Inclusive AI adoption to drive nonprofit missions

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving quickly and changing the way many of us engage in our day-to-day work. Nonprofits face a critical question: How can we make AI adoption more inclusive and accessible across our organizations? Recent studies show that two-thirds of nonprofits report using either traditional or generative AI or both, most commonly for supportive work. Yet, 77% of nonprofits believe they would benefit from using more AI, including in mission-related work. To enhance organizational effectiveness and advance mission-driven goals using this technology, however, nonprofits need to ensure inclusive AI adoption. What would that mean?

What is inclusive AI adoption?

Inclusive AI adoption goes beyond utilizing AI for mere efficiency gains; it can revolutionize mission-driven work. An inclusive approach actively engages staff across all departments, roles, and leadership levels to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, equitable access to AI tools and training is provided, and the unique needs of different user groups are considered. More importantly, an inclusive AI strategy can transform how organizations tackle complex challenges, from reducing bias in delivery models to personalizing services and optimizing recruitment and engagement strategies. By listening to diverse voices and identifying inclusive implementation practices, nonprofits can help make sure AI serves the needs of all communities and is used ethically and equitably to address social issues.

So, how can you foster this organization-wide, inclusive approach to AI adoption? Here are three strategies:

How to implement inclusive AI adoption

1. Develop an AI policy

The first step is to create a policy that guides, rather than restricts, AI use. Data suggests unsanctioned or ad-hoc use of AI is common, which increases risks to data security and intellectual property. By establishing clear guidelines for employees on what data they can use and how they can safeguard IP, you can encourage responsible AI use while fostering innovation and mitigating risks associated with unofficial use. But keep in mind, as AI evolves and its capabilities improve, you’ll need to update the policy regularly and communicate the changes to staff.

2. Invest in organization-wide AI training

Comprehensive training for all staff is essential for truly inclusive AI adoption. By ensuring everyone understands AI’s potential, you improve AI literacy and empower employees to identify innovative uses within their areas of expertise. You also embrace the opportunity of this digital transformation moment to reskill or upskill those roles that will be most impacted by AI. Organization-wide training addresses potential equity issues by providing equal access to AI knowledge and demonstrates a commitment to professional development. Free or low-cost training opportunities are widely available, but once you’ve established guidelines for safe AI use, you can also create opportunities for peer-led training.

3. Prioritize learning and adaptation

Creating a culture of continuous learning is essential for long-term success. How you navigate AI adoption can be a moment to  assess your organization’s overall ability to learn and adapt. Encourage staff to share their AI use cases, both successful and unsuccessful. This openness can foster a learning environment where mistakes are seen as valuable lessons. Chances are, you’re already trying to build a more psychologically safe learning environment, and you can use the AI adoption process to improve learning culture.

I saw these strategies in action at The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). In 2023, CCL developed a policy for safe AI use and assembled a cross-functional task force for ongoing guidance. They created a secure “sandbox” environment where employees could experiment with AI without data security concerns (ChatGPT4 installed in an Azure environment) and implemented a 45-minute training for all staff and encouraged peer learning. While still evolving, this approach has generated excitement and fostered widespread experimentation across the organization.

How can funders support inclusive AI adoption?

Interestingly, nonprofits are ahead of funders in AI adoption, with only 48% of grantmakers reporting AI use. But if AI adoption can increase nonprofit efficiency and productivity, improve employee engagement, reduce burnout, and enhance innovation, it follows that funders should support nonprofit AI adoption now. How? By providing grants for AI capability development, training, and infrastructure. Funders can help nonprofits with limited resources by funding technology infrastructure and software. They can support collaborations across the public, private, and academic sectors to leverage shared technology and promote ethical AI use.  Funders could learn from the nonprofits they support, gaining valuable insights into practical AI applications in the social sector.

For both funders and nonprofit leaders, the key is to look beyond mere efficiency gains and explore how AI can contribute to deeper, mission-driven goals by inclusively engaging with all of our stakeholders on AI use.  By investing in inclusive AI adoption now, we can more fully participate in this tech disruption and advocate for the equitable and ethical use of AI  to create positive change in our communities.

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