Article by Michelle Flores Vryn and Meena Das: “AI can only boost the under-resourced nonprofit world if we design it to serve the communities we care about. But as nonprofits consider how to incorporate AI into their work, many look to expertise from tech sector, expecting tools and implementation advice as well as ethical guidance. Yet when mission-driven entities—with a strong focus on people, communities, and equity—partner solely with tech companies, they may encounter a variety of obstacles, such as:
- Limited understanding of community needs: Sector-specific knowledge is essential for aligning AI with nonprofit missions, something many tech companies lack.
- Bias in AI models: Without diverse input, AI models may exacerbate biases or misrepresent the communities that nonprofits serve.
- Resource constraints: Tech solutions often presume budgets or capacity beyond what nonprofits can bring to bear, creating a reliance on tools that fit the nonprofit context.
We need creative, diverse collaborations across various fields to ensure that technology is deployed in ways that align with nonprofit values, build trust, and serve the greater good. Seeking partners outside of the tech world helps nonprofits develop AI solutions that are context-aware, equitable, and resource-sensitive. Most importantly, nonprofit practitioners must deeply consider our ideal future state: What does an AI-empowered nonprofit sector look like when it truly centers human well-being, community agency, and ethical technology?
Imagining this future means not just reacting to emerging technology but proactively shaping its trajectory. Instead of simply adapting to AI’s capabilities, nonprofits should ask:
- What problems do we truly need AI to solve?
- Whose voices must be centered in AI decision-making?
- How do we ensure AI remains a tool for empowerment rather than control?..(More)”.
