An Honest Look: Expectations of AI for Not For Profits

I was recently asked on LinkedIn for my thoughts on the new research from Carleton University’s CICP and Charity Aids Foundation CAF regarding AI in the charitable sector. It’s part of an ongoing adhoc discussion that Jesse Clarke, Kate Cornell and I participate in. It’s a topic I’m passionate about, and it dovetails perfectly with a series of infographics I have been developing. The findings validate a core belief we hold at CoffAI Shop: the biggest conversation about AI isn’t “us vs. the machine.” It’s about burnout vs. balance.

Our Position: Responsible AI is a Strategy, Not Just a Tool

The research highlights a critical tension: non-profit leaders are “cautiously optimistic” about AI’s potential but deeply concerned about its impact on human connection, donor trust, and jobs. These fears are valid, but they arise from a flawed premise that the goal of AI is to replace human effort.

We believe this is fundamentally wrong.

At CoffAI Shop, our position is that ethical and responsible AI is not about cutting costs by cutting people. It’s about cutting the “work about the work” to unleash human potential. It’s about giving your most valuable asset which is your team their time, energy, and creativity back.

The true promise of AI in the non-profit world isn’t replacing the grant writer; it’s giving them back 10 hours a week by automating tedious compliance reporting, so they can focus on building relationships with funders.

It’s not about eliminating the program manager; it’s about using AI to analyze impact data in minutes instead of days, giving them back their weekends and preventing the burnout that plagues our sector. So, how do we manage expectations?

The Three Pillars of Our Approach

In line with the research findings, our philosophy for responsible AI usage is built on three pillars:

1. AI as an Augment, Not an Automaton: We build tools that handle the repetitive, the mundane, and the time-consuming. Think donor receipt generation, data entry, and initial report drafting. This doesn’t replace your development coordinator; it frees them up to spend more time personally thanking donors and cultivating new ones. This is the key to enhancing not replacing human connection.
2. Transparency by Design: Trust is paramount. Responsible AI isn’t a “black box.” It means being clear with stakeholders about where and why you’re using these tools. It means ensuring that every AI-driven process is reviewable, explainable, and aligned with your mission. This is why we focus on practical workflows, not impenetrable buzzwords.
3. Accessibility for All: The power of AI shouldn’t be reserved for the largest organizations with the biggest budgets. The research rightfully calls for more accessible training and tools. We are committed to creating low-cost, high-impact solutions that “small and mighty teams” can implement quickly, ensuring the benefits of AI are shared across the entire charitable ecosystem.

Conclusion & Call to Conversation

We believe the ultimate measure of AI’s success in the non-profit sector won’t be how many jobs it eliminated, but how many careers it sustained. It will be in the passion projects that finally get attention, the strategic plans that get finished, and the dedicated staff who feel more energized and effective in their roles.

The Charities Aid Foundation Data at a Glance

“AI must not be the privilege of the few. We must work together with the technology industry to ensure it is accessible for large and small charities. Digital advances have great potential to support charities to further their missions and accelerate social progress. As a starting point, AI could help target disaster relief more effectively, decrease the time spent on administrative tasks and improve operations.”

“Charities need to also remain alert to the risks, stay close to the human essence of their cause and communicate clearly with donors to further social impact.”

Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) at a Glance

Note: Dr. Thi Kim Quy Nguyen, a postdoc fellow at Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP), plays a strong role in creating the Community Education Centre and advancing research in the Canadian charity sector. Kim’s academic expertise in educational sociology and dedication to nonprofits drive her impactful work at CICP. Her work is highlighted in this next section.