Stuck at 2.5% for 50 Years: Why This Tech CEO Believes AI Can Finally Unlock America’s Giving Potential

Scott Brighton didn’t set out to revolutionize charitable giving in America. But after witnessing his wife struggle to run a nonprofit with just three staff members—and discovering that charitable giving had remained stubbornly flat at 2.5% of GDP for half a century—he knew something had to change. As CEO of Bonterra, one of the social sector’s most influential technology companies, Brighton is now pursuing an audacious goal: lifting charitable giving to 3% of GDP by 2033. That seemingly modest increase would double total giving, unlocking over $580 billion in new funding. But optimizing donation amounts is just one piece of Brighton’s broader strategy. He’s also transforming Bonterra into a “Tinder for nonprofits”—a platform that helps nonprofits and funders discover each other, then uses AI to amplify their capacity to build lasting relationships. Scott joins me now to discuss this bold vision, the surprising insights from Bonterra’s latest data, and why he believes AI will be the great equalizer for resource-strapped nonprofits.