Reimagining equity with AI: What philanthropy can do

AI is transforming industries, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. For resource-strapped organizations, AI holds enormous promise. But AI adoption comes with challenges. Concerns about authenticity, disparities in access, and biases in AI tools raise urgent questions: Will this technology help bridge societal gaps, or will it deepen them? 

The inequity in AI adoption today has parallels to the early days of seat belt installation in cars. Despite being a basic safety measure, seat belts were introduced late, and even then, only for luxury cars at first. Access to something critical was reserved for those who could afford it. Similarly, in the nonprofit sector, well-funded organizations are already leveraging AI to increase efficiency and reduce burnout, while smaller nonprofits—often serving the most marginalized communities—are being left behind. Without intentional action, this inequity will persist, limiting the transformative potential to advance equity with AI. 

We bear the responsibility to ensure AI adoption is equitable, ethical, and inclusive. In my more than 20 years as a philanthropy grants manager, nonprofit executive, and consultant, I’ve seen how technology decisions can either amplify equity or entrench existing barriers. At this crossroads, AI can become a tool to advance equity—or another obstacle for marginalized communities. Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to lead thoughtfully, ensuring an AI-powered future that uplifts everyone. 

Why AI adoption matters for equity 

AI has the potential to act as an equalizer for underserved and under-resourced communities. For example, AI can help bridge educational gaps that were exacerbated during the pandemic. Organizations like Quill.org use AI-powered tools to provide personalized, free writing instruction for K-12 students, which is particularly beneficial for schools with high student-teacher ratios. AI can also lighten the workload of educators while ensuring students’ AI literacy. The AI Education Project provides AI-powered resources that streamline lesson planning and integrate AI literacy into classrooms.  

In the nonprofit space, large language models like ChatGPT can support overworked staff that operate with limited resources. Tools that automate routine tasks, like annual grant reporting, create critical efficiencies; they align with alternative grant reporting practices aimed at reducing the administrative burdens on grantees while fostering equity-driven engagement​​ and learning for impact. By streamlining workflows and addressing burnout, tools like these can support staff well-being and build capacity for the sector.  

Yet significant barriers to AI adoption remain. It took years for seat belts to become standard in all vehicles, leaving many people without access to a life-saving tool. AI’s benefits won’t be equitably distributed without intervention, governance, and responsible frameworks.  

Nonprofits led by members of historically marginalized communities often face greater barriers to accessing and implementing AI tools. In addition, concerns about authenticity and trust can present obstacles to AI adoption. According to a Candid survey, 23% of grantmakers say they don’t accept AI-generated grant proposals​. Without intentional efforts to expand access, AI tools risk perpetuating inequities across the sector.  

How philanthropy can support equity with AI 

Philanthropy has an opportunity to support equitable AI adoption by fostering collaboration and removing barriers to access. Here are some strategies that can help ensure AI is a tool for inclusion rather than division: 

1. Adopt equity-driven frameworks. Tools like the Technology Association of Grantmakers’s AI Framework Guide can help organizations assess the ethical and equitable impact of AI initiatives. By adopting equity-centering frameworks for AI exploration, funders can ensure that equity considerations remain front and center in AI projects. 

2. Fund accessible AI initiatives. Funding is the lifeblood of innovation. Philanthropy can prioritize grants for under-resourced organizations to implement AI solutions that address their specific challenges. This includes not just purchasing tools but also covering costs for training, maintenance, and capacity building. 

3. Reframe authenticity concerns. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human expertise, philanthropy should champion its use as a complement. AI can handle repetitive tasks, enabling staff to dedicate more time to relationship building and strategic thinking. This reframing can reduce skepticism and encourage broader adoption. 

4. Build AI literacy. Nonprofits may lack the technical expertise and staff capacity to evaluate or adopt AI effectively. Funders can invest in upskilling programs that demystify AI, educating nonprofit leaders how to use these tools ethically and effectively. 

5. Foster collaboration. Philanthropy can connect nonprofit leaders to AI developers, fostering partnerships that ensure AI tools are designed with the communities they aim to serve. As Proximate Press highlights in its exploration of participatory philanthropy, “collaboration must center the voices and expertise of those closest to the work,” emphasizing the importance of co-creation to achieve equity and trust. 

How to measure success in equity with AI 

To ensure AI initiatives advance equity and impact, the nonprofit sector could adopt metrics that capture both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. These indicators can help illuminate the benefits of AI adoption while addressing concerns: 

• Equitable access to AI: Track funding patterns and analyze the diversity of grant recipients. Demographic and geographic data should guide efforts to ensure historically marginalized communities have equitable access to AI resources. 

• Reduced staff burnout: Conduct regular wellness surveys to measure mental health and workload satisfaction. Comparing pre- and post-AI implementation data will reveal how effectively AI tools alleviate administrative burdens and improve job satisfaction. 

• Stronger community trust: Use community surveys and feedback loops to assess perceptions of AI’s role, transparent use, and alignment with organizational values. 

Grantmakers can lead by implementing these tools transparently, with clear ethical guidelines and open communication with the aim of supporting equity with AI.  

Philanthropy has an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of AI. By prioritizing ethical innovation, investing in inclusive systems, and fostering collaborations that center community voices, we can ensure AI is a tool that amplifies equity rather than exacerbating inequities.