A feature article from our sponsor, Leadership Council for Nonprofits

AI and Nonprofits: Balancing Potential and Responsibility

Elizabeth Benson

Executive Director, Leadership Council for Nonprofits

Despite normally being an early adopter, I’ve been hesitant about diving into artificial intelligence (AI). Beyond ChatGPT experiments, I’ve stayed on the sidelines. But recent conversations have made me consider AI’s potential for nonprofit organizations, where every resource is stretched, and every decision impacts the lives of our neighbors.

I attended a recent keynote by Josh Hirsch, who offered compelling uses for AI to improve efficiency, enhance donor relationships, and reduce repetitive administrative tasks. Hirsch’s examples struck a chord with me and the initially skeptical audience. After the session, I went straight to my room to analyze data from a recent member survey using some AI tools – eye-opening!

Inspiring Examples

During a recent webinar hosted by a new collaborative to leverage AI for nonprofits, gurus Kendra Ramirez and Pete Blackshaw highlighted organizations using AI in innovative ways, including YMCA Greater Cincinnati and Last Mile Food Rescue. Take a break to watch the recording – the examples show the potential for Cincinnati to lead in using AI to strengthen nonprofit work. Achieving this vision will require a coordinated effort, including engaging funders who see the value in supporting AI-driven innovation.

How AI Can Transform Nonprofit Work

AI holds great promise to help nonprofits deliver on their missions. Here are some areas where it can make a difference:

1. Productivity: From automating routine tasks to assisting with program evaluation, AI can free up staff to focus on strategic priorities.
2. Donor Insights: Many donors are already using AI to research nonprofits. By harnessing AI tools, organizations can analyze donor behavior, identify trends, and craft personalized engagement strategies.
3. Data-Driven Decisions: Nonprofits generate plenty of data through surveys, program metrics, and community feedback. AI can analyze this data at scale, uncovering patterns that might go unnoticed.

Addressing Challenges

Important questions are raised in every conversation I’ve had around AI:

• Privacy: How do we ensure data security and respect privacy when using AI?
• Sustainability: How do we balance the environmental impact of AI tools with the benefits they bring?
• Accountability: Who in a nonprofit will oversee AI adoption, and how do we build internal capacity for responsible use?
• Equity: How do we ensure AI tools don’t reinforce biases or exclude marginalized voices?

These challenges remind us that while AI is a powerful tool, it is not a perfect solution. It requires thoughtful execution and oversight, and ongoing dialogue to ensure equity, transparency, and social good.

Moving Forward

AI is not a magical unicorn coming to save us from the struggles nonprofits face, but a promising resource that can help amplify our impact. By embracing its potential while addressing its complexities, we can continue to innovate in service of our missions. Sign up now to stay current on nonprofit AI happenings.