AI With Purpose: How Foundations and Nonprofits are Thinking About and Using Artificial Intelligence
Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) (2025), 39 pp.
Contains 13 figures, 4 tables
"While AI is widely used by nonprofits and foundations alike — most often for internal productivity and communications purposes — leaders share common concerns about AI in their work. They also agree that foundations do not currently have a strong grasp of nonprofits’ AI-related needs. Perhaps as a result, few foundations provide support for nonprofits to implement AI in their work. Even fewer are engaged in efforts to advance equity, justice, and inclusivity through the development and use of AI. Nonprofits and foundations are likely to continue taking a wide range of stances on AI use and funding. Whether organizations choose to adopt or opt out, to critique or promote — or anywhere in between — we hope that this research will prompt a thoughtful and proactive approach to the arrival of AI in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors." (Conclusion, page 28)
"FINDING 1: Most foundations and nonprofits use AI in their work but share a common set of concerns about the technology related to security, accuracy, staff expertise, and bias.
FINDING 2: Both foundation and nonprofit leaders believe foundation staff lack an understanding of nonprofits’ AI-rela ted needs.
FINDING 3: Few foundations provide funding or nonmonetary support for grantees’ use of AI.
FINDING 4: Much opportunity remains for both foundations and nonprofits to take the ethical development, deployment, and use of AI into consideration, particularly for historically marginalized communities." (Key findings, page 4)
FINDING 2: Both foundation and nonprofit leaders believe foundation staff lack an understanding of nonprofits’ AI-rela ted needs.
FINDING 3: Few foundations provide funding or nonmonetary support for grantees’ use of AI.
FINDING 4: Much opportunity remains for both foundations and nonprofits to take the ethical development, deployment, and use of AI into consideration, particularly for historically marginalized communities." (Key findings, page 4)
Introduction, 1
Key Findings, 4
FINDING 1: Widespread Use, Widespread Concern, 5
FINDING 2: Understanding AI Needs, 12
FINDING 3: Supporting Nonprofits’ Use Of AI, 15
FINDING 4: Equitable AI, 21
Conclusion, 28
Appendix A: Methodology, 32
Appendix B: Nonprofit Survey Respondent Demographics, 38
Appendix C: Foundation Survey Respondent Demographics, 39
Key Findings, 4
FINDING 1: Widespread Use, Widespread Concern, 5
FINDING 2: Understanding AI Needs, 12
FINDING 3: Supporting Nonprofits’ Use Of AI, 15
FINDING 4: Equitable AI, 21
Conclusion, 28
Appendix A: Methodology, 32
Appendix B: Nonprofit Survey Respondent Demographics, 38
Appendix C: Foundation Survey Respondent Demographics, 39
