Written by Allison Fine and Beth Kanter, The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in an Automated World, is a balanced, measured book about AI that offers relevant case studies. The Smart Nonprofit emphasizes the importance of keeping people at the heart of why we use new tools and what to know before we use them.

The what and how of AI, and a look ahead

The Smart Nonprofit's purpose is to "focus on the most important smart tech applications for social change" (chapter 3). To do so, the book is divided into three sections: understanding and using AI, case studies of smart tech use in nonprofits, and the probable future of nonprofits as the world becomes more automated. I found the first two sections particularly helpful in understanding what is meant by AI, the different types of AI, and how they function. 

The gift of time

Fine and Kanter argue that AI can be used for time-consuming, rote tasks so that staff can focus on what is inherently human – building relationships, storytelling, and problem-solving. Describing this trade-off as the "dividend of time", the authors list examples of human-focused work like spending more time on crisis prevention and reduction, building deeper relationships with clients and donors, and brainstorming and dreaming about new ideas and opportunities.

While outlining the potential benefits of AI, Fine and Kanter give equal weight to the challenges that come with using it. They address how leaders can guide a strategic, thoughtful integration of AI; how to use it responsibly and ethically, and how to protect privacy so that using AI can do more good than harm in nonprofits and more broadly. 

A must-read for nonprofit staff

The Smart Nonprofit will be a valuable read for any nonprofit organizations who are curious about how AI might help them achieve their mission and a roadmap for how to explore it in a strategic, person-focused way. 

As Fine and Kanter write, "Here is a our vision for organizations and society, a future powered by smart tech that is healthier, kinder and more generous" (chapter 12). 

That sounds like a pretty good world to me.