AI Innovation for Nonprofits - 5 Key Funders to Know
As nonprofits explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance their effectiveness, one of the most pressing questions is how to responsibly fund this innovation. An increasing number of philanthropic funders are interested in AI not merely as a tool for service delivery, but as a strategic means to boost organisational effectiveness.
Here’s a short list of key foundations who are actively supporting AI innovation in the nonprofit sector, with a particular focus on organisational effectiveness. This is not an exhaustive list by any means; please let us know other foundations that are interested in this area!
1. William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
With an endowment exceeding $13 billion, Hewlett supports education, effective philanthropy, environment, gender equity and governance, performing arts, US democracy, economy and society and racial justice programs. Its Organizational Effectiveness provides targeted support to existing grantees to make their organisations stronger, enabling them to do their work better, adapt during times of change, and enhance their impact. Hewlett also has an interest in the AI space, having previously run the Cyber Initiative and supported the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Initiative and Data & Society, which studies the social implications of data-centric technologies and automation including AI.
2. Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation’s $16 billion endowment is dedicated to its mission of reducing poverty and injustice, strengthening democratic values, promoting international cooperation, and advancing human achievement. Its Technology and Society program seeks to develop the technological capacity of social justice organisations, key to strengthening the impact of their vital work in today’s environment. Its BUILD program combines five years of general operating support with targeted organisational strengthening support, Notable grantees include the AI Now Institute and Data & Society, organizations exploring the social implications of AI.
3. Emerson Collective
Founded by Laurene Powell Jobs, the Emerson Collective is an organization dedicated to removing barriers to opportunity through investments in education, immigration reform, the environment, health, and social justice. Emerson Collective adopts a ‘frictionless philanthropy’ approach, entrusting nonprofits with multiyear general operating grants and support beyond the grant. While most of their philanthropy is done anonymously, Emerson Collective is deeply interested in AI.
AI Startup Investments: Emerson Collective has participated in funding rounds totaling over $1 billion for AI startups, focusing on applications in education, environment, and healthcare.
Advocacy for AI Oversight and Measurement: Emerson Collective has advocated for a regulatory environment that fosters responsible AI innovation, with policies that promote transparency and fairness, as well as the impetus to track AI’s societal impact, ethical considerations and long-term effects.
4. Ballmer Group
Founded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie, the Ballmer Group focuses on improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States. While not a traditional foundation, it functions as a major philanthropic organisation with billions in assets. Ballmer Group invests in AI education, workforce development and nonprofit organisational development. Significant grants include:
Data for Good Fund: UpMetrics' cohort-based programs, in partnership with Data for Good Fund, provide nonprofits with tools and training to collect and use data more efficiently to measure, improve, and report on their impact. Ballmer’s grant provides a cohort of 30 nonprofits serving Southeast Michigan free access to UpMetrics' data platform, professional services, and peer-to-peer learning sessions to drive and accelerate social change.
Fast Forward: Fast Forward mobilizes the resources tech nonprofits need to create positive impact at scale, with a special interest in AI-powered nonprofits. Ballmer’s grant enabled Fast Forward’s support of economic mobility tech nonprofits through its Economic Mobility Portfolio.
5. GitLab Foundation
The GitLab Foundation is a relatively new philanthropic organization created by the software company GitLab. The foundation focuses on increasing access to economic opportunity through technology. Given its origins in the tech sector, the GitLab Foundation has a natural interest in how technology, including AI, can improve nonprofit operations and program delivery. GitLab Foundation focuses on AI solutions that enhance economic opportunity. Key initiatives include:
AI for Economic Opportunity Fund: Launched in partnership with Ballmer Group and OpenAI, this fund aims to foster AI innovation that boosts income and promotes economic mobility.
