AI Playbook for Charities

Understanding and assessment

Before diving into artificial intelligence implementation, charities need a clear picture of their current position and readiness for change. This chapter guides organisations through the essential first steps of their AI journey, helping them build a foundation for successful adoption.

Why start here?

Many charities feel pressure to implement AI quickly, especially as they see other organisations adopting these technologies. However, rushing into AI implementation without proper preparation often leads to wasted resources and missed opportunities. This chapter helps you avoid those pitfalls by establishing a thoughtful, systematic approach.

What this chapter covers

Through a series of practical activities, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of your organisation's relationship with AI. This includes assessing current AI usage, gathering staff perspectives, and identifying potential areas for implementation. The activities build upon each other, helping you create a clear picture of where you are and where you might go.

We begin with baseline surveys and stakeholder conversations to understand existing attitudes and concerns about AI. These insights inform targeted workshops that bring together different perspectives from across your organisation. The chapter then guides you through impact assessments and resource allocation, ensuring your AI initiatives align with your charitable mission.

Who should use this chapter

This chapter is particularly valuable for charities at the start of their AI journey, including those who:

  • Have noticed staff beginning to use AI tools independently but lack formal policies
  • Want to understand how AI might benefit their organisation
  • Need to build internal support for AI adoption
  • Feel uncertain about where to begin with AI implementation

Expected outcomes

Working through these activities will help you:

  • Understand current AI usage and attitudes within your organisation
  • Identify promising opportunities for AI implementation
  • Build staff confidence and reduce anxiety about AI
  • Create frameworks for assessing AI impacts
  • Establish governance structures for ongoing AI initiatives

This chapter represents the beginning of your AI journey, not the destination. The insights you gain here will inform your approach to implementation, helping ensure that your AI initiatives serve your charitable mission effectively.