Automation Lab

Reducing Administrative Burden in the Cultural Sector Through Technology

A pilot initiative by the

NWCT Arts Council
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Tool Uses
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Hours Redirected to Mission-Driven Work
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Nonprofit Labor Savings

About the Project

“The Automation Lab is a research-driven pilot exploring how responsible, human-centered automation can reduce administrative burden and strengthen operational capacity.”

The initiative targets arts & culture nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut.

Through discovery, pilot projects, and shared documentation, the endeavor aims to identify practical approaches that free up staff time for mission-driven work while building reusable infrastructure for the sector.

Our Theory of Change

We aim to help close the widening AI access gap and ensure that arts & culture nonprofits are not left behind as technology advances.

Learn More
Crab plush with code on monitor

Timeline: 2023 – 2025

Case Studies

2023

Arts Council – Internal Process Automation

Funded by: Foundation for Community Health
Funding Amount: $10,000
Project Timeline: 1 year (400 hours)
Results
Labor Savings30 hours/week(1,560 hours/year)
Cost Offset$31,200/year
Tech Stack
ZapierGivebutterSalesforceQuickbooksGmailSlackMailchimpAirtableDuda
2025

Arts Council – Print Calendar Automation

Funded by: Ethan Brewerton
Funding Amount: In-Kind Development Time
Project Timeline: 1 week (20 hours)
Results
Labor Savings20 hours/month(240 hours/year)
Cost Offset$4,800/year
Tech Stack
Google Gemini 3– AI StudioCustom Python ApplicationCivicLift
2025

Arts Council – Email Newsletter Automation

Funded by: Ethan Brewerton
Funding Amount: In-Kind Development Time
Project Timeline: 1 day (4 hours)
Results
Labor Savings3 hours/week(~150 hours/year)
Cost Offset$3,000/year
Tech Stack
Google Gemini 3– AI StudioCivicLiftMailchimp

Print Calendar Automation (Before and After)

Hands holding tablet with bar chart
Current Phase

Research

Call for Nonprofit Participation

The initiative is currently seeking feedback from arts & culture nonprofit organizations in Northwest Connecticut to help identify common pain points and opportunities for sector-wide capacity building.

Please fill out this brief survey

Take the Survey

The Plan

Phase 1: Research & Discovery

underway

Jan – Mar 2026

Goals
  • →Understand how nonprofits are currently handling administrative work and AI use
  • →Identify common pain points and readiness levels across organizations
  • →Determine which processes are realistic candidates for automation
Deliverables
  • ✓Sector-wide survey results and analysis
  • ✓Summary of shared operational challenges and opportunities
  • ✓Clear criteria for pilot project selection
  • ✓Shortlist of high-potential automation use cases

Phase 2: Pilot Projects

Mar – Oct 2026

Goals
  • →Test automation approaches in real nonprofit environments
  • →Reduce administrative burden without adding complexity or risk
  • →Learn what works, what doesn’t, and why
Deliverables
  • ✓Implemented pilot automation workflows
  • ✓Documentation of decisions, constraints, and adjustments
  • ✓Observations on staff experience, sustainability, and maintenance needs
  • ✓Measured time and labor savings where applicable

Phase 3: Systematization

Oct – Dec 2026

Goals
  • →Translate pilot learning into repeatable, maintainable approaches
  • →Identify which solutions can be adapted by other organizations
  • →Support smarter future investment in shared infrastructure
Deliverables
  • ✓Reusable frameworks, templates, and documentation
  • ✓Clear guidance on when automation is and is not appropriate
  • ✓Public case study and implementation framework
  • ✓Prioritized recommendations for next-phase funding or expansion

Our Team

Steph Burr

Steph Burr

Project Manager

Steph Burr is a nonprofit leader with hands-on experience improving operations through technology, automation, and systems design.

As Executive Director of the NWCT Arts Council, she has implemented workflows across fundraising, grants, and membership programs using a wide range of software platforms. She has extensive technical proficiency and is a member of the Zapier Wizard’s Guild.

Ethan S. Brewerton

Ethan S. Brewerton

Development Lead

Ethan S. Brewerton is a creative technologist dedicated to operational efficiency. With two years of specialized experience in computational models and generative scripting, he has mastered the art of automating intricate, multi-step processes.

Previously using these skills to enhance hand made artistic production, Ethan now applies his automation expertise to the non-profit sector. He helps organizations modernize their operations by building custom tools that democratize access to technology, streamline daily tasks, and amplify overall impact.

Have a Question?

We'd love to hear from you.