Introduction
Nonprofit organizations are constantly exploring ways to streamline operations and amplify their impact. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI, can often be a valuable and low or no-cost tool to help reach these goals. However, when deploying AI, it is important to consider how to use AI responsibly. The information in this help center article will guide your nonprofit to responsibly integrate AI into its workstreams.
What is generative AI?
Most AI tools meant for everyday use incorporate generative AI. Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that identifies patterns from large amounts of data and uses those patterns to create new content like text, images, or other media.
Generative AI offers your nonprofit the power to not only save time but also enhance the impact of your work. These tools act as digital collaborators, empowering staff to tackle complex tasks more efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and unlock new levels of creativity. Imagine drafting compelling grant proposals with research-backed insights, generating personalized outreach campaigns that resonate deeply with donors, or analyzing program data to pinpoint areas for improvement – all with the assistance of AI.
Responsible AI practices and strategies
While generative AI offers great potential for improving the efficiency and impact of your nonprofit organization, it's important to establish responsible practices when using generative AI tools. Practices that prioritize fairness, accuracy, the protection of privacy, and an overall ethical approach will help your nonprofit navigate generative AI responsibly.
Mitigate Bias
Ensure accuracy
Respect privacy
Disclose AI usage
Resources for Responsible AI usage
Organizations of all kinds are navigating how to leverage generative AI for their work. Guidelines for responsible AI usage can help any organization determine AI policies and best practices. The following resources from a range of organizations provide additional guidance to consider for understanding how to use AI responsibly.
- How to Create a Generative AI Use Policy. A how-to guide from TechSoup for creating an AI use policy for your nonprofit.
- Artificial Intelligence Framework for an Equitable World and an associated Generative AI Use Policy Template from NTEN. A guide for developing and using AI tools in an equitable and responsible way and a template for nonprofits to use in beginning to build their own organizational AI policies.
- Google's Responsible AI practices and Principles. Recommended practices and principles for the design and development of AI systems.
- Applying AI to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Content from Google’s AI for Social Good group who partner with organizations to build and deliver AI tools and technologies that tackle social challenges.
