Ai's role in strengthening or fracturing social impact

A new Blackbaud Institute report highlights AI's transformative impact on the social impact sector, revealing 85% of professionals use AI at work, though only 33% believe their organizations use it effectively. Mike Gianoni, Blackbaud’s president, emphasizes AI as a force multiplier that can either reinforce societal stability or exacerbate existing pressures. The report underscores the need for responsible AI use, with mature adopters reinvesting savings into mission-driven activities. The AI Coalition for Social Impact and its certification efforts aim to establish ethical AI standards, ensuring transparency and trust. As nonprofits contributed $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023, the stakes for AI adoption in the social impact space are high. The research also notes a growing divide between organizations building AI maturity and those merely experimenting. While AI adoption is widespread, operationalizing it within real workflows and with proper governance remains a key differentiator. The report warns that without coherent standards and responsible practices, the sector risks uneven outcomes and a loss of institutional legitimacy. As the deadline for the Most Innovative Companies Awards approaches, the focus remains on how AI can strengthen the resilience of one of society’s most vital systems.