ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT) in the philanthropic context by analyzing two operational fields and developing case studies. The first implementation concerns the fundraising activity, which is crucial for non-profit organizations to pursue their philanthropic goals. In recent research, Decision Support Systems (DSSs) have been developed to properly use the associations’ database information to optimize fundraising strategies. DSSs employ advanced mathematical techniques, soft computing, and AI techniques. A description of the framework and the state of the art is developed, with the presentation of a specific DSS, using visualization diagrams for a better understanding. Furthermore, some new challenges are mentioned. The second application regards financial literacy. A guided and interactive computer lab for young persons is developed by considering a class of common financial problems involving a choice. Each model is implemented by constructing a visualization diagram capturing the financial situation and its evolution. This operation also uses computer tools to graphically model quite complex problems and achieve an effective financial choice even without specific notions of financial mathematics. In this context, a collaboration with a philanthropic cultural organization is being developed to make a high-end IT solution available with the construction of a web application. The demo version of this specific application is illustrated in detail.
