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This week, I'm back from an economic development conference celebrating the Great State of New Mexico. And I'm sharing news about a BIG grant for non-profit organizations that use AI to celebrate community and diversity. |
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Hey there, amazing Reader:
This newsletter is coming at you after I spent two invigorating (but also exhausting) days talking economic development at the NM Idea conference, which brought together economic development pros from around the state. I've always been wildly interested in the idea of celebrating a place's inherent creative assets as an attractor for new and growing businesses, so this was a conference filled with my people!
I haven't yet had a chance to process ALL the learnings but suffice it to say, the speakers make me proud to be an adopted New Mexican. Hopefully the State of New Mexico will publish highlights from the conference, because there are a lot of reasons to live and work here.
However, here are some bullets from the most recent strategic plan: In New Mexico, the creative industries support $6 billion in economic impact. And the state has more working artists per capita than any other state. that's heady stuff! And, as everyone knows, where art thrives, economies grow!
Check out my LinkedIn page for a picture of me catching up with industry friends, including the Creative Industries team.
Big Money for Non-Profits
In other news, read on to learn about a $50M (!!) fund offered by OpenAI (parent of ChatGPT) to non-profit orgs using AI to celebrate community, equity, and AI literacy. This grant is not getting very much attention, so (I assume) non-profits have a pretty good chance at getting noticed and/or funded.
Anyone who wants to talk about about how to incorporate AI into their mission (for this grant), feel free to schedule a free Vision Call (no obligation) to idea share or get clarity.
Time is short though—the deadline is October 8. Please share with any non-profit orgs that might be interested.
Until next week!
Warmly,
Monica Poling
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Upcoming Events
Catch up with me at these upcoming events:
✍️ 10/10 (12:00 p.m.)
AI Office Hours: Prompt Like a Pro: Join AI Office Hours and spend an hour with me and other creative pros learning how to write better AI prompts for better AI results. Register now (for free)
🍽️ 10/22 (3:00 PM)
Simplify Your Restaurant Marketing with AI: Unlock the power of artificial intelligence to take your restaurant marketing to new heights. Cost: Free for members, $10 for non-members. Register now at New Mexico Restaurant Association.
🌄 10/28 (12:00 PM)
Twenty Time-Saving Tech Tricks: Work smarter with easy-to-use tech hacks, including keyboard shortcuts, tech tool efficiency hacks, and quick wins to reduce digital clutter. Register now (for free) at SCORE.org/Albuquerque
Interested in having me host a training? Learn more here.
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Win a Piece of the $50M OpenAI People-First Fund
OpenAI—the parent company of ChatGPT—has launched a $50 million People-First AI Fund to help nonprofits use AI for real-world impact.
This is a big moment. Many nonprofits have traditionally been left on the sidelines when it comes to big tech innovation. Now OpenAI, one of the most powerful players in AI, is putting real money on the table to help mission-driven orgs play a role in AI innovation.
I wrote this guide to help you cut through the noise, understand what they want, and position your organization to win a grant. I’ve included an overview of the fund, a sample budget, and 10 nonprofit project ideas.
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The AI Six
Six news headlines from the past week that matter to creative pros.
Does AI “see” colors like we do?
Heat Score: 10/12 🔥🔥🔥
Stanford research highlights how AI models link words to colors—e.g., “blood” = red, “math” = blue—often based on stereotypes in training data rather than lived human experience. For creatives, it’s a reminder that AI’s symbolic choices (palettes, metaphors, associations) reflect patterns, not perception—so human judgment is still essential in meaning-making.
👉 Stanford GSB, Sep. 23, 2025
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ChatGPT Introduces Daily Pulse (To Add More to Your To Do List)
Heat Score: 10/12 🔥🔥
OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Pulse, a personalized update feed that proactively researches topics based on your chats and connected apps (e.g., calendar). It surfaces scannable cards you can open for detail—positioning ChatGPT as a daily brief for teams. Right now, it's only available on the $200/month plan.
👉 TechCrunch, Sep. 25, 2025
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Big companies talk up AI—but struggle to show upside
Heat Score: 9/12 🔥🔥
The Financial Times reviewed earnings calls from major companies: most name-drop AI, but few can show clear revenue impact yet. For freelancers, agencies, and nonprofits, the lesson is simple—don’t feel pressured to “have AI everywhere.” ROI comes from specific, measurable uses, not just using AI for the sake of headlines.
👉 Financial Times, Sep. 22, 2025
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UNESCO Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
Heat Score: 9/12 🔥🔥
UNESCO is unveiling a global Virtual Museum to spotlight illicitly trafficked cultural heritage—combining 3D models, narratives, and discovery tools. Official reveal is set for Sep. 29.
👉 UNESCO, Sep. 18, 2025
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Google Opens a Small Business AI Resource Center
Heat Score: 8/12 🔥🔥
Google launched a Small Business Hub aggregating AI training, tools, and tips for SMEs. The focus: making AI adoption more approachable for marketing, operations, and customer engagement.
👉 Social Media Today, Sep. 24, 2025
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Meet Google Mixboard (AI Moodboards)
Heat Score: 8/12 🔥🔥
Google launched Mixboard under Google Labs—an AI-assisted canvas for visual idea planning. Type a prompt or add images, then iterate boards, palettes, and styles using Gemini-powered edits. This is best for your messy, early creative ideas, rather than your final designs.
👉 Google Blog, Sep. 23, 2025
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The AI Strategy Guide for Creative Leaders
Build your strategic AI advantage without losing your creative voice.
The AI Strategy Guide for Creative Leaders provides step-by-step guidance for creating AI systems that drive business growth and strengthen customer relationships. No tech overwhelm. No cookie-cutter solutions. Just simple English and practical tools that amplify your creativity and strengthen client relationships.
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Work With Me
💡Learn How to Use AI to Grow Your Biz
These one-on-one sessions help you understand what AI models do, how to use AI as a creative business partner, and how to build ethical AI practices that align with your values. Choose from one of six modules. Learn More →
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📈 Need a Speaker?
I'll bring fresh ideas on AI, automation, and creative storytelling to your conference or training event. Learn More →
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📘 Schedule a Free Vision Call
Project brewing? Need advice? Just need a sympathetic ear? Let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life. Schedule A Vision Call→
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