What does ‘digital transformation’ mean for not-for-profits in a world with AI?

Digital transformation for a not-for-profit is more than just embracing a new tool or digital trend. It’s about optimising the user experience, enhancing products and services, and improving work environments to deliver value to stakeholders.

This might not be new to you, particularly if you’ve read our previous guide on digital transformation for not-for-profits, but let’s explore what digital transformation looks like in a world in which AI exists, and how we capitalise on all of the benefits of AI while continuing to manage risk and maintain control in  rapidly changing wider environment. 
 

Digital transformation and AI

As mentioned in our previous article (What does digital transformation mean for not-for-profits?), we see digital transformation as how an organisation considers three things:

• People
• Processes
• Platforms (or technologies)

So, how do these three aspects of an organisation come together to transform your not-for-profit through AI?
 

People

The most critical test of technology change in any NFP starts with its people. Your AI ideas, like any new technology, will only succeed if staff and volunteers see it making their work easier or more impactful.

When looking to build adoption of AI in your organisation, don’t assume the existing skillsets will suffice. Start by mapping knowledge gaps and highlighting areas for further capacity building. Identify an “AI champion” within your team, it doesn’t have to be a technology expert, but it does need to be someone who is invested, enthusiastic and most likely to drive uptake amongst their colleagues. Then implement your solutions while including your colleagues from design, to build and finally delivery. Bringing your staff along the whole journey of implementation gives them better understanding of the new tools, and incentivises their interest in these new ways of working.

When people are engaged in the process, and can see the value AI brings, their enthusiasm will drive adoption and help new tools stick.

Process

For NFPs, process is the engine room, and AI solutions work best when those processes are well-documented and well known. Before introducing any new technology tools, be sure to identify your pain points, highlight potential efficiency gains, and define the problem you’re trying to solve. This ensures your AI solutions are adding true value to your organisation, instead of being implemented just for the sake of it.

Focus on purpose, rather than following the trend.

Based on our experience at Infoxchange, small, clearly defined pilots are far more likely to succeed than full-scale rollouts from the start. This approach encourages honest feedback, quick adaptation, and avoids wasted investment if something doesn’t fit.

Well mapped processes and small pilots make change manageable and builds trust in the outcomes.

Technology

AI should be treated as an enabler, not a silver bullet. When scoping an AI solution, choose or build tools that address specific problems for your team and can be sustained without relying on expensive and ongoing support.

Start with low-risk applications, such as automated scheduling, basic reporting and analysis, or cleaning up data. These tasks are easy to test, quick to demonstrate value, and unlikely to disrupt core operations. The simplest measure of success is whether the tool reduces workload and whether it delivers quality (e.g. clearer reporting, faster turnaround, or better engagement metrics). Choose technology that fits real needs and that is going to be sustainable over the long term.
 

Conclusion

Transforming your digital environment with AI doesn’t have to mean disruptive change. The best AI solutions deliver meaningful gains for your people and processes, making their lives easier and improving the lives of the people you’re helping. Begin with small, low-risk solutions, evaluate results honestly, and grow from what works.

AI’s greatest value for NFPs is in handling the heavy lifting, freeing staff to focus on mission-critical work and delivering greater impact with fewer resources and limited budget.

From here, your best next step is an Infoxchange AI readiness assessment. We can work with you to identify opportunities, pilot solutions, and ensure your adoption works.

Read next

How can NFPs benefit from digital transformation?

10 steps to create a digital transformation strategy roadmap