Your go-to source for responsible AI adoption in the nonprofit sector.
No matter where you're located or what your nonprofit's mission is, AI has likely come up in staff meetings, board discussions, or conversations with funders and partners. You’ve probably read headlines about AI’s promises and pitfalls or seen nonprofits rush to adopt AI, only to face unintended risks and challenges. While AI isn’t new, the surge in consumer-ready products now marketed to nonprofits brings both fresh opportunities and obstacles.
This resource hub is designed to be a central repository for nonprofit staff, offering a wide range of materials. You can share everything here with your team and board, and we’ll keep expanding the hub based on your needs and feedback.
AI for an equitable world
At NTEN, we focus on the equitable and skillful use of technology, and that perspective shapes how we approach AI. We believe that every staff member, board member, program participant, and community member should have access to the training they need to be involved in intentional decisions about AI adoption in nonprofits. We also recognize that what's appropriate for one organization may not be for another.
How can we ensure inclusive conversations and decision-making around AI while accommodating the diverse needs of communities, organizations, and staff?
The AI Framework for an Equitable World was developed through a community-centered process involving dozens of organizations and cross-sector partners. This tool helps raise critical questions at any stage of decision-making and across any mission or organizational context. Use it daily to identify new opportunities or risks in your AI journey.
VIEW THE REPORT AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCESAI governance for your organization
These videos, templates, and resources are designed to help your organization build foundational practices and policies, covering everything from governance principles to board-level discussions. You can explore the topics in any order, and if you complete them all, you can request a certificate to showcase your commitment to learning about AI.
Ten terms to get started with AI
The decisions you make about using AI-enabled technologies can affect everyone on your team and in your community. Ensure you have the right information to help everyone be part of those conversations and decisions. This video breaks down concepts like machine learning, generative AI, algorithms, and more to help nonprofits evaluate these technologies with confidence.
Associated resources
AI governance framework for nonprofits: An overview
Kick off the governance series with this introductory overview. In this video, you'll be introduced to the AI governance framework and learn of useful resources to help you start developing an AI policy for your organization.
Associated resources
- Slides – ANB Advisory Group
- AI policy template – ANB Advisory Group
- AI policy template – NTEN
- Board talking points – ANB Advisory
Overarching principles and framing questions for organizations
In this video, you'll learn how to define sensitive data and why stated values are crucial for responsible AI adoption. You'll also discover key questions to guide staff on when to use AI as technologies evolve.
Associated resources
- Slides – ANB Advisory Group
- Artificial Intelligence And Worker Well-being: Principles And Best Practices For Developers And Employers – U.S. Department of Labor
- Policy Narrative: AI and the nonprofit sector – NTEN
Deciding on AI: Frameworks for making decisions, use cases, and tools
In this video, you'll establish a framework for your nonprofit's AI decision-making. Discover real-world examples of AI in action and explore essential tools for implementing use cases within nonprofits.
Associated resources
- Slides – ANB Advisory Group
- AI Framework for an Equitable World – NTEN
- Example of an AI use policy by Rosza Foundation
Data and IT governance
In this video, you'll explore the connection between high-quality data and effective AI tools. Learn specific methods for implementing data governance and best practices for fostering a strong data culture within your organization.
Associated resources
- Slides – ANB Advisory Group
- Data Empowerment Report – NTEN
- Getting started with data inventory – NTEN
- Data policies your nonprofit needs – NTEN
Data privacy
In this video, you'll learn how privacy principles apply to AI, along with recommendations on how to configure your data access and permissions. Discover best practices to safeguard the privacy of your and your constituents’ data when using AI.
Associated resources
- Slides – ANB Advisory Group
- Data Empowerment Report – NTEN
- Sample privacy policy – NTEN
- Sample web content and social media policy – NTEN
AI tools evaluation, development, and analysis
In this video, you'll understand the key factors and roles involved in evaluating AI tools. Explore how nonprofit leaders create AI platforms for both internal and external use, and learn best practices for building effective AI solutions.
Associated resources
- Slides – ANB Advisory Group
- AI tools approved for organization employee use – NTEN
- Do's and don'ts for chatbots and similar AI tools – NTEN
- Example questions for AI tool vendors – NTEN
Request a certificate of completion
More ways to learn
We’ll keep adding AI-related resources throughout the year. Check out more ways to learn below, and feel free to let us know if there’s a specific topic or resource you’d like us to include!
Online courses on AI
NTEN’s professional development courses offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your expertise. With our flexible, self-paced format, you can learn at your convenience. All courses are online and feature captions and transcripts to ensure an inclusive learning experience. Plus, they count toward CFRE and CRE credits, as well as NTEN certificates, helping you advance your professional development while gaining practical skills from expert-designed content.
Check out our AI-related courses below, or explore our full range of courses on various topics.
AI for nonprofits professional certificate
NTEN’s esteemed certificates are the first credentials dedicated to nonprofit technology management and digital equity. Our newest certificate focuses on artificial intelligence in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing resources, guidance, and expert insights to help you leverage this emerging technology strategically while staying aligned with your mission’s values.
We’re currently offering a limited number of scholarships for the AI certificate.
To earn the certificate, you’ll need to complete:
- 6 AI courses
- 2 leadership courses
- 5 courses in any category
- 1 final assignment
