Funders and nonprofits are starting to use AI across grantmaking and day-to-day operations to streamline work and free up staff time, while remaining mindful of risks related to accuracy, bias, and data privacy. Common uses include:
- Supporting the grants process: Nonprofits are using AI to draft and adapt grant proposals, proofread applications, and assess eligibility. Funders are using it to summarize proposals, review Form 990s, and prepare concise materials for boards.
- Reducing administrative workload: Both funders and nonprofits are using AI to generate meeting notes, draft onboarding materials and standard operating procedures, clean spreadsheets, and organize shared drives, freeing up staff time for mission-driven work.
- Improving communications and content: AI is helping organizations draft emails, newsletters, reports, website content, and social media posts more efficiently, with humans refining tone, accuracy, and voice.
- Making sense of data and evaluation: Funders and nonprofits are using AI to interpret lengthy reports, synthesize evaluation data, distinguish outputs from outcomes, and create early-stage visuals to support learning and decision-making.
At the same time, funders and nonprofits are navigating important questions around accuracy, bias, data privacy, workforce impacts, and the role of human judgment and relationships.
To explore these examples, and the governance considerations that come with them, in more depth, read the member resource, How Funders and Nonprofits Are Using AI.
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