The AI divide in the third sector: A growing crisis

The third sector is facing a critical moment. Whilst artificial intelligence promises transformative potential, it's creating a widening divide that threatens the sustainability of smaller organisations.

Large charities are surging ahead, investing huge amounts in AI initiatives to boost their fundraising and operations. Meanwhile, many charities are being left behind, caught in a paralysing cycle of uncertainty and risk aversion.

The implications are serious and this isn't just about missing out on innovation – it's about survival. This technological divide could be the final challenge that pushes many smaller charities to breaking point risking the crucial support they provide. Something needs to shift in the way we respond to AI disruption as a sector.

CAST asked us what our approach to creating Sector Safe AI would be: This is why we created Worthwhile AI: a model community-owned solution that ensures all charities, regardless of size, can safely and confidently take their first steps in exploring the frontier.

Why Worthwhile AI is different

Traditional AI solutions often leave charities feeling vulnerable:

• Concerns about data privacy
• High implementation costs
• Uncertainty on which platform/provider to adopt
• Complex technical barriers
• Ethical uncertainties

Worthwhile AI flips this script. We're not selling a product – we're building a collaborative solution that puts sector needs first.

Our approach

This isn't a finished product. It's a carefully crafted proof of concept, created through a series of collaborative sprints with charity sector experts. Our first iteration provides:

• A secure, private environment
• Safe exploration of AI capabilities
• Protection of sensitive information, whilst enabling cross-sector sharing
• Community-owned development and IP model
• Abstract away the arms race of which LLM or Tech group is in the lead.

The invitation

We're inviting forward-thinking funders and charity leaders to join our journey. This isn't about purchasing a solution – it's about co-creating technology that genuinely serves our sector's unique needs. Our goal? To demystify AI (check out our jargon buster too!), reduce technological anxiety, and unlock new possibilities for mission-driven organisations is a safe, sector-approved home. Help shape the technology that will transform how charities work. Sign up here and try it out for yourself.