ABSTRACT
AI-driven technology offers both tremendous potential and poses fundamental challenges to philanthropic organizations (PO) and society at large. As its rapid growth and ripple effects on society become increasingly complex to understand, we propose a simple model to analyze the different levels of impact that may be brought by AI technology into philanthropy, as well as the ensuing effects and challenges, ethical questions raised, and possible remedies or best practices. At the micro-level, AI technology has the potential to transform every PO’s day-to-day operations; at the meso-level, AI’s use may alter the thematic fields in which POs operate; at the macro-level, the widespread use of AI challenges society at large and impacts philanthropy as a whole. Building on this matrix, we suggest three levels of vigilance—illustrated visually by a three-stage rocket—to guide ethical reflections of POs and adopt tailored safeguards in response to AI technology’s fast expansion. At the micro-level, POs may use AI technologies as tools to increase performance; at the meso-level, POs can leverage AI to better achieve Sustainable Development Goals; at the macro-level, POs are well positioned to help design Ethical and Inclusive AI (EIAI) frameworks. Given the density and technicality of AI-related matters, we propose that every philanthropist could use this model to decipher the stakes, assess the effects, ethical questions, risks, and opportunities of AI tech. This model could also help discern POs’ potential contribution and possibly powerful role as actors likely to harness AI’s beneficial force for humankind.
