Where to start with: AI

Where to start with: AI

At the GSR Foundation, we see artificial intelligence (AI) as a practical opportunity for socially purposed organisations to work more efficiently, learn from their data, and reach more people. Used well, AI can free up staff and volunteer time, generate insights, and support better decision making. It can also play an important role in democratising access to funding opportunities, by improving written output and funder communication. On the other hand, widespread adoption raises important ethical and governance considerations. It is also being used by bad actors to power increasingly sophisticated fraud and other malicious actions.

As a tech-centred funder and partner, we want to support the social sector to explore AI utilisation responsibly, starting from a position of readiness and confidence. While there is uncertainty about how the technology will evolve, there is no doubt that it will do so rapidly. Consumer-level tools are becoming faster, more accurate, and more seamlessly integrated into everyday workflows. The amusing/terrifying (depending on your point of view!) errors are becoming less frequent, and significant processes in industry are being outsourced to AI.

In a sector where a small number of large organisations command most of the income, AI could risk deepening existing divides, as well-resourced organisations are better placed to adopt and implement new technology in their fundraising and operations. Yet it could also help level the playing field - empowering smaller organisations by supporting non-native speakers to craft compelling funding applications, or by providing access to technical, legal, and financial guidance that might otherwise be out of reach.

We recommend: 
Starting now - even if it’s just deepening your knowledge of the technology. Our long term partner, Charity Excellence, has collaborated with Microsoft, to develop and offer free training designed specifically for the charity sector. The courses are short, accessible and built around real-world needs. They cover AI fundamentals, responsible use and practical applications that any organisation can adopt without technical expertise. It’s an excellent starting point for all key stakeholders in your organisation - be they staff, volunteers, or trustees. You can access the content here.

Starting to use it:
Evidence and experience tells us that a growing majority of charities use AI to some extent in their day to day operations. Practical actions to consider include:

- Build awareness by encouraging trustees and staff to complete the introductory module together, creating shared understanding and confidence across your organisation.

- Apply AI practically through small, real-world uses such as automating administrative tasks, drafting communications or summarising reports, while exploring how AI can manage routine workloads more efficiently. In the GSR Foundation, for example, we use AI to support us with taking the minutes for board meetings. 
 

- Strengthen governance by reviewing how data is collected and stored, ensuring trustees are briefed on ethics and risk, and embedding AI within your existing policies and oversight structures.
Pilot and learn with one focused project, track what works, share learning internally and use insights to inform future planning and digital priorities.
 

- Make readiness intentional by adding AI to board discussions, setting aside time for staff learning and treating AI not as an add-on but as a capability that supports your mission.
Where possible, speak with the people who use your services

In summary:
Our view is that AI will become integral to how socially purposed organisations deliver and demonstrate impact. The right starting point is awareness, responsibility and small-scale experimentation. The Charity Excellence Learning programme provides an ideal foundation for building confidence and capability across the sector. GSR Foundation is proud to support this important work, deepening our focus on infrastructure and data-led insight.