Artificial intelligence is one of those topics that can make people instinctively roll their eyes (me too, at times). It can feel overhyped. It raises real concerns about jobs, environmental impact, and whether it sits comfortably with the values that matter in the non-profit sector.
But if we move past the hype, there is a more useful question: are there ways to use AI thoughtfully and strategically to help organisations deepen their impact for the communities they serve?
Organisational efficiencies
Many non-profits are stuck in a constant cycle of trying to do more with less. If organisations can identify the repetitive, time-consuming tasks that drain capacity, AI may offer practical ways to digitise or automate some of that work. Used well, that could create breathing room for teams that are already stretched.
Data-driven decisions
AI is not just about streamlining internal processes. It can also help organisations make better strategic decisions about where to focus their time, energy and resources. It is especially useful for sorting, synthesising and analysing information quickly, which can help teams spot patterns, understand trends, and make more informed choices.
”Elevate the human”
One phrase that stayed with me from Rethink Ireland’s recent AI Discovery Day was the idea that AI can “elevate the human.” That feels like the right test. If AI can take some of the weight of admin and repetitive tasks off people’s shoulders, it creates more space for the work that only humans can really do: building trust, listening well, supporting people with care, and making room for creativity and collaboration.
Don’t bury your head in the sand
At the same time, burying our heads in the sand is not a sensible response. It is probably safe to assume that AI tools are already being used informally in many organisations, and that carries real risks. AI systems can make mistakes, reproduce bias, and create serious privacy and data protection issues. The EU AI Act applies to organisations using AI in Ireland, including charities and non-profits.
That cannot be ignored. Boards and leadership teams need clear, practical guidance on what acceptable use looks like in their organisation, and those policies should reflect both legal obligations and organisational values. At a minimum, that means thinking seriously about GDPR, accountability, transparency and human oversight.
In short
A healthy scepticism about AI is no bad thing. In fact, it is probably necessary. But scepticism does not have to mean disengagement. It is worth staying curious about where AI might genuinely help you further your mission or ease pressure on your team. And whatever approach you take, everyone in the organisation should be clear about what responsible and inappropriate use of AI looks like in practice.
Real-world examples
Here are a few examples that show what this can look like in practice.
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Spanish Red Cross has developed an AI-supported digital tool to identify and assess land suitable for reforestation, helping it make more informed decisions about environmental impact and community benefit.
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Crann Centre in Cork worked with Dell Technologies on an AI strategy that improved how client information is organised and used, supporting better decision-making and more effective service delivery.
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Crisis Text Line uses AI to help triage incoming messages so that people at higher risk can be prioritised more quickly for human support.
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Cork University Hospital Charity has developed Sparkie, an app that helps volunteers generate fundraising event ideas, making it easier for the fundraising team to support more people more effectively.
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British Heart Foundation uses AI-supported tools to help assess second-hand items received by its charity shops, improving pricing decisions and identifying higher-value pieces more efficiently.