Nonprofits Must Embrace AI Ethically or Risk Falling Behind, New Book Argues

Nonprofits Must Embrace AI Ethically or Risk Falling Behind, New Book Argues

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries from healthcare to finance, nonprofit organizations are at a critical crossroads. A new book, Why Nonprofits Must Lead in AI by Teri Padovano—a 25-year veteran in nonprofit leadership and accessibility advocacy—argues that mission-driven organizations can no longer afford to view AI as a corporate luxury or a threat to their human-centered ethos. Instead, Padovano contends that nonprofits must become pioneers in ethical AI adoption, leveraging technology to amplify impact while safeguarding trust, transparency, and dignity.

Padovano’s work moves beyond the typical hype cycle surrounding AI, offering a grounded, actionable framework tailored specifically to the constraints and values of the nonprofit sector. Drawing on her decades of frontline experience, she presents real-world examples of organizations that have successfully integrated AI tools—from automated donor engagement systems to AI-powered onboarding workflows for new staff—without eroding the personal connections that define their missions. One case study highlights a food bank in Ohio that reduced food waste by 37% using predictive analytics to forecast demand, while another describes a mental health nonprofit that deployed conversational AI chatbots to triage client inquiries, freeing counselors for higher-risk cases.

Central to Padovano’s argument is the concept of AI readiness. She introduces a comprehensive assessment tool that helps teams evaluate their technological infrastructure, staff readiness, data governance policies, and ethical guardrails. Unlike corporate models that prioritize efficiency above all, Padovano’s framework demands that every AI implementation be judged by its alignment with organizational values. "AI should serve the mission, not redefine it," she writes. "If an algorithm makes a decision that a human wouldn’t, we’ve lost our way."

The book also tackles common fears head-on: job displacement, algorithmic bias, and donor skepticism. Padovano provides scripts for communicating AI use to stakeholders, guidelines for auditing AI outputs for equity, and templates for inclusive design—ensuring that accessibility is not an afterthought but a core requirement. She emphasizes that ethical AI isn’t about avoiding technology; it’s about embedding accountability into its design. For example, she recommends that all AI tools used in client-facing roles include opt-out mechanisms and human review protocols.

While corporate tech firms race to monetize AI, Padovano sees nonprofits as uniquely positioned to set the moral standard. "If organizations that exist to serve the vulnerable can’t model responsible AI, who can?" she asks. Her vision is one where nonprofits don’t just adopt AI—they lead the global conversation on how technology should be used in service of humanity.

Industry observers have taken notice. The book has already garnered endorsements from leaders at the United Nations Development Programme and the Ford Foundation, and is being considered for adoption in nonprofit leadership curricula at Stanford and Harvard. With its clear, jargon-free language and downloadable templates, Why Nonprofits Must Lead in AI is not merely a guide—it’s a call to action. For organizations seeking to remain relevant, resilient, and truly mission-driven in the 21st century, ignoring AI is no longer an option. Leading it, ethically and intentionally, is the only path forward.

Why Nonprofits Must Lead in AI is available on Amazon and through major nonprofit training networks. For more information, visit the author’s website: teripadovano.com.