Philanthropic Tech Contributions

Must-read piece on Responsible AI for Philanthropy published on the Center for Effective Philanthropy blog by Rachel Kimber, MPA, MS Joanna Drew Ravit Dotan, PhD Mark Greer II, MBA, CAP® It is a call to action to philanthropy to invest in responsible AI adoption for the social sector. "We are all individually called to experiment and learn about AI, warts and all, but funding is the critical element to ensure that AI is harnessed for good. And we all know nonprofit infrastructure is perennially and abysmally under-funded. So, take this as a call-to-action, dear philanthropic partners, as your role is crucial in moving the sector forward and, equally as crucial, in helping with responsible AI development and adoption." Includes four concepts for a framework for philanthropy to spearhead a collaborative approach to developing and adopting responsible AI. * Funders should support social sector in adopting the tools, but also use the tools themselves in a responsible, innovative way. * Invest in solutions to help the social sector and civil society access innovative technology, build capacity to manage its adoption and usage, and to share knowledge across the sector to improve the efficacy of the tools. * Create collaborative learning playing fields to help develop governance and guardrails to accelerate the responsible use of AI. * Invest in equitable innovation by supporting research and advocacy that diversifies AI training data and promotes transparency in AI decision-making processes. Beyond protection, philanthropy should also focus on supporting AI applications that directly benefit vulnerable communities. (Examples: healthcare AI that accounts for diverse medical needs and historical health disparities, AI-driven environmental justice initiatives that help monitor and address pollution in marginalized areas, and AI tools that aid in equitable resource distribution in areas like education, housing, and business development.) https://lnkd.in/guDPQFkT

AI is fundamentally reshaping the American workplace — not in some distant future, but right now. In a new piece for The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Michael Kubzansky, CEO of Omidyar Network, and I argue that while AI brings productivity gains, it's also leading to job displacement and threatening worker agency. We urgently need a coordinated philanthropic strategy that centers worker voice and agency in shaping the AI-driven future. The real question isn't "what can AI do?" but "who decides how AI is developed and deployed?" Currently, these decisions are being made primarily by and for corporations, with little meaningful input from the workers most affected. Mike and I argue that philanthropy has the capital, connections, and convening power to ensure AI's benefits are shared broadly, not concentrated among shareholders and executives. The key is to integrate AI into broader philanthropic commitments to labor rights, equity, and racial and economic justice. In particular, we need to: 1) Fund worker organizing and power building around how different sectors use AI. That includes helping grantees gain the technical knowledge and capacity to influence AI guardrails in different industries. 2) Influence the development of worker-friendly AI policies and governance frameworks. As various states debate standards and accountability mechanisms, philanthropy can ensure processes are inclusive of worker voices. 3) Support grantees to develop their own AI tools and systems centered on worker power. A great example of this is National Domestic Workers Alliance’s development of a chatbot and an upcoming worker-centered AI experience. The window for intervention is closing fast. We can either fund the status quo — where decisions about the future of work happen in corporate boardrooms — or invest in a more democratic approach that puts workers in the driver’s seat. The choice we make will determine whether AI shrinks economic inequality or widens it. You can read our piece here: https://lnkd.in/gQPeKHWb #AI #FutureOfWork #Philanthropy

Technology is a game-changer for nonprofits, yet nearly half say they’re underinvesting in digital tools due to tight budgets and limited funder support. Small to medium orgs - 81% of the Australian NFP sector - are hit hardest, widening the gap for grassroots groups serving communities in need. Research shows tech-savvy nonprofits are far more likely to achieve their mission, boost service delivery, and strengthen financial stability. But without targeted investment, many will be left behind, limiting their impact. Philanthropy can step up here. In my eyes, technology funding isn’t overhead - it’s a mission-critical investment. By offering unrestricted support, backing digital infrastructure, and removing barriers to adoption, philanthropy can help nonprofits scale, innovate, and deliver. Nonprofits, in turn, must make the case - showing how tech drives outcomes, not just operations. Closing the tech gap isn’t just about stronger organisations it’s about building a fairer, more effective sector that delivers real change.

🌐🕊️Digital Philanthropy in Web3: Transforming Impact and Trust in Giving Web3 is revolutionizing philanthropy, bringing transparency, efficiency, and security to nonprofit operations like never before. For businesses aiming to lead in social impact and innovation, Web3 presents unique advantages. How Web3 is Transforming Philanthropy: ~ Radical Transparency: Blockchain’s open ledger offers real-time, unchangeable records, ensuring that every dollar reaches its target. According to a recent Accenture survey, 72% of donors say transparency increases their likelihood to give, and 79% of Gen Z value seeing the direct impact of their donations. ~ Cutting Transaction Costs: On average, traditional donation fees reduce funds by 7-15% (Nonprofit Tech for Good). Web3’s decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions drastically lower fees, so nonprofits keep more resources focused on their missions. ~ Access to Digital-First Donors: Younger generations are fueling online philanthropy; 70% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials report preferring digital or decentralized giving channels (Giving USA Foundation). This growing demographic wants transparency and is ready to engage with Web3 innovations. ~ Enhanced Security: Web3’s secure digital identities and wallets protect donor data, safeguarding against fraud and reinforcing trust—key factors for retaining today’s security-conscious donor base. ~ Direct, Empowered Giving: Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) in Web3 allow donors to vote on fund allocations, putting more power in the hands of the community and increasing engagement. Why Web3 Matters for Business Impact: ~ Brand Perception: 91% of consumers expect brands to support nonprofits and social causes, with 76% more likely to support brands that adopt innovative, transparent practices (Edelman). Adopting Web3 philanthropy shows commitment to both social and technological leadership. ~ Employee Satisfaction: Purpose-driven companies report 23% higher employee retention (PwC) Integrating Web3 philanthropy connects employees to meaningful, modern causes, enhancing engagement and loyalty. Let’s connect to explore how your organization can leverage Web3 to drive real, lasting impact. The future of philanthropy is transparent, efficient, and designed for a digital-first world—together, we can lead this transformation. My GLITCH on Art by Visual Atelier 8

Remember when “giving back” meant cutting a check and calling it a day? I’ve always believed philanthropy in tech should go deeper. Money helps, but impact multiplies when companies share their skills, platforms, and time directly with communities. That’s the perspective I shared in the latest Forbes Technology Council Expert Panel: 20 Creative Ways Tech Companies Can Support Their Communities. My takeaway: treat social good like a product initiative. When you give your teams the time, tools, and space to build solutions for nonprofits, whether through volunteer hours, hackathons, or access to internal platforms, you unlock two things: 1. Real, scalable impact for organizations that need it most. 2. A stronger sense of purpose inside your own company culture. What excites me about this conversation is how much potential there is for tech companies to go beyond transactional giving. When service becomes part of how you operate, not just a side initiative, you build impact that lasts. Big thanks to the Forbes editors for the feature, and proud to be featured alongside Nicola Sfondrini, Dan Sorensen, Anna Turos, Kevin Dominik Korte, Anusha Nerella, Mohan Krishna Mannava, Karan Alang, To Quang Duy, Hemanth Volikatla, Vishal Talwar, Andrew Siemer, Ajai Paul, Mark Francis, tsvi gal, Ashish Bhardwaj, Bankim Chandra, Adam Sandman, and so many inspiring leaders. If you’re building in tech, this article is worth the read. (Link in comments).  The tech ecosystem grows stronger when we embed service into how we build. I’d love to know what’s worked for your team?

For generations, new technology has helped to feed the world. AI could be our next big opportunity for innovation—so I’m excited that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is announcing nearly 50 grantees harnessing the technology for global health and development impact. One of the selected grantees, Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende of Makerere University in Uganda, will use AI to provide tailored support to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa in their local languages when facing challenges like pests or crop disease.  Of course, as my colleague Zameer Brey writes here, “We have learned time and again that developing and deploying new technologies is only part of the equation. To really ensure innovations are enhancing lives, amplifying the voices of local communities in their design, application, and adoption is critical.” That’s exactly what we plan to do, and I’m looking forward to seeing the work bear metaphorical—and literal—fruit. https://lnkd.in/eD6tGwq5

The intersection of AI and humanitarian expertise is where true innovation happens. At Tech To The Rescue we recently had the privilege of speaking with Lars Peter Nissen, director of ACAPS, about this very topic. Nissen's journey from volunteer to thought leader in humanitarian analytics exemplifies the forward-thinking we need in the AI revolution. His insights are particularly compelling: • Rethinking traditional approaches to humanitarian work • Addressing the complexities of AI integration in crisis response • Positioning humanitarian organizations as tech innovators "We should start thinking of ourselves as a tech company," Nissen asserts, underscoring AI's potential to scale humanitarian efforts significantly. This perspective aligns perfectly with our AI for Changemakers program. By bringing together visionaries like Nissen with AI experts, we're fostering collaborations that can lead to groundbreaking solutions for global challenges. The future of philanthropy and social impact lies in such strategic partnerships between technology and purpose-driven organizations. Nissen's approach embodies this philosophy. I encourage you to read the full interview with Lars. It offers valuable insights into how AI reshapes humanitarian action and why cross-sector collaboration is crucial. You will find the link in the comment section below. How do you envision AI transforming crisis response and humanitarian efforts? What role can technology play in amplifying social impact in this sector? Share your thoughts. #AIforGood #SocialImpact #TechForChange #Philanthropy