Utilising Artificial Intelligence in the NFP Sector

Four strategies to consider Responsible and Secure Use

More and more not-for-profit organisations are turning towards artificial intelligence (AI) to stay abreast of advancing technologies and enhance operations. However, the power of these intelligent systems can be a double-edged sword, particularly if not handled responsibly and securely. This blog will explore what it takes to use AI responsibly and ensure its security.

  • Data Governance: The First Step

  • The Harnessing Power of AI: CoPilot or Azure Open AI

  • Not Blindingly Accepting AI Outputs

  • Ensuring a Secure AI Usage

Data Governance: The First Step

Before applying AI, a fundamental step is to understand the depth of your data. This includes comprehending how your data is locked down, what practices and policies are in play, and how these data management schemas affect overall security. This step is crucially known as Data Governance. In essence, robust Data Governance procedures ensure that data is consistent, trustworthy, and not misused.

The Harnessing Power of AI: CoPilot or Azure Open AI

When it comes to AI tools specifically relevant to not-for-profit organisations, CoPilot and Azure Open AI are at the forefront. These advanced tools delve into your unique organisational data rather than public sources, geared to building systems that offer insights genuinely relevant to your NFP. These internal-focused tools provide a tremendous advantage in tuning the AI outputs to your specific requirements and ensuring data privacy.

Not Blindly Accepting AI Outputs

While AI output can provide great insights, it’s essential to scrutinise the findings and not blindly accept them. As helpful as AI is, there's always a need for human discernment. Use AI to generate the insights, but remember to assess the output for feasibility and applicability in your unique context. This will ensure an effective balance between technological advantages and human judgement.

Ensuring a Secure AI Usage

Security constraints and concerns are inherent in any technological advancement, and AI is no exception. From protecting confidential data to ensuring secure channels for AI functionality, a checklist of essential security factors must be addressed to ensure responsible and secure AI usage. Remember, ensuring AI security isn't a one-time initiative but an ongoing process interwoven with your organisation's IT strategy.

The Takeaway

Using AI responsibly requires thoughtful effort and planning. It starts with solid data governance, continues with insightful usage of tools such as Azure Open AI or CoPilot, and does not accept AI output blindly. Secure AI usage is imperative to the responsible deployment of AI. Much like any other digital transformation or technological adoption, it calls for a strategic, consistently revisiting, and robust IT approach.

Ready to Leverage AI Securely?

Are you interested in learning more about how to incorporate AI into your not-for-profit organisation responsibly and securely? We can help guide you through the journey, from understanding and locking down your data to helping select and tune the correct AI tools like CoPilot or Azure Open AI. Book your free consultation today to discuss your specific circumstances and see how we can help you harness the powerful benefits of AI without compromising security.

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