AI use rising among charities, but concerns remain
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 16th July 2025
A new report shows that AI adoption is increasing across the charity sector, though concerns remain around the implications of using these tools.
The Charity Digital Skills Report found that 76% of respondent charities are now using AI—an increase of 15 percentage points since 2024. Reported uses include drafting documents, handling administrative tasks, creating content, and more.
Despite the rise in uptake, 59% of respondents expressed concerns about the use of AI. Key issues identified in the report include data privacy, lack of skills and training, concerns over factual accuracy, and the risk of bias and discrimination.
These risks are playing a key role in shaping organisational responses: 48% of charities surveyed are developing an AI policy to guide how these tools are used - up from just 16% a year ago.
While many charities are using AI to support their work, significant questions remain around ethics, environmental impact, and the potential to reinforce harmful biases. Guidance from SCVO, the ICO, and others will be helpful for groups exploring this complex and evolving landscape.
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