Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere these days, including in not-for-profits. A recent survey by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and Project Evident explores the current use of, interest in and opportunity for AI in the social and education sectors. The survey’s results show that AI already has a considerable presence there; nearly half of funders and not-for-profit respondents said their organizations use some type of AI. Additionally, three out of four funders and not-for-profits believe their organizations would benefit from using AI more.

The most common barrier to adoption is bias in AI systems, followed by challenges in envisioning how not-for-profits can use the technology and a lack of internal expertise. In addition, not-for-profits also are concerned about the cost.

How Microsoft’s digital skills resource can help not-for-profits

Microsoft has opened a Digital Skills Resource Hub that features curated resources from across Microsoft Philanthropies, Worldwide Learning, Education, LinkedIn Learning and many other Microsoft teams and partner organizations. The hub is intended to help not-for-profits thrive in an age of AI.

The site offers a wide variety of training materials for not-for-profits, educators and community organizations. Covered topics include AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, productivity, digital literacy and cloud skills. The hub also includes the newly released AI Trainer Toolkit.

Microsoft provides links to other valuable resources, too. You can find information on free technology grants and LinkedIn scholarship opportunities, as well as case studies involving actual organizations.

For more information, contact Barb Miller at [email protected] or 312.670.7444. Visit ORBA.com to learn more about our Not-For-Profit Group.