Philanthropy has always been an expression of trust and human connection, anchored in the belief that if we invest in and support each other, our collective and individual generosity can change lives. But with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, this social contract is being renegotiated.
AI is changing how we communicate, make decisions, and define value. AI can amplify empathy when used thoughtfully. At Furniture Bank, for example, AI tools like DALL-E and Midjourney were used to depict poverty through client stories, raising awareness about poverty, while preserving clients’ dignity. Anchored in organizational mission and values, AI can make storytelling and fundraising more inclusive and impactful, and cost-effective, empowering organizations like Furniture Bank to take storytelling to the next level.
Through the Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact (RAISE) initiative, backed by DIGITAL and led by the Human Feedback Foundation in collaboration with The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University and Creative Destruction lab (CDL), we’re helping nonprofits build the skills and confidence to adopt AI responsibly. From healthcare to housing to philanthropy, we’re proving that nonprofits can lead in modeling ethical, human-centred AI.
As nonprofit leaders, we must also realize that AI systems reflect the data they’re built on. When that data is mismanaged, missing, or biased, there is a risk of amplifying inequities. Best intentions of protecting the vulnerable by not collecting data on their circumstances may unfortunately result in data deserts and invisible communities, affecting service delivery decisions. Responsible AI requires inclusive and sophisticated data management practices, privacy and governance standards, and equity-centred design. Trust, in this new era of AI, must be earned constantly.
The next decade will bring another shift — the rise of agentic AI, systems that can act on our behalf. Projects like the Loyal Agents initiative at MIT Media Lab show what it means for AI to be loyal, secure, and transparent to its users. For philanthropy, this could mean donors delegating not just transactions but intentions and potentially even giving decisions to AI agents.
Campaigns and organizations may soon engage with these agents as a new kind of audience. That raises important questions:
The challenge for philanthropy leaders and nonprofit organizations isn’t whether to use AI, but how to get the best from these technologies, while preserving the human touch, empathy, and connection that our sector requires.
As AI transforms how we give, the value of human connection will only grow. Canada’s philanthropy is in the middle of succession; wealth and corresponding values, such as the importance of giving, are being transferred across generations. Our opportunity is to ensure technology strengthens human relationships and connection.
Philanthropy literally means love of humanity. Our task is to make sure AI amplifies what is good about us and helps us become better people. Let’s build a future where love for humanity – our agency, dignity, creativity and yes, generosity – grow with technology. The social contract will continue to evolve. As nonprofit leaders, it is our prerogative and privilege to help shape it.
Responsible AI Use for Nonprofit Workers is a virtual, hands-on course designed for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to ethically leverage AI. Register now for the next cohort starting November 19, 2025.
Elena Yunusov is Founder and Executive Director of the Human Feedback Foundation (HFF), a Linux Foundation AI & Data nonprofit advancing a more open, human-centered future for AI. She leads Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact (RAISE), Canada’s first national program training 500+ nonprofit professionals and piloting AI projects with CAMH Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Achev, Furniture Bank, and CanadaHelps, supported by DIGITAL, The Dais (TMU), and Creative Destruction Lab.
