Episode 82: From Garage to Global Relief: How Project C.U.R.E. Scales Impact with Data, Volunteers, and AI with Dr. Douglas Jackson

April 1, 20263 min read

Overview

Let’s have a thoughtful look at how purpose, strategy, and technology can come together to create meaningful global change!

Dr. Douglas Jackson, CEO of Project C.U.R.E., talks about the journey of the organization, which began in a small garage in 1987 and has grown into a global charity. He shares that in the early days, they used simple spreadsheets to manage their work, but later moved to Microsoft tools to improve their systems and communication.

Doug highlights how strategic partnerships and technology adoption improved efficiency, enabling Project C.U.R.E. to deliver hundreds of medical shipments globally each year. He emphasizes treating nonprofits like businesses, focusing on sustainability, accountability, and maximizing the value of volunteer contributions.

The discussion also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in the nonprofit sector. From improving data accuracy to enabling localized medical training, AI is helping organizations scale their impact. Doug notes that responsible use of AI can create new opportunities, especially for smaller nonprofits with limited resources.

The conversation concludes with practical advice: approach nonprofits like startups, seek expert guidance, and embrace innovation.

Cover art for episode 82: From Garage to Global Relief: How Project C.U.R.E. Scales Impact with Data, Volunteers, and AI with Dr. Douglas Jackson

Episode highlights

02:29 Doug's Background and Project C.U.R.E.'s Journey
12:59 Business Model and Efficiency
17:23 A 35-Year-Old Startup in a Changing World
20:16 Turning Data into Better Decisions
28:28 Innovation and AI in Nonprofit Operations
40:14 Advice for Small Nonprofits

Tips and tools to implement today

Treat your nonprofit like a business
Start simple, then upgrade your tools
Use Microsoft tools for better teamwork
Track data clearly to avoid mistakes
Use a CRM to manage donors
Focus on efficiency in every task
Value and organize volunteers well

Favorite quotes

"The only difference between us and every other business in the world is that we don't pay tax. All the other rules apply." - Douglas Jackson
"I tell people, everybody gets paid in our organization. It's just that a few of us get paid in cash." - Douglas Jackson
"I'd love to think that we're scrappy and entrepreneurial and that we can see things coming, and we can make a quick turn and meet that opportunity head on." - Douglas Jackson
"Really cool thing is you can correlate the data that we collect to the data that's coming out of the WHO, and that's correlated data is coming out of the Ministry of Health and all these things, and you get a really good picture on exactly what it is that's happening as a result of what you're doing." - Douglas Jackson
"Take the word nonprofit out of your vocabulary, because you're a startup. Doesn't matter if you're making money or not making money, all the rules apply." - Douglas Jackson
"I heard somebody say that only one out of 700 new businesses make it, that's about the same for nonprofits, and if you get a really good idea, then give it your all and go after it." - Douglas Jackson
"It would be an interesting mind shift for us to stop worrying about the answer as much as we worry about how to ask the question. Because that's going to be the thing that determines whether you do get the right answer." - Douglas Jackson
"On the whole AI thing, I think I want to be able to ask the right questions, because I know that if I don't, I'm not going to get the right answer." - Douglas Jackson