AI no longer just ‘nice to have’ for non-profits, says social enterprise Infoxchange
It has partnered companies such as Google to launch a capacity-building initiative across the Asia-Pacific
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) and digital capability are no longer just “nice to haves”, but are now essential tools for organisations, especially non-profits, said Sophie Souchon, digital transformation manager at Infoxchange.
The not-for-profit social enterprise aims to help charities tackle social challenges through the use of technology.
Based in Australia, where the government and corporates are among its clients, Infoxchange expanded its footprint within the Asia-Pacific over a decade ago.
In May, it received US$2 million in funding from Google to launch an AI capacity-building initiative across the region.
Rolled out around July, the AI Nonprofit Learning Community provides free webinars, resources, scholarships and advisory support, among others, for non-profit workers.
“The aim is not just to teach the tools, but to help non-profits think about how AI can be applied ethically and practically to the real challenges they face, whether that’s managing caseloads, streamlining reporting, or reaching more people in need,” said Souchon.
“We’re currently working with partners in Singapore and across the region to expand our AI Nonprofit Learning Community… We’re also looking at extending digital transformation support, from cybersecurity training to data capability-building, to ensure non-profits in the Asia-Pacific are resilient and future-ready.”
She noted the “enormous pressure” that non-profits face, which underscores the need for such organisations to acquire digital knowledge and utilise AI.
“Demand for services is rising, funding remains constrained, and expectations of accountability are higher than ever. AI and digital capability… help organisations work smarter, free up staff to focus on people rather than paperwork, and better target support where it’s most needed,” she said.
“Without that knowledge, there’s a real risk of falling further behind in serving communities effectively.”
More importantly, Souchon added, being data-focused allows non-profits to make more evidence-based, strategic decisions.
While there are concerns that AI could one day replace human beings in the workforce, she said the technology should be viewed not as a substitute, but as a tool that empowers a sector already grappling with higher demand amid lower funding.
“We see AI as a powerful tool to augment human capability, streamline processes and unlock new ways of delivering vital services in our communities and environments. As we continue to explore its potential, our focus remains on how AI can support the workforce in an ethical and secure way.”
Souchon added that the programme’s impact is measured on two levels. “First, at the organisational level – are non-profits more confident, more digitally capable, and better equipped to deliver their missions? And second, at the community level – is that capability translating into better outcomes for the people they support?”
Infoxchange uses “a mix of data collection, participant feedback and independent evaluation”, she said.
“But ultimately, the most meaningful measure is whether families, communities and individuals are experiencing improved services and opportunities as a result.”
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