Foundations and Tools for AI in Nonprofits

This unit orients learners to the role of AI in nonprofit contexts by establishing core communication and technological competencies, ethical disclosure practices, and a survey of nonprofit platforms and funding frameworks. Students will build foundational skills—creating clear documentation, evaluating tools, and framing problem statements—that prepare them for deeper technical and implementation units that follow.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze nonprofit background information and problem statements to identify opportunities where AI and related technologies can address organizational needs
• Apply ethical AI disclosure and accessible communication practices when preparing bios, formatted documents, and stakeholder-facing materials
• Demonstrate foundational technical and communication competencies by producing formatted resources (e.g., interviewee bios, tool summaries, and a nonprofit technology funding framework) aligned to audience needs
• Evaluate and compare nonprofit AI tools and platforms (e.g., AWS for Nonprofits, Action Network, Benevity, Board Effect) for suitability, language accessibility, and scalability in future-focused scenarios