- 82% of nonprofits are utilizing AI tools, primarily for content creation.
- Only 14% of nonprofits have formal AI policies in place.
- 72% of organizations met or exceeded their fundraising targets in the past year.
The Blackbaud Institute, a research division of Blackbaud (BLKB, Financial), has published its latest report, "The Status of Fundraising in the AI Era," revealing a significant correlation between technology adoption and fundraising success for social impact organizations. This comprehensive study highlights that 72% of these organizations have successfully met or surpassed their fundraising objectives over the past year.
A key finding from the report shows a substantial 82% of nonprofits are incorporating AI tools, mostly in the form of free, generative platforms for content creation. Despite this widespread usage, only 14% of nonprofits currently have formal AI governance policies in place, signaling a gap in strategic AI integration within the sector.
The study further identifies that 60% of fundraisers believe enhanced training would better technology usage, while 56% stress the importance of improved system integration to enhance organizational collaboration and efficiency. Importantly, among organizations that reported revenue growth, 44% attributed their success to adequate resourcing.
Carrie Cobb, Chief Data and AI Officer at Blackbaud, underlined the transformative potential of intentional technology use in the sector, noting that organizations investing in AI and developing ethical frameworks are poised to experience significant benefits.
The report underscores Blackbaud's position as a strategic leader in the AI-for-social-impact market, offering insights into optimizing fundraising and organizational performance through advanced technology adoption.
