Associations and Artificial Intelligence: Insights into Nonprofit AI Adoption Trends

Associations and Artificial Intelligence: Insights into Nonprofit AI Adoption Trends

An article by Associations Now shows insights into nonprofit AI adoption trends, including the professional association sector’s lag in adopting generative AI compared to the corporate realm. Only 16 percent of nonprofit professionals were reported to be using AI tools in 2022, significantly lower than industries like biotech and automotive where adoption rates exceed 50 percent. Concerns such as funding fluctuations, budget constraints, and technological leadership inhibit AI integration.

The report identifies key AI use cases for nonprofits, including authentic constituent chatbots, fundraising/membership intelligence, and grant writing transformation. These applications offer opportunities for efficient stakeholder communication, data analysis for service improvement, and personalized member experiences. However, the report emphasizes the importance of tailoring AI initiatives to each organization’s readiness and capabilities.

Neil de Ridder, managing partner at Info-Tech, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach involving executive leadership, departments, and board members to assess readiness and prioritize initiatives. Additionally, the report stresses the necessity of AI governance to address data privacy concerns and maintain member trust. Transparent communication about AI usage and offering alternatives for human interaction with chatbots are recommended to uphold member confidence.

In essence, the report urges nonprofit and professional associations to overcome hesitations and embrace generative AI, leveraging its potential to enhance services, engage members, and adapt to evolving needs while ensuring ethical and transparent AI governance.