AI as a Strategic Partner: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders
A collection of Chronicle resources on how to use AI to make smarter decisions and run more effective operations.
May 14, 2026 | Read Time: 1 minute
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how nonprofit leaders work, from streamlining back-office tasks to zeroing in on patterns in program data that would take staff weeks to identify. Most nonprofit leaders already sense AI’s potential — the harder part is figuring out where to start and how to use it responsibly.
AI tools can help leaders develop strategic plans, forecast donor behavior, allocate resources more efficiently, and spot trends in organizational needs before they become crises. The leaders seeing the biggest gains are the ones treating AI not as a replacement for human judgment, but as a strategic partner to sharpen and inform their decision making.
“When I think about the role of philanthropy, it is to ensure that as many nonprofit institutions are well positioned to take advantage of AI’s incredible capabilities as possible,” says Nick Cain, vice president of strategy and innovation at the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. “No matter how good the AI models get, they will always be better when they are paired with the data of local and lived experience.”
In this collection, we’ve gathered our best resources on how to use AI to make smarter decisions and run more effective operations.
Editor’s note: Chronicle playbooks are updated on an ongoing basis as new advice becomes available.
Make AI Your Strategic Thought Partner: Here’s How
Nonprofits that use AI for more than routine tasks are seeing the payoff. Five leaders explain how to get started.
Can AI Really Support Missions? Some Nonprofits Are Betting It Can
From suicide prevention to frontline casework, AI is becoming a powerful partner in expanding nonprofit capacity.
The Hidden Cost of AI Productivity at Nonprofits
Research shows AI tools can lead to longer hours and cognitive fatigue. Learn how to set boundaries that stop the always-on churn and prioritize quality.
Is Your Team Afraid of AI? Here’s the Fix
Leaders can create parameters for use, facilitate an open environment where people can try things out, and make learning easy.
How to Use AI to Lighten Your Load
Generative AI and other smart tools spark excitement about AI’s power to transform, but they also cause a lot of fear and anxiety, stoked by…
A Glimpse into Our Near Future: AI Is Transforming Nonprofits
Within the next five years, AI has the potential to radically alter the ways we interact with technology and what we expect from it. For…
Nonprofits Are Turning to AI to Save Time and Money
Organizations are experimenting with ways the technology can craft grant proposals, analyze donor data, improve programs, and more.
How to Use A.I. Effectively and Protect Your Organization’s Reputation and Values
Experts say it’s critical for nonprofits to craft guidelines on A.I. use — and they offer advice on how to do it.
