Insight

Even Nonprofits can Benefit from AI Technology

Even Nonprofits can Benefit from AI Technology | cpa in harford county | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

You might think that artificial intelligence (AI) is just about using computers to perform complex tasks that otherwise would require human intelligence. That’s part of AI. But several technologies fall under the AI umbrella, including machine learning, natural language processing (NLP) and robotic process automation. Here’s how tools such as these can help nonprofits cut costs and achieve mission-critical objectives.

Offering more

The term “AI” is sometimes confused with data analytics or the application of intense mathematics. But AI can be used in everyday applications that enable nonprofits to improve program efficacy.

For example, the Crisis Text Line in New York has used AI to analyze millions of text messages to determine the words most associated with a high risk of suicide in the sender. And various animal welfare and environmental organizations have employed AI to combat poaching. PAWS, for example, uses modeling and machine learning to provide park rangers with information that helps them predict and prevent poachers’ actions. Global Fishing Watch has analyzed billions of messages from fishing boats to identify illegal industrial fishing ships.

Health-focused organizations also have adopted AI technologies. For example, Parkinson’s UK has unleashed AI to plow through reams of existing research data to fast-track new treatments.

Putting it into practice

Your nonprofit might be able to use AI in the following areas:

Fundraising. Machine learning can help you analyze your current donor database and develop models that predict donor behavior. For example, chatbots that simulate conversation might handle smaller donations while directing more complicated contributions to humans.

Human resources. AI software can expedite the hiring process. For instance, it can narrow the field and save interviewing time, freeing up HR staff to deal with other issues. AI also might reduce the risk of discrimination claims because human subjectivity may play less of a role in the process.

Communications. Chatbots, NLP and other tools make it easier to maintain efficient and effective communications with internal and external stakeholders — including potential donors and volunteers. You might be able to automate board packets and donation requests to ensure the timely delivery of information.

Worth considering

The initial investment required for AI may seem difficult to justify in uncertain economic times. However, because most nonprofits have similar operational needs, AI developers have created off-the-shelf solutions that can be customized. Grants or collaborative efforts with other nonprofits could also help your nonprofit pay for AI technology.

 

As always, please do not hesitate to call our offices for additional information and to speak to your representative about how this could affect your situation.

 

© 2021

 

Related Insights

Fundamental differences between nonprofit and for-profit accounting | Quickbooks consulting in bel air md | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Non-Profits

Fundamental differences between nonprofit and for-profit accounting

You may know the difference between nonprofit and for-profit accounting systems, but do your newest employees and board members? Not-for-profits…
Welcome charitable pledges — and account for them properly | CPA in cecil county md | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Non-Profits

Welcome charitable pledges — and account for them properly

The difference between financial pledges and donations is relatively simple: Pledges are promises to donate sometime in the future, and donations…
When your nonprofit’s debt-financed income is subject to tax | Tax accountant in baltimore MD | weyrich, cronin and sorra

Non-Profits

When your nonprofit’s debt-financed income is subject to tax

If your nonprofit has investment income, dividends, interest, rents and annuities, they’re generally excluded when calculating unrelated business…

Connect with us

Use the form below to send us an email. WCS responds directly to all inquiries and general questions within 24 hours of posting.

This contact form is deactivated because you refused to accept Google reCaptcha service which is necessary to validate any messages sent by the form.