AI is poised to reshape philanthropy. In this paper, we provide an overview of the current state of how AI is being integrated into online giving platforms and tools to enhance and expand philanthropic giving by all types of donors. We examine the current opportunities and challenges presented by AI in philanthropy.
Finally, we outline ways in which philanthropy could be made fundamentally different and, we believe, more effective by using AI to remake the relationships among donors, platforms, and causes to inspire more giving by more people.
It’s time to re-think existing business models and practices
In addition to creating efficiencies, disruptive technologies remake the relationship between organizations and various stakeholders, which in turn births a new set of business practices and norms.
The Benefits of Artificial Intelligence Applied to Philanthropy
- Automate internal reporting and other administrative tasks
- Facilitate the connection between everyday givers and causes
- Advise program officers and major donors on making more-strategic giving investments
- Support more-efficient stewardship of major and mid-level donors
- Scale personalized communications for everyday givers
- Help researchers better understand donors via data collaboratives
Implications for the sector
One clear trend in the field of AI4Good is nonprofit organizations partnering with big tech companies to create new applications. Social change organizations bring context and sector expertise to the problem, while technology companies or research labs provide technical expertise, toolkits, and resources to work with nonprofits to create AI solutions.
“We are at a tipping point for sector-wide adoption of AI systems and practices.”
— Allison Fine & Beth Kanter
