🕒 Estimated read time: 4 minutes
In March 2025, ARE, in collaboration with Urban Mba, hosted an introductory workshop “Demystifying AI: From Concept to Implementation” as part of the Violence Reduction Unit’s Stronger Futures and Innovation Fund programmes.
This interactive session was specifically designed for charity leaders who wanted to incorporate AI without getting bogged down by technical jargon. It included:
- Hands-on demonstrations of AI tools that can be accessed immediately
- Practical guidance tailored to charitable organisations
- Budget-friendly approaches to getting started with AI
- Real examples of how organisations have benefited
As someone who has been working in the charity and community sectors for over 30 years and quite ‘comfortable’ with how things have been done, worries about depersonalisation of communication and the impact on jobs, the session not only took away my fears but also opened a whole horizon of opportunities.
I have been known as the ‘glass half full’ kind of person; this discussion and insight certainly gave me significant optimism and write this plug for charity leaders to get on board and take advantage of the opportunities AI offers the sector – with of course caution, diligence, investment and training.
The context
The charity sector in the UK stands at a critical crossroads. While charities everywhere are feeling pinched by a drop in donations and donor fatigue, artificial intelligence presents an unprecedented opportunity to transform how we operate, engage supporters, and deliver impact.
Recent research reveals that over half of nonprofits are now using AI in some capacity to support their charitable goals, yet many UK charities remain hesitant.
The question isn’t whether AI will transform the sector—it’s whether your organisation will be among those leading the change or struggling to catch up.
The Stark Reality — Adapt or Risk being left behind
The urgency couldn’t be clearer. As leading tech visionaries warn, we’re entering an era where AI mastery determines survival. Bill Gates recently stated that “over the next decade, humans will no longer be needed for most things in the world,” while Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella emphasises that “AI won’t just be a tool we use—it will reshape the very nature of how we work.”
For UK charities and particularly for Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage-led charities already facing funding pressures, this technological shift represents both challenge and opportunity. According to recent charity digital skills reports, charities are keen to experiment with AI, but funding remains a major roadblock. However, the cost of inaction may be far greater than the investment required to adapt.
Understanding AI is increasingly crucial for charities for several practical and strategic reasons.
The Cost of Waiting
While others race ahead with AI adoption, the charity sector risks being left behind. Without decisive action, we risk an AI adoption gap, where only well-resourced organisations reap the benefits, leaving smaller organisations behind.
The charities that thrive in the coming decade will be those that embrace AI today. They’ll operate more efficiently, engage supporters more effectively, and deliver greater impact with limited resources.
The key is starting with practical, budget-friendly implementations that deliver immediate value while building your organisation’s AI capabilities over time.
The choice is clear: embrace AI now and position your charity for unprecedented growth, or risk obsolescence in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Tebussum Rashid
Associate & Lead Consultant
