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Artificial intelligence (AI), now embedded in many of the tools nonprofit staff use every day, is already present across most organizations—whether leadership has formally approved it or not. Staff are drafting communications, writing and summarizing reports, researching donors, organizing ideas, and supporting planning and decision-making work. In some cases, they are also entering financial, human resources, or member data, including personally identifiable information (PII). (They may also be using an organization-paid enterprise account for their own queries, conversations, and projects.) Even when used with good intentions and in the interest of getting work done faster and better, it introduces risk.

This session is designed for executive directors, CEOs, and senior leaders who want to guide the use of these tools without overcomplicating the process or needing a technical background.

Adam Wolford and Sophia Shaw covered the practical building blocks nonprofits need in place to use these tools thoughtfully and responsibly, including:

• clear guidance for staff use

• a technology environment that supports that guidance

• appropriate boundaries around sensitive information

• defined ownership and accountability

• alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, governance practices, and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) approach

They also looked at where these tools can be useful in nonprofit work—including communications, research, and planning—and touch on the related questions of efficiency, risk, labor, and environmental impact that deserve closer attention.

Participants left with:

• An understanding of what governance of these tools looks like in practice for a small- to mid-size nonprofit

• A framework for developing a staff use policy

• A connection between tool use, strategic planning, and Enterprise Risk Management

• Practical next steps