole problem, driven by desperation rather than strategy. When you’re a struggling nonprofit where a $10,000 or $50,000 grant makes the difference between survival and closure, saying no to potential money feels impossible—even when you’re wasting precious time and resources chasing the wrong opportunities.
AI and LinkedIn
We also dove deep into LinkedIn strategy, where Mario had refreshingly honest advice about content creation and perfectionism. Drawing from his startup experience, he learned a painful lesson early on about chasing perfection at the expense of progress. He now advocates for a different approach.
I’m just going to build in public, make the mistakes. It’s fine. Same thing should be with the nonprofits. You don’t have to look polished. You don’t have to look perfect.
Instead of spending countless hours perfecting posts, he recommends using AI for brainstorming content ideas. However, always write in your own voice with your own imperfections. The goal isn’t viral metrics. It’s authentic connection with supporters who truly care about your mission, even if that’s just twenty engaged reactions rather than millions of indifferent impressions.
For nonprofit leaders juggling limited resources and overwhelming demands, Mario’s message is clear. Stop drowning in administrative tasks, use technology strategically, and embrace being human. In an era of AI-generated everything, authenticity is your competitive advantage.
Just click on the picture of Mario below to hear our conversation.
L’chaim,
jack
