In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of innovation— transforming how we connect, communicate, and bring about change. For nonprofit organizations, AI presents unprecedented opportunities to improve engagement and streamline operations. However, integrating AI into nonprofit activities comes with its own set of challenges. It requires a careful balance of utilizing technology while upholding ethical standards, protecting data, and ensuring factual accuracy —all of which are essential to maintaining the trust that forms the foundation of all nonprofit relationships.

The ethical imperative

Imagine the potential of AI in crafting a compelling funding appeal for your nonprofit, using donor profiles and program data to create a narrative so touching it moves you to tears. Now, contrast this with the fallout of using such personal information without consent, incorporating inaccurate statistics, or creating misleading narratives. This scenario underscores the critical importance of ethical AI use, which includes: respecting privacy, ensuring accuracy and maintaining the authenticity of communication.

Nonprofits should consider creating a comprehensive policy regarding the ethical issues arising from the use of AI. Such policies act as a guide to navigate the intricate landscape of artificial intelligence. They ensure that its application is transparent, trustworthy, and promotes mutual understanding between nonprofits and their stakeholders.

Key considerations

1. Navigating stakeholder perspectives on AI

Understanding and addressing stakeholders' diverse views on AI is crucial. Stakeholders range from donors and beneficiaries to volunteers and the broader community, each with their unique perspectives on AI's role in decision-making and communication. Solutions include:

• Engaging stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, and conversations to gather insights on their views about AI.
• Developing AI strategies and communication methods that resonate with your supporters, informed by their feedback.

2. Enhancing data protection measures

In an era where data equates to currency, nonprofits must be vigilant guardians of sensitive information. The application of AI in processing personal details introduces privacy, security, and ethical challenges that should be addressed head-on. Solutions include:

• Creating a comprehensive AI Data Protection Policy aligned with data protection regulations.
• Training team members on data protection best practices, fostering a culture of privacy and security advocacy.

3. Combating misinformation and plagiarism

The risk of spreading misinformation or plagiarized content through AI-generated materials can damage a nonprofit's credibility and trustworthiness. Solutions include:

• Implementing robust fact-checking and verification processes for AI-generated content.
• Instituting a policy of mandatory human review for all AI-generated materials to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.

Advocating for ethical AI development and usage

As nonprofit leaders, it's vital to stay informed about regulatory changes and ethical standards in AI. Participating in conversations surrounding AI governance and advocating for responsible technology use are critical steps toward promoting ethical AI development and usage.

Establishing your nonprofit's AI policy

A comprehensive AI policy should cover the following areas:

• Outline of AI Utilization and Benefits: Detail how and why your organization uses AI, highlighting the advantages it brings.
• AI Data Protection Policy: Establish guidelines for data handling within AI applications.
• Fact-Checking Framework and Human Oversight Mandates: Ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated content.
• Commitment to Ethical AI Use: Articulate your nonprofit's dedication to ethical AI practices, transparency, and accountability.

By proactively establishing robust AI policies, nonprofits can navigate the challenges associated with AI, such as public preconceptions, misinformation, and privacy concerns. More importantly, these policies reinforce a nonprofit's commitment to integrity, accuracy, and trust, laying a solid foundation for the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

As we embrace AI's potential, let's commit to its responsible and ethical application. Let's shape a future where technology amplifies our capacity for good, guided by policies that ensure we do so with integrity and respect for those we serve.

The Cause Specialists has an AI Policy. Check it out.

Joanne Toller, CFRE (Ret.) has been a professional fundraiser for over 25 years. She is the Founder of The Cause Specialists, specializing in digital marketing and fundraising. Watch the video and download your free guide to create your own Nonprofit AI Policy.