A friendly guide to thinking about AI in the third sector, focusing on doing good without causing harm.

I was chatting with a friend who works for a health charity the other day, and we landed on the topic of artificial intelligence. It’s everywhere, right? From the apps on our phones to the way we shop online. But it got me thinking: how does this new wave of technology fit into the world of non-profits? The conversation about AI in charities is one we need to have, not as a futuristic debate, but as a practical, right-now reality. The goal isn’t just to be innovative; it’s to ensure these powerful tools help, not hinder, the vital work being done for real people.

It’s easy to see the appeal. Charities are often stretched thin, balancing tight budgets with huge missions. AI promises a helping hand, a way to automate the tedious stuff so more time can be spent on what truly matters. Imagine AI handling initial data analysis on fundraising campaigns, freeing up the team to connect with donors. Or a chatbot that provides instant access to reliable, accessible information 24/7, acting as a first port of call for a helpline. For UK charities, AI could help with everything from translating essential health advice into multiple languages to managing volunteer schedules. The potential to increase efficiency and extend reach is definitely there.

A Practical Look at the Risks of AI in Charities

But let’s be honest. With any powerful tool, there are risks. This isn’t about scaremongering; it’s about being responsible. When your mission is to support vulnerable people, you have to be extra careful. A for-profit company might risk a PR blunder, but for a charity, a mistake can erode public trust, which is the most valuable asset you have.

So, what should be on our radar? Here are a few big ones:

• Bias and Discrimination: AI models learn from the data they’re given. If that data reflects existing societal biases (and it almost always does), the AI can end up making unfair or discriminatory decisions. This is a huge concern, especially when dealing with services that must comply with standards like the UK’s Equality Act 2010.
• Privacy and Security: Charities handle incredibly sensitive personal data. Using new AI tools means you have to be absolutely certain you know where that data is going, how it’s being used, and that it’s protected under GDPR regulations. A data breach isn’t just a technical problem; it’s a profound betrayal of trust.
• Misinformation and Accuracy: For a health charity providing critical information, accuracy is everything. An AI tool that “hallucinates” or provides incorrect medical advice could cause serious harm. The “human in the loop” becomes non-negotiable here.
• Losing the Human Touch: Can AI offer empathy? Can it replace a befriending service? Probably not. There’s a real danger of over-relying on automated systems and losing the genuine, human connection that is often the most important part of a charity’s work.

Creating a Simple Governance Plan for AI in Charities

Okay, so there are opportunities and there are risks. What now? The answer isn’t to run from AI, but to walk towards it with a clear, simple plan. You don’t need a 100-page document from day one. Start with a few core principles.

1. Always Keep a Human in the Loop: This is the golden rule. For any important decision—especially those affecting a person’s support, health, or data—an AI can assist, but a human must make the final call. Fully autonomous systems should be off the table for most core services.

2. Be Radically Transparent: If you’re using an AI-powered chatbot on your website, just say so! People are more accepting of technology when they understand what they’re interacting with. Transparency builds trust. Explain how you’re using AI and what safeguards you have in place.

3. Test, Monitor, and Document: Before you roll out any new AI tool, test it thoroughly. Think about who it might exclude. Is it accessible to people with disabilities? Once it’s live, monitor its performance. And write down your process: What tool are you using? Why did you choose it? What risks did you identify, and how are you managing them?

4. Invest in Your People: Your staff and volunteers are your greatest asset. They need training not just on how to use a new tool, but on its limitations and ethical implications. Empower them to raise concerns and give feedback.

Ultimately, navigating AI in charities is less about being a tech expert and more about sticking to your core mission and values. It’s about asking the right questions. Does this tool genuinely help our beneficiaries? Does it align with our ethical commitments? Is it safe, fair, and transparent? By leading with these questions, we can make sure that as technology leaps forward, we’re bringing our humanity right along with it.