Love it or hate it, AI significantly impacts how we live and work, and it is an area that is only getting bigger and more sophisticated.
The way artificial intelligence is infiltrating all sectors is continuously up for debate, affecting all industries, the charity sector being no exception.
Overstretched charity managers are increasingly using AI tools such as ChatGPT to make life easier, save time, and reduce the administrative burden.
However, like everything, AI should be treated with caution, and trustees must understand and implement key considerations before making AI a permanent member of the team.
What is AI?
A range of artificial intelligence tools are now available to help us with our everyday lives and work operations, generating the information and systems we need when we need them…instantly.
Types of AI that you might be aware of or indeed use include:
ChatGPT – one of the first and still most popular AI tools available, acting as an assistant, providing information, research, content, and more.
Claude – offering content writing and copyediting, Claude AI also has the ability to take on more complex tasks.
Google Gemini – helps with productivity and organisation; Google Gemini can support large files, creation of videos and audio, and planning.
Microsoft Copilot – can draft documents in Word and analyse spreadsheets, giving feedback and advice along the way.
Canva – supports your marketing efforts with graphic design features, image editing, poster designs, etc. It can even help with brainstorming!
AI in charities
Charity Digital Skills has recently released their 2026 report, which states that almost eight out of ten charities are now using AI tools in some way.
In most cases, charities use these tools positively to support everyday activities and relieve some of the administrative burden.
For example, charities now use AI to summarise meeting notes, draft emails, and create documents, reports, and even presentations.
Helping with governance and compliance, as research and information gathering can be carried out faster, policy drafting, generating ideas, and shaping funding applications and grant proposals – AI in charities can and is freeing up valuable time.
However, the report also highlights that not all board members have good AI skills and approximately 35% of charities surveyed don’t trust AI tools.
Opportunities and risks
AI can bring with it numerous opportunities, with time efficiency being the most significant.
It can also help charities to streamline funding programmes, tailor grant applications, and support strategy and planning based on research and data (as large volumes of data can be collected and optimised in minutes), allowing you to reach more beneficiaries, as well as carry out general admin.
It is these areas where, when used right, AI significantly helps charities not just to grow, but, in a more competitive environment than ever before, simply survive.
But, and this is a big but, AI only works when those who are using it have the skills to use it effectively and correctly, and unfortunately not everyone has the skills to understand the full extent of AI.
Charities must also be aware of the risks to governance, privacy in terms of GDPR, and how to manage data security.
At Beyond Profit, our concern with AI is the growth of misinformation, which is huge for charities and trustees, especially as trustees have a responsibility to remain transparent, open, and honest in all communications with donors and their communities.
Inaccurate information, plagiarised copyright, and biased results can pose significant external risk with the Charity Commission, and even more so, it can cause irreparable reputational damage to the charity.
Trustees’ responsibility
When adopting any type of new technology, it is essential that you do your research.
All trustees should understand the opportunities and risks associated with the use of AI and put in place scenarios and mitigations to prevent risks from occurring.
From a trustee’s perspective, look and understand why and where the charity is using AI. Also look at where there are gaps and where AI could potentially help fill these, and who will oversee this.
It may also be beneficial to consider some of the below questions before implementing AI into everyday practices:
- Where are we currently using AI and why?
- What skills do we need to ensure it is used correctly and appropriately? (Training for staff and volunteers?)
- Do we have an internal policy for using AI/digital tools?
- Is the whole board aware of the charity’s use of AI? (It is not one person’s responsibility).
- Have we updated the risk register to include AI-related risks?
- What protocols do we have in place to protect data and remain compliant with GDPR?
- Who is responsible for checking information and having final sign-off?
- How can we continue to provide complete transparency?
A final point to note for trustees is that trustees remain responsible for all final decisions made. AI cannot make final decisions; all accountability remains and falls within the responsibilities and legal duties of trustees.
Charities and AI
Having an open mind and taking a responsible approach to technology and its use is what is key. Being mindful of the level of risks involved, as we know AI doesn’t always get things right, and ensuring human oversight is in place, is what will help to prevent risks and reputational damage.
Artificial intelligence has and will continue to provide charities with a lot of opportunities and support, but it must be managed responsibly, and there must be communication between boards and charity teams as to best practice and use.
For further information, the Charity Commission has guidance on AI for charities, which can be found here.
