AI hub boosts non-profits
Not-for-profit organisations say they are saving time and money – helping serve their communities in times of high need – after taking part in a free local artificial intelligence (AI) initiative.
Executive Director of Y-Nelson, Sean Trengrove said the charity had implemented AI tools to help with things like drafting reports and communications, seeing the tasks completed in significantly less time. “Often with improved clarity.”
Team members were also discovering new ways to express their ideas through the tools, including ChatGPT and Fireflies, and to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving and work more independently, enhancing capability, he said.
“That … has allowed staff to focus more on direct engagement.
“The impact is evident in stronger relationships and improved experiences for the young people and families they serve.”
Y-Nelson comprised an early childhood education (ECE) centre, a youth training centre, and after school and school holiday programmes.
Staff were using the new technology after members attended workshops hosted by the Nelson AI Sandbox (NAIS) – itself a non-profit, staffed by volunteers – set up in 2023 to help community members understand AI and use it to their benefit.
ECE teachers at Y-Nelson were using the AI tools to assist with lesson planning or brainstorming activities with children, while school holiday programme workers were using it to look at how they could create innovative activities, Trengrove said.
That gave them more “headspace” to do their jobs, which in some cases had become more demanding, he said.
“There’s increasing pressure because of the general impact in the community around the current economic situation, which flows through to behavioural type issues and so on.”
Local outdoor education provider, Whenua Iti Outdoors, said conservatively, AI implementation had saved the organisation about $20,000 a year.
The trust said it had started trialling ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot following participation in NAIS workshops, which had helped streamline operational administration and refined internal policies.
The technology often fully resolved system-related issues without the need for external intervention, avoiding substantial time and financial costs, the trust said.
When external support remained necessary, the clarity provided by AI significantly reduced resolution times and costs, it said.
“Tasks that once took hours now take minutes,” systems improvement leader, Geraldine Stones said.
“I’ve saved around $150 an hour on coding and process solutions that I previously would’ve needed to outsource to external contractors.“
The trust said efficiencies from the use of AI had allowed it to redirect more resources to frontline services, enhancing their capacity to support the community.
NAIS said the organisations were among over 60 non-profits in the Nelson area that had attended its workshops, representing over 30 sectors from housing to conservation.
Around 4500 people had used the pilot programme’s services, through dropping into the hub – co-located at the Mahitahi Colab at NMIT in Nelson and at the city’s Elma Turner library – and taking part in events.
NAIS was developed in partnership with Rātā Foundation, the South Island’s leading community investment fund.
Head of community investment, Kate Sclater, said AI had the potential to transform the not-for profit sector by enhancing data analysis, improving decision-making, and automating routine tasks.
“The programme provides practical tools and skills for organisations to integrate AI into their day-to-day operations, regardless of limited resources or financial constraints.
“AI readiness is a key way we can support and empower organisations to build their capability, enhance their resilience and innovate in response to the changing environment.”
Caption: Nelson AI Sandbox co-founders Matthew Kidson, left, and Richard Brudvik-Lindner.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
This Post Has 0 Comments