Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer reserved for Silicon Valley or big tech. Increasingly, non-profit organizations are tapping into AI to expand their reach, improve efficiency, and innovate their missions. For leaders in the non-profit sector, understanding and adopting AI can be a strategic advantage, but it also comes with the responsibility to implement these tools ethically and transparently.
Why AI, and Why Now?
Many non-profits operate with lean teams and limited resources. AI-powered tools can help fill those gaps. According to Forbes (2024), over 60% of non-profits are exploring AI to support tasks ranging from donor engagement to data management. Likewise, the Stanford Social Innovation Review (2023) found that AI-enhanced donor outreach can improve giving rates by as much as 20%. These numbers are too significant to ignore.
Here are just a few ways non-profit leaders are successfully using AI today:
· Fundraising & Donor Relations
AI can analyze donor data to identify trends, predict giving patterns, and help tailor communications. Personalized outreach supported by machine learning can deepen donor relationships, leading to more sustained giving.
· Volunteer Management
Chatbots and intelligent scheduling tools can streamline volunteer sign-ups, onboarding, and communication, freeing up staff to focus on relationship-building.
· Program Evaluation
AI can sort through mountains of program data to highlight what’s working and what needs adjustment, making program impact evaluation faster and more accurate.
· Content & Social Media
Generative AI can help create newsletters, social posts, and even grant proposals more efficiently, allowing non-profits to stay visible without overloading staff.
Responsible Adoption
Of course, no discussion of AI is complete without considering its ethical and human impacts. Leaders must train teams on responsible data collection, respect donor and participant privacy, and remain transparent about AI-generated content. Non-profits, after all, depend on trust as a core value.
Final Thoughts
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, not a silver bullet. But with thoughtful adoption, non-profit leaders can use AI to advance their mission and serve their communities in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. As more organizations embrace AI, the opportunities to share resources, test new ideas, and collaborate will only grow.
What do you think? How might you see AI supporting the work of your non-profit or social impact projects? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
References
McCarthy, M. (2023, September 18). How non-profits can responsibly harness the power of AI. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2023/09/18/how-nonprofits-can-responsibly-harness-the-power-of-ai
Stanford Social Innovation Review. (2023). AI for good: Nonprofits and the rise of machine learning. Stanford Social Innovation Review. https://ssir.org/articles/entry/ai_for_good_nonprofits_and_the_rise_of_machine_learning
Microsoft for Nonprofits. (2022). Nonprofits and AI: Driving social impact responsibly. https://nonprofit.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/ai-for-nonprofits
Biography
Hello! I’m Dr. Benjamin Norrod, and I am honored to be part of the Master of Business Program at UAGC. I possess over two decades of experience in leadership, business education, and working with nonprofits worldwide to the classroom. My career has taken me across more than 30 U.S. states and 16 countries, where I’ve trained leaders, mentored students, and helped build organizations grounded in integrity and impact.
My teaching focuses on real-world application, clear communication, and cultivating wisdom that leads to purpose-driven success. Whether we're exploring strategy, ethics, or communication, I aim to equip you with practical tools you can use in the marketplace and life. I strive to make complex concepts approachable and meaningful, especially for students balancing faith, family, and professional goals.
My credentials include TEFL and TESOL certifications from China, along with advanced certifications in university teaching, leadership, project management, Six Sigma, music production, and communication from institutions such as Yale, Georgia Tech, Berklee College of Music, Copenhagen School of Business, the University of California, Irvine, and Villanova University.
When I’m not teaching, I’m probably writing, singing with my family, or enjoying a strong cup of coffee while planning the next big idea.
Kindest regards,
Dr. Norrod
benjamin.norrod@faculty.uagc.edu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-benjamin-norrod-dba-4543951a0/
No comments:
Post a Comment