AI for NFPs
I have supported numerous not-for-profit organisations across Aotearoa and experience firsthand the commitment and dedication that drives our sector. However, I’ve seen many common challenges these organisations face, such as limited funding and operational inefficiencies, making it hard for not-for-profits (NFPs) to maximise their impact.
For many community organisations the key challenges, these conversations revolve around where to start. Ensuring transparency, maintaining accurate records, and effectively managing tasks can be significant hurdles when staff are often in part time roles, or the small community centre has limited resources, it’s a lot to juggle. This is where AI can make a transformative difference.
Role of AI in addressing operational inefficiencies
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants or big businesses. AI technology and tools hold immense potential for small community organisations too. AI can streamline operations, reduce overheads, and help NFPs achieve their missions more effectively.
Imagine having an AI assistant or an AI Agent that helps keep track of contracts, manages tasks, and captures data on donations seamlessly – then turns all of this into a nicely compacted summarised report for the organisation board and management – easy, done! Technology can free up time and resources, allowing staff to focus on what they do best.
Examples of AI-driven solutions in resource allocation and management
AI-driven solutions are already making a difference in resource allocation and management for many NFPs. Here are a few examples:
- Task Management: Tools like Trello and Asana can be enhanced with AI-powered features to automate task assignments based on workload, deadlines, and priorities.
- Financial Oversight: Platforms such as QuickBooks and Xero offer AI capabilities for real-time financial analysis, helping NFPs keep a closer eye on their budgets and spending.
- Donor Management: AI-driven CRM systems like Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud can analyse donor data to predict giving patterns, helping organisations tailor their fundraising strategies.
Free AI tools and resources for small community organisations
You don’t need a big budget to take advantage of AI. There are several free tools and resources (including free trials) that small community organisations can use to improve their systems:
- Google Sheets: With the help of Google Sheets add-ons like “Macro” and “AI-driven Data Analysis,” you can automate data entry and analysis, making it easier to track donations and manage budgets.
- Slack: This communication platform offers AI integrations to help streamline team communications and project management.
- Zapier: A tool that connects your apps and automates workflows, Zapier can help manage tasks and data across different platforms, reducing the manual workload.
- HubSpot: The free version of HubSpot provides robust CRM capabilities that can be enhanced with AI-driven insights about donor engagement and outreach effectiveness.
- Microsoft Power Automate: Previously known as Microsoft Flow, this tool allows you to create automated workflows between your favourite apps and services to synchronise files, get notifications, collect data, and more.
Data security is very important, remember to protect your data and only share on trusted platforms. Many free AI tools are operated by overseas organisations.
Improving governance with AI
AI can provide significant assistance in these areas by offering tools that improve transparency and accountability:
- Contract Oversight: AI tools like ContractPodAi can help manage and review contracts, ensuring compliance and tracking key dates and obligations.
- Data Capture: Tools such as Formstack and Google Workspace, enhanced with AI capabilities, can simplify the process of capturing and analysing data from donations and other sources.
- Automated Reporting: AI can generate reports on operational efficiency, financial health, and impact metrics, providing valuable insights for governance and decision-making.
- Governance and Management: Improving our systems and processes is crucial. Like Health and Safety for PCBUs, consider including AI and technology in your agenda; AI Policy.
The wrap
As Chief Executive of Community Governance Aotearoa, I’ve seen how technology can transform not-for-profit organisations. By using AI, small community groups can improve governance, manage resources better, and boost their impact, even with limited budgets.
I’m seeing many transformative programmes led by government departments and philanthropic organisations invest in their own systems and processes. The narrative is one of “we can tell if someone has used AI to write an application” – are our community organisations going to be punished by those who hold the purse strings? We need to make sure the devolution of decision making and that relating to advancing technology equally benefits those from our grassroots and flaxroots communities.
Technological advancements are continuously evolving and progressing rapidly. Organisations can utilise these AI developments to focus on their primary mission: serving their communities.
About Rose
LinkedIn: Rose Hiha-Agnew champions the use of innovative technologies to empower and uplift not-for-profit organisations across New Zealand.
Contact information
