AI:
Navigating in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines, and with the release of ChatGPT from OpenAI in late 2022 and Google's recent release of Bard, its capabilities have been further amplified. However, with new technology, there comes a sense of uncertainty and apprehension about its implications. Here at Heller Consulting, we see AI as a powerful tool that opens a new world of possibilities for nonprofits to work more efficiently and effectively.
Don't let Hollywood's depiction of AI fool you.
In reality, AI is a computer’s ability to gather and process data to perform tasks that mimic human intelligence. This could include things like speech recognition, decision making, and language translation. It’s something we’ve been experiencing for years in our daily lives. But with the latest generations of AI tools becoming increasingly sophisticated and impressive, it’s time for nonprofits to start investigating its capabilities.
Where can nonprofits start?
Content generation and segmentation are two areas we see AI having an immediate and positive impact on nonprofits. With AI tools, you can generate fundraising appeals that you can edit and send out, saving you valuable time that can be better used elsewhere. You can also use AI to process large amounts of data and make your fundraising and marketing campaigns more targeted with segmentation.
What's happening with AI in the technology world?
In March 2023, Salesforce announced Einstein GPT, which delivers AI-created content that adapts to changing customer information and needs in real time. The same month, Microsoft announced Microsoft 365 Copilot, which is embedded in Microsoft 365 apps (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams) to create AI-generated content. With the growth and evolution of products for nonprofits from both companies, we expect to see AI developments, such as specific use cases for nonprofits, coming from them soon.
There is no need to rush into using AI simply because it's the latest hot topic.
As with any technology, it is important to be mindful of how you are using it and what it can help you to accomplish. We also urge caution when it comes to AI. Inaccuracies, plagiarism, and biases are potential issues that may arise depending on where and how AI tools acquire and process data.
As new AI companies emerge, it’s crucial to choose reputable AI tools and companies you can trust.
A good approach is to look into the AI capabilities that might start to be available in the technology you already have. Get started by using these capabilities to automate and simplify mundane tasks so that your staff members can focus more time on building relationships with donors, volunteers, and other constituents.
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