When should a nonprofit consider hiring an AI consultant?

Here’s one a few approaches:

• If your nonprofit is just starting to explore the potential of AI, bringing in an AI consultant can provide guidance and help to avoid common pitfalls.
• If you're planning to implement a complex AI solution, an AI consultant can provide the technical expertise needed to ensure the project's success.
• If your team lacks the necessary AI skills, an AI consultant can provide targeted training to fill the skills gap.

Straightforward right?

But, what If your team is already dabbling in AI, whether out loud or as their “secret weapon?”

In this case, it’s past time for an AI consultant or CAIO.

With the use of AI comes a list of parameters that organizations and individuals don’t consider -- mainly security.

Implementing AI is not a simple task. It requires a deep understanding of AI technologies, its potential applications, its challenges, and the ability to tailor it to the unique needs of a nonprofit.

It requires strategy, an assessment of readiness, a plan for change management and thoughtful and intentional consideration. It also requires policies and guardrails to answer the most fundamental question, “What parts of nonprofit operations will remain human?”

This is where an AI consultant comes in. An AI consultant or CAIO can guide the decision-making process, provide training, and support the development and execution of an AI strategy.

While hiring an AI consultant can be beneficial, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Consultants are expensive and relying on external expertise can lead to dependency. This is especially true for nonprofits, which often operate on tight budgets.

Training an internal team member (or two or more) to become certified AI consultants can be a viable alternative which has several advantages.

Training someone from your team is cost effective over bringing in an external consultant.

When you train someone who already works within the organization and use their existing knowledge of how the organization works, you not only save time but you also save intellectual property.

Having an in-house AI expert means that the proprietary knowledge and skills stay within the organization. A team member who knows the culture and organization can quickly see where AI can make a difference. They can spot the best opportunities for using AI to meet the strategic plan and build capacity.

Training a current team member can also make your team stronger and show that you invest in your employees' growth – making a happier, loyal, and more motivated team. 76% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers ongoing training.

Additionally, training someone internally who already knows their colleagues can work within the team to push AI projects forward more effectively.

When deciding which team members to make the perfect candidates, consider those who show an affinity for AI and a willingness to learn, as they will need to keep up with the trends, be able to explain AI to others in a simple way, and support the team in understanding and implementing new AI projects.

As they learn, allow them to work on real AI projects to gain practical experience.

For a nonprofit, having a certified resident expert on staff means you're more likely to see good results from your AI projects.

Certification also helps the team member be more trusted and influential both inside and outside the organization.

Having a credential AI leader sets a standard, one which can position the nonprofit as a thought leader and forward thinker.

It shows a commitment to continuous learning and ethical and responsible use of AI. It also expands service offerings for the staff and beneficiaries of the mission which can look good on grant applications.

When choosing a certification program, look for programs that cover the tech side of AI, specializes in nonprofit specific use cases and offers hands-on learning.

The program should be positioned to expand with the field, meaning not heavy on tools that will change, but focused on strategic application and critical thinking that grows with the team member and matches the career goals and the needs of the organization.

Training an internal team member to be a certified go-to person for AI is a viable choice that saves money, time and people and allows the organization to truly build a culture where AI takes on the realities, while the team can deliver on the mission.