Image by Jesper Lindborg and Google DeepMind from Unsplash

In this edition of What We’re Reading, we include six resources on how philanthropies are using data in their work and philanthropy’s role in the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. These readings demonstrate how philanthropies are evolving their practices to respond to emerging methods and technologies, while at the same time highlighting the need for ethical practices.  

Three key takeaways relevant for the DATA4Philanthropy Network:

• Exploring the Potential of AI and Philanthropy: The intersections of AI and philanthropy offer a range of opportunities, yet significant barriers stand in the way of harnessing AI’s full potential. One reading notes the need for more use cases of how AI can be applied within philanthropies to help advance the responsible use of AI across the sector.

• Developing Skills: The readings highlight the need for skill development to advance the use of data within philanthropic organizations. Dedicated data training programs can be valuable in equipping philanthropic organizations to tackle issues such as financial inclusion, systemic inequities, and responsible AI use.

• Understanding Systems Change: Understanding how to navigate systems change is an ongoing challenge. Systems thinking and data-driven methods can help reassess current practices and evaluate impact. 

Below, we provide summaries of these resources in alphabetical order:

Ackerman, Jacqueline. “How Data-Informed Philanthropy Can Close the Giving Gap for Women and Girls.” The Center for Effective Philanthropy, 10 Dec. 2024.

In this blog, Jacqueline Ackerman discusses the underfunding of organizations, primarily nonprofits, serving women and girls, which has received less than 2% of U.S. total charitable giving since 2012. Drawing from the 2024 Women & Girls Index by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI), the blog analyzes a decade-long dataset (2012–2021) that tracks philanthropic support for these organizations. The data reveals that while giving reached a milestone of $10.2 billion in 2021, disparities remain, with organizations focused on reproductive health and family planning receiving the largest share of support. The blog emphasizes the value of data to track trends, identify funding disparities, and inform strategies for supporting women’s and girls’ organizations.

Balakrishnan, Rathish, et al. “Investing for Systems Change Means Refining How We Think About Impact (SSIR).” Stanford Social Innovation Review, Stanford Social Innovation Review, 9 Dec. 2024

In this article published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, the authors discuss how to measure impact in systems change initiatives. The article explains the challenge of balancing long-term goals with real-time feedback in addressing systemic issues and highlights a framework developed by Sattva Consulting in collaboration with Omidyar Network India (ON India). This framework focuses on evaluating the system being addressed, the contributions of interventions to systemic changes, and the pathways or strategies required to advance the system effectively at different stages of its evolution. Supported by various case studies, the authors explain the importance of identifying key inflection points, understanding trade-offs, and aligning strategies with how systems evolve. 

A five-stage framework, developed by Sattva Consulting in collaboration with Omidyar Network India, illustrates the evolution of systems, designed to map and analyze problems within a system's development from the article, “Investing for Systems Change Means Refining How We Think About Impact.”

Devex Partnerships. “How Do We Unlock Data’s Full Potential for Equitable Financial Inclusion?” Devex, 18 Nov. 2024.

In a blog sponsored by data.org, the authors explore how data and artificial intelligence can advance financial inclusion when applied equitably. It highlights the launch of the Asia Pacific (APAC) Data Capacity Accelerator by data.org with the support of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. This initiative aims to address systemic financial inclusion challenges by training a workforce skilled in data literacy and financial empowerment. The APAC hub focuses on developing tailored curricula for civil servants, fintech entrepreneurs, and social impact organizations. The blog also discusses data.org’s other global efforts, such as the Capacity Accelerator Network hubs in Africa, India, Latin America, and the United States, which work with local partners to build data and AI capabilities. 

“How Philanthropy Can Help Ensure A.I. Is Built Ethically.” Chronicle of Philanthropy, 11 Oct. 2024.

"How Philanthropy Can Help Ensure A.I. Is Built Ethically" summarizes an episode of the "Giving Done Right" podcast featuring Vilas Dhar, president of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. Hosted by Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, the episode examines how AI can be used to address societal challenges, such as inequity while emphasizing the importance of ethical development. 

Dhar discusses concerns related to the responsible implementation of AI, including issues like fairness, transparency, and potential bias. The conversation includes an overview of efforts by the McGovern Foundation to provide nonprofits with AI tools to support their operations and address societal needs.

Stähle, Hanna. “Philanthropy at a Crossroads: Confronting the Past by Embracing Futures Thinking.” Philea, Philea, 2 Dec. 2024. 

This article published by Philanthropy Europe Association (Philea) examines how futures thinking can help philanthropy respond to systemic challenges. The article critiques traditional funding models that rely on linear approaches to time and legacy systems and introduces the concept of Kairos—seizing the opportune moment—as a way to foster more adaptive strategies. Drawing from discussions at Philea’s 2024 Futures Philanthropy gathering, the piece explores how incorporating varied perspectives, including grassroots and creative approaches, may offer new pathways to address issues such as climate change and systemic inequities.  

Westrick, Jean. “An AI Roadmap for Philanthropy in 2025.” The Center for Effective Philanthropy, 4 Dec. 2024.

This blog summarizes findings from the Technology Association of Grantmakers’s  2024 State of Philanthropy Tech report. The report, based on a global survey of over 350 foundations, highlights the widespread experimentation with artificial intelligence (AI) tools in philanthropy while noting the limited adoption of organization-wide strategies and governance frameworks. Barriers include privacy concerns, lack of skills, and unclear use cases for AI within philanthropy. The author reflects on the report’s findings and emphasizes the need for improved data infrastructure, responsible AI policies, and cross-organizational collaboration to move from experimentation to strategic implementation. The blog calls on philanthropic leaders to address the ethical challenges of AI adoption thoughtfully and proactively.

Image from the blog "An AI Roadmap for Philanthropy in 2025" published by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. The graph, created by the Technology Association of Grantmakers, shows how grantmaking organizations govern AI. 

Are you interested in learning more about futures methods? Our “Data Innovation Primer: Using Futures Studies in the Grant Making Process” explores how qualitative foresight and quantitative forecasting can be combined throughout the grant making process. Learn more by reading our primer here.

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Do you know of innovative uses of data that should be featured on the platform? Or, are you a philanthropic data leader interested in collaborating with the DATA4Philanthropy team? Let us know by emailing us at DATA4Philanthropy@thegovlab.org. 

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