7 Charities Using AI to Deliever Impact

While many organisations use AI for simple tasks like rewriting social posts, forward-thinking charities are leveraging this technology to drive meaningful change. Here are seven inspiring examples of AI creating a tangible impact in the non-profit sector—plus three practical steps to help your organisation get started!

Charities Leading the Way with AI

1. Prostate Cancer UK
By applying advanced AI and machine learning to analyse donor data, including 1.5 million supporters, 5.5 million transactions, and 15 million campaign activities, the charity identified optimal segments for their Christmas appeal. The result? More than double the return on investment compared to previous campaigns.

2. Parkinson’s UK
During the pandemic, the charity used AI-powered social listening and comparative linguistics to monitor forums, helplines, and social media in real time. This enabled them to adapt support services and communications weekly, ensuring they met their community’s evolving needs.

3. Rainforest Connection (RFCx)
This organisation uses AI-driven acoustic monitoring to protect rainforests.  Their Guardian Platform analyses audio data from solar-powered devices placed in forests. The AI detects sounds like chainsaws or trucks, which indicate illegal logging or poaching, and instantly alerts local rangers. This enables rapid intervention and helps preserve biodiversity in threatened ecosystems.

4. The Children’s Society
In collaboration with Microsoft, the charity developed an AI tool to support young migrants and refugees. The technology interprets sensitive stories without third-party interpreters, safeguarding privacy while improving support quality.

5. Church Mission Society
By adopting AI-powered accounting software, the charity automated reporting, data entry, and financial management, saving 200 hours monthly and approximately £50,000 annually. The software automates reporting, data entry, and financial management, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks while improving the accuracy & speed of audits and compliance

6. Combat Stress
The UK veterans’ mental health charity is piloting AI to analyse therapy session data, aiming to identify at-risk individuals and personalise interventions.

7. Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Leverages AI and machine learning with its Foresight tool to forecast forced displacement events, such as those in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and West Africa. By analysing open data from sources like the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the World Bank, the AI predicts displacement trends years in advance. This allows DRC and the wider humanitarian sector to enhance strategic planning, operational preparedness, and timely crisis response for vulnerable populations

Three Steps to Get Started with AI

1. Identify Use Cases and Start Small – Focus on specific pain points where AI can add immediate value.

2. Upskill Staff and Build Digital Confidence – Invest in training to demystify AI and foster internal expertise.

3. Develop Governance and Responsible AI Policies – Ensure ethical use, transparency, and accountability from the outset.

Question for the Community:
What advice or resources would you recommend for charities beginning their AI journey?