Although the emergence of artificial intelligence poses a threat to humanity, this does not apply to non-profit organizations. In fact, artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to help improve the performance of non-profit organizations and create real and tangible change in the world.

What is artificial intelligence and what is its significance?

Artificial intelligence enables devices to process information and learn. It is a broad range of disciplines and technologies that perform tasks and solve problems that were previously limited to human capabilities. The ability of technology to handle data without the need for pre-programming in the data development process is a significant achievement in itself.

Moreover, artificial intelligence has the capability to continuously learn and improve its performance over time, unlike static software that performs the same routine repeatedly. It also has the ability to run millions of scenarios and continue working without interruption.

In contrast to software that waits for instructions from the user, artificial intelligence proactively employs a number of strategies to take actions independently.

While some companies fear that artificial intelligence will decrease job opportunities, it allows non-profit organizations to expand their capabilities by using data and analytics. Consequently, artificial intelligence will not negatively impact employment in the non-profit sector; rather, it will enhance its value.

Artificial Intelligence: Between the Past and the Present:

The pursuit of employing artificial intelligence technology has been an ongoing effort for over 60 years. During the 1950s, the summer research project at Dartmouth College was pivotal in defining this field and choosing a vision for the technologies that continuously change our world. Subsequently, artificial intelligence shifted from the theoretical phase to the practical phase.

Thus, signs of applied artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, machine learning, and learning systems spread across our world. The emergence of the digital assistant 'Microsoft’s Clippy' for the first time in Microsoft software was an early attempt to use algorithms to understand user behavior and determine recommendations.

Software then evolved, and 'Cortana,' the digital personal assistant developed by Microsoft, emerged alongside Apple's 'Siri.' These tools and technologies took years to develop and add value to our daily lives. In this context, Blackbaud Software has helped non-profit organizations make better decisions about supporter engagement.

How do data help in developing artificial intelligence?

The capabilities of artificial intelligence for non-profit organizations depend on data capabilities, as they represent the material from which it learns. Data is the most abundant element in the charitable field, such as information about supporters, members, and stakeholders. They also provide insights into the success of contracts, campaigns, programs, and even achievements.

If a non-profit organization seeks to achieve outstanding results through artificial intelligence, it should rely on data that is meaningful for its cause and the results it aims to achieve.

AI specifically designed for non-profit organizations creates a real impact:

The correct equation for success in the charitable field lies in a combination of the right data, insightful analytics, reporting, and the application of artificial intelligence, along with the right expertise. Effective use of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence at the core of non-profits requires a very important element: human competencies. There is no doubt that the non-profit sector requires high skills and expertise in this area, alongside solutions specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this sector.

On the other hand, non-profit organizations should employ AI capabilities tailored to the specific needs and purposes of this sector. The primary goal in the non-profit sector is to help organizations engage as many donors and supporters as possible in order to change the world for the better, unlike the for-profit sector which seeks to promote specific goods.

To achieve the desired goals through artificial intelligence technology, the correct data, contextual expertise, and continuous learning must be provided. When these factors come together, they can yield real impact. For example, Blackboard uses AI and machine learning to direct recommendations to funders directly in their software applications. Thus, non-profit professionals do not need special tools or skills to act on the information.

Moreover, the continued success of the non-profit sector requires organizations to rely on appropriate data. This means employing data, analytics, and AI to meet increasing demands. If artificial intelligence relies on the correct data, designed by experts who define the context that distinguishes the charitable sector from others, it can then be among the key and effective factors in achieving the change that non-profit organizations seek to create.

Source: NP Engage