The Smart Nonprofit by Beth Kanter and Allison H. Fine provides a roadmap for nonprofits to integrate technology in ways that enhance their mission while staying true to their human-centered values. Here are five specific takeaways from this excellent book which can be purchased here on Amazon:
1) Automating Routine Tasks to Free Up Staff
The authors share an example of a nonprofit that used a chatbot to answer frequently asked questions from volunteers, saving staff time. This allowed team members to focus on building deeper relationships with volunteers and improving program quality.
2) Using Predictive Analytics for Fundraising
Kanter and Fine highlight a nonprofit that implemented predictive analytics to identify donors most likely to upgrade their giving. This approach increased efficiency and allowed fundraisers to prioritize high-value prospects while maintaining personalized engagement.
3) Addressing Bias in AI Tools
The book discusses a nonprofit that implemented AI-driven hiring software but discovered biases against candidates from underrepresented groups. By auditing and adjusting the algorithms, the organization ensured fairer hiring practices and a more inclusive approach.
4) Creating Ethical Data Policies
One example involves a nonprofit that developed a clear data-use policy, outlining how donor and beneficiary data would be collected, stored, and shared. This transparency built trust with stakeholders and set a precedent for ethical data management in the sector.
5) Human Oversight of Automated Decision-Making
The authors describe a nonprofit that used AI to recommend beneficiaries for specific programs but required human staff to review and approve all decisions. This ensured that the technology supported, rather than replaced, nuanced and empathetic decision-making.
These examples illustrate how nonprofits can adopt technology responsibly while keeping human connection and ethical practices at the forefront. Again, we highly recommend this excellent book!
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