Courses |

Artificial intelligence

Build and fund AI

Artificial intelligence is transforming the social impact sector, but the tools that create the most good are those designed responsibly, intentionally, and in direct alignment with an organization’s mission. This course provides nonprofit professionals and funders with a practical, step-by-step framework for building and funding AI tools that center equity, accountability, and community needs.

Participants will learn how to define problems effectively, assess technical and personnel capacity, choose whether to build or buy, and design AI solutions using inclusive, human-centered processes. The course also explores the full lifecycle of AI funding — from training and capacity building to evaluation, iteration, and responsible sunsetting — with real nonprofit examples that illustrate multiple paths to success.

By the end, learners will understand how to integrate strategy, values, equity, and impact into every decision they make about AI development and investment.

Learning objectives

Readiness assessment

Clearly define mission-aligned problems, evaluate available data, and determine whether AI is the right solution.

Implementation planning

Understand and use a five-step process to build, buy, design, deploy, and maintain AI tools in ways that center equity, community input, and responsible practice.

Funding management

Recognize the full lifecycle funding needs of AI projects and match them with appropriate funding models.

Curriculum outline

• Understanding strategy and responsible AI values
• AI foundations: Key terms, ethics, and sector use cases
• The five-step framework for building responsible AI
• Case studies: Quill.org and E4 Youth
• Funding AI: Training, grants, partnerships, and lifecycle support
• Putting it all together: Visioning, decision-making, and next steps

Anticipated time to complete

NTEN courses typically require about 60 minutes of video content to complete, while optional content varies by course.