AI and small charities: Be part of our collective learning journey

As part of Small Charity Week, NCVO and Microsoft UK invited leaders from small charities to join us in exploring the world of AI. It was inspiring to see everyone come together in such a collaborative and supportive environment to talk about one of the most talked about issues of 2024 (aside from the general election!).

The event was a great opportunity for everyone to share their challenges, hear a diverse range of perspectives, work through concerns, and be inspired by ambitions for AI's role in the charity sector.

Despite the wide range of organisations present, common themes emerged, highlighting the shared challenges charities face. It was heartening to see attendees working and learning together to explore how AI can unlock our potential and supercharge the impact charities can make.

The event was the beginning of a collective learning journey. It’s essential that we continue to explore the barriers to adopting AI and support small charities with the tools and skills they need to implement AI effectively and safely. AI has the potential to transform organisations, particularly those facing significant resource pressures and rising demand for services.

Watch the opening keynote from the event:

Many of you are already using AI

At the event, we heard from Zoe Amar, who shared insightful data on the experiences, attitudes, and understanding of AI within the sector. Zoe shared brand new insights that reveal more than half of small charities are already using AI and acknowledge its relevance.

Watch Zoe's keynote for more insights:

You want to build knowledge

Many also recognise significant challenges to success. Notably, 35% of respondents indicated a need for training to upskill with AI, while 60% reported poor skills and capacity to engage with emerging tech trends.

You can read the full insights in Zoe’s 2024 Charity Digital Skills report.

No one has all the answers

A misconception is that others know more about AI, and that it’s too late to start learning. But the reality is, no one has all the answers. The rapid pace of AI development means we’re all on this learning journey together.

The good news is, there are safe and effective ways to get started. In partnership with LinkedIn, Microsoft has created a range of free, online learning paths you can complete at your own pace to understand the core AI concepts.

Explore Microsoft’s generative AI courses on LinkedIn

It’s about finding ways to make AI work for you

AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its beauty lies in its versatility.

Start by experimenting with the technology to discover where it can help you the most. You could play with tools like Microsoft Copilot for specific fundraising or administrative tasks, or Microsoft Designer to create volunteer ads, fundraising announcements and more.

Test, learn, adapt, improve!

Embracing AI involves trying new things, accepting failures, and learning from them to improve. It's crucial to test and learn responsibly, especially concerning data security and safety.

But we know every charity is different. You can gain a personalised learning journey for your own charity using this AI compass tool.

Be curious

The landscape of AI is constantly evolving, so staying curious and maintaining a growth mindset is crucial. By exploring different AI tools and staying informed about the latest developments, you can more easily adopt AI in various areas of your work. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and seek out opportunities for training and collaboration.

Talk to us, talk to each other

The event highlighted the power of learning from one another. It was incredible to see so many organisations sharing their experiences and insights, which will be invaluable as they navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. We learned so much too!

At Microsoft and NCVO, we’re committed to keeping these channels open so we can continue to learn and share together as a community. Watch this space for more updates on how we will continue to share learnings and grow together.

To stay up to date with the latest in AI for charities and connect with others, become an NCVO member or join Microsoft’s Nonprofit Community for free.

This event is just the beginning of our conversation about AI and its potential for small charities. As technology evolves, it’s crucial the voluntary sector maintains an open dialogue, finds opportunities to build collective confidence, and grows our skills together.

We’re excited to support small charities on their journey to implement AI technology in a way that works for them and ultimately benefits the people who rely on their services.

If you’re interested in staying up to date with the latest in AI for charities, register for email updates from NCVO. We’ll keep you informed about what’s to come on this journey.