Who’s in Charge of AI Useage?
Why Every Charity Needs a Fundraising AI Policy
AI is already reshaping the way not-for-profits fundraise — from personalising donor journeys to automating repetitive tasks. But while the tech is moving fast, governance is lagging behind.
Let’s be honest: just because you can use AI to generate a donor prospect list or write your next appeal, doesn’t mean your organisation wants you to — not without guardrails.
That’s where an AI Policy comes in.
The Governance Gap
In 2025, according to the Center for Effective Philanthropy:
Only 30% of philanthropic organisations have an AI policy
Fewer than 10% have an AI Ethics Committee
For a sector built on trust, equity, and transparency — this is a flashing red light.
At Equitable Philanthropy, we believe every fundraising team needs clear, documented guidelines for how AI is used across the organisation. Not to create more red tape — but to ensure AI is advancing your mission, not risking your reputation.
Why Your Charity Needs an AI Policy
Here are three key reasons why AI governance matters right now:
1.
Mitigate Risks
AI can introduce serious risks: privacy breaches, misinformation, bias, copyright violations — even accidental damage to donor relationships. A clear policy helps your team avoid these traps, with rules like:
Never inputting confidential donor data into public AI platforms
Reviewing AI-generated outputs for accuracy and appropriateness
Only using approved, secure tools for sensitive tasks
2.
Set Operational Standards
An AI policy provides clarity across the whole organisation:
What AI tools can be used (and by whom)
How outputs must be reviewed before publication
Who approves and monitors new AI uses
This avoids rogue experiments, inconsistent practices, and compliance risks.
3.
Future-Proof Your Strategy
AI is evolving quickly — new tools, new rules, new risks. A good AI policy is flexible enough to grow with the tech. It’s not about naming tools; it’s about setting principles:
Human oversight always matters
Bias must be actively managed
Transparency is non-negotiable
Not Sure Where to Start?
We’ve created a free best-practice AI usage checklist and Q&A guide to help you write your own AI Fundraising Policy.
It covers key questions like:
Are your AI tools aligned with your mission and values?
Who approves AI use, and how is it monitored?
How will you protect donor privacy and avoid bias?
What’s your plan if something goes wrong?
To access our template policy and checklist, email Catherine@epadvisory.co
Bonus: Join Our Practical AI Governance Workshop
We also deliver a 1-hour tailored workshop for Fundraising Teams, where we:
Unpack AI risks and responsibilities
Walk through real-world use cases (and what not to do)
Help you build the foundations of your AI policy
Share our live, working Equitable Philanthropy AI Policy
This is perfect for Boards, leadership teams, fundraisers, and anyone using ChatGPT or AI tools in their daily work.
Let’s make sure you’re not just using AI — but using it wisely.