What role can AI play for Charities?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in the charity sector, offering both significant opportunities and potential challenges. The 2023 Charity Digital Skills Report (1) suggested that “35% of charities were already using AI for certain tasks and that a further 26% had plans to do so in the future”. As charities strive to maximise their impact with limited resources, AI presents a range of tools and capabilities that can enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and ultimately help organisations better serve their beneficiaries.
Benefits of AI for Charities
One of the primary benefits of AI for charities is its ability to streamline resource-intensive tasks, freeing up valuable time for high-priority areas. For instance, AI-powered tools can assist with fundraising efforts by analysing donor data, identifying patterns, and personalising outreach strategies. This can lead to more effective fundraising campaigns and stronger donor relationships.
AI is also being utilised in various operational aspects of charities. Generative AI tools are being employed to draft fundraising materials, write grant proposals, create speeches, and even take meeting minutes. These applications can significantly reduce the time and effort required for administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.
In terms of service delivery, AI opens up new possibilities for charities to expand their reach and impact. The Surrey Wildlife Trust’s (2) Space4Nature programme exemplifies this potential, using satellite imagery, volunteer observations, and AI to map and assess habitats across Surrey. This innovative approach demonstrates how AI can enhance environmental conservation efforts and enable charities to tackle complex challenges more effectively.
Risks and challenges of AI for Charities
However, the adoption of AI in the charity sector is not without risks and ethical considerations. Data security and privacy are paramount concerns, especially for organisations dealing with sensitive information or vulnerable populations. Charities must ensure that their use of AI complies with data protection regulations, such as GDPR, and maintains the trust of their beneficiaries and donors.
Remember AI is not just for IT teams. It would be short sighted to box the application into one department and not realise the benefits which can be explored across all business functions. Mapping out inefficiencies across the whole organisation will help to ascertain where AI can support.
Another challenge is the potential for AI to perpetuate biases or produce inaccurate results. Human oversight remains crucial to prevent errors and maintain the personal touch that is often central to a charity’s operations. In such a people focused sector, harnessing public trust is vital and the human touch can never be replaced.
Charities must also be mindful of the ethical implications of AI use, considering issues such as fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Top tips for getting started
Foster a culture of curiosity and experimentation around AI. Encourage employees to explore AI tools and consider how they could be applied to both significant tasks and everyday activities. Provide platforms for sharing ideas and voicing concerns about AI implementation.
Identify and prioritise high-impact areas for AI adoption. Rather than trying to transform the entire organisation at once, target departments that would benefit most from AI, such as those with repetitive tasks. This focused approach can demonstrate value quickly and encourage broader adoption.
Bridge the AI skills gap through targeted training. Identify key AI competencies needed and invest in a mix of in-house training sessions and external courses. Offer various learning formats to cater to different preferences and ensure continuous skill development.
Create guidelines for safe and responsible AI use. Develop policies that address ethical considerations and legal compliance around AI usage. Audit existing use of public AI tools within your organisation and provide appropriate options that meet your charity’s needs while protecting sensitive data.
Remember…
As AI continues to evolve, its impact on the charity sector is likely to grow. While the immediate changes may be overhyped, the long-term transformations could be more significant than currently anticipated. Charities that embrace AI thoughtfully and responsibly will be better positioned to adapt to these changes and leverage the technology to enhance their social impact.
AI presents a powerful set of tools for charities to improve their operations, fundraising, and service delivery. By carefully navigating the associated risks and ethical considerations, charities can harness AI to amplify their impact and better fulfil their missions in an increasingly digital world.
Why Choose Us?
At Nine Feet Tall, we understand that the world of charity is evolving, and we’re here to help you navigate this exciting landscape. Our expertise in harnessing AI for charities empowers nonprofits to streamline operations, enhance fundraising efforts, and expand their reach. We believe in a collaborative approach, fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation to ensure that your organisation can leverage AI responsibly and effectively. Want to start your journey today? All you have to do is get in touch.
