Beyond ChatGPT: How Nonprofit Organizations Can Leverage AI To Expand Reach and Enhance Giving Experiences

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various industries, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. Nonprofit organizations, driven by their mission to address societal challenges and not private or financial gain, are increasingly searching for new ways to enhance their operations, streamline processes, and extend their reach. By harnessing the power of AI, nonprofits may be able to make a greater impact, optimize their resource allocation, and create more accessible giving experiences for a more diverse public. In this paper, we will explore how nonprofit organizations are utilizing AI software to revolutionize their practices and amplify their effectiveness as well as the usefulness and challenges of AI. Particularly we will examine the myriad ways AI can assist arts in tasks such as data analysis, report generation for board members and stakeholders, improved donor engagement, increase accessibility, assist with time consuming administrative tasks, and revitalize stagnant revenue growth. By demonstrating the benefits of AI, we aim to provide insights into how this technology can streamline processes and enhance the overall efficiency of these organizations.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Cleopatra Charles is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University, where she has been since 2010. During 2019-2020 she was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar in the Department of Civil Society Studies at Charles University in the Czech Republic, and in 2021-2022 she was a Visiting Fulbright Scholar at the National University for Public Service in Hungary. She received a B.A. and MPA from Baruch College in New York. She received her Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Kentucky in 2008.
Her research interests focus on financial management and fiscal policy issues that affect nonprofit organizations. Her more recent work has focused on arts nonprofit organizations and the relationship between governance decisions and financial preparedness in dealing with adverse circumstances. Her work has appeared in several top peer-reviewed journals in her field. Professor Charles is co-author of the forthcoming book Financial Leadership for the Arts: Sustainable Strategies for Creative Organizations (University of North Carolina Press, 2024). She has given numerous invited talks and seminars nationally and internationally and is a founder of a nonprofit and consultant to several national and international nonprofit organizations.