AI Is Here (and it’s not going away!): How Canadian Non-Profit Leaders Can Use It—Safely and Strategically
That happened fast, didn’t it? Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming—it’s already here.
For Canadian non-profits, it’s easy to assume AI is for big tech companies or heavily funded start-ups. But in today’s economy, where demand for services is growing, and resources are becoming harder to secure, looking for ways to integrate AI in an intentional and ethical way makes sense for Executive Directors and Boards of Directors.
Practical Ways Non-Profits Can Use AI Right Now
Save Time on Admin & Reporting Tasks
The most obvious way to “dip the proverbial toe” into the AI game is to use it to save time on administrative tasks. AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Duet can help draft board reports, donor letters, grant applications and internal communications. I’ve found it to be especially helpful for taking meeting notes and creating meeting minutes.
Resource: The Project Management Institute has many courses focused on using AI to manage projects.
Improve Fundraising and Donor Stewardship
For larger non-profits who maintain a CRM system, Canadian tools like Fundraising KIT use AI to analyze donor behaviour, suggest optimal outreach timing and personalize messages at scale. Evan for smaller organizations who want to increase their resource development activities, it’s worth taking a look at the technology as it develops, because it changes quickly.
Resource: Fundraising KIT has several free resources on their website – take a look and give one of them a try!
Strengthen Volunteer Management and Engagement
AI can help smaller non-profits by automating volunteer coordination tasks such as scheduling shifts, sending reminders, and tracking volunteer hours. Some AI tools even analyze volunteer data to identify engagement patterns and improve retention.
Resource: Check out online systems such as Sign Up Genius and Track it Forward – both systems use AI for components of their analysis.
Risks to Watch Out For:
Reproducing Bias or Exclusion in Program Delivery
AI systems can unintentionally reinforce systemic inequities—especially when built on biased data or applied without community input. For example, an AI chatbot that only “understands” formal English might exclude newcomers, youth, or people with disabilities. One way to mitigate this risk is to involve those with lived experience in testing the tool and asking “who might this tool leave out?”.
Data Privacy and Compliance
Uploading sensitive data into free AI tools may violate Canadian privacy laws or funder agreements. Using AI often means uploading data to third-party platforms—sometimes outside of Canada or outside your control. This can expose sensitive donor, volunteer, or program participant information to unintended use. To mitigate this risk only use PIPEDA-compliant tools and ensure that staff is trained properly on what data can and cannot be entered into the system. Finally, it’s important to communicate transparently with stakeholders about AI use and privacy.
Overuse and/or Staff Resistance
I’d bet that nearly everyone on your team already has an opinion about AI. Some are likely using it already—quietly drafting emails or brainstorming with ChatGPT—while others may view it as a threat, not a tool, and avoid it altogether. There’s a wide spectrum of engagement levels taking place in the non-profit sector right now. The examples shared in this article are intentionally low-risk and supportive—but even these can raise concerns. To reduce resistance, leadership should be clear and proactive: AI is here to support your team, not replace it. Involve staff in exploring how these tools can be used safely and meaningfully in your context. When people feel included and informed, they’re more likely to lean in than push back.
Three Things EDs Can Do Right Now to Set the Tone for Safe, Strategic AI UseBottom of Form
Pilot Something Small. Try using AI to draft a policy, write a thank-you letter, or analyze a survey. Invite a few members of the team to also join and provide feedback.
Create internal guidance. Who can use AI, and for what? What data is off-limits?
Connect with peers. Ask colleagues in professional groups what they are doing and how they are using AI in their non-profit. There are many resources on the internet that can also help.
Three Questions Every Non-Profit Board Should Be Asking About AI Right Now
Are we already using AI tools—and how?
You might be surprised what staff have already started testing.Do we have the right governance in place?
If not, start with light-touch principles: equity, privacy, transparency, mission-alignment.Are we supporting strategic innovation?
AI should be a board-level conversation—not just a back-office experiment.
AI may not be a silver bullet for your non-profit – but it can be a smart tool in the toolbox. Start small. Stay strategic. And above all, make sure the use of AI strengthens – not sidesteps – the organization’s mission and values. I’m here to help! If you need help looking at how to integrate AI into your non-profit, or developing your AI policy and procedures, reach out to chat!