Blackbaud Report Reveals AI Maturity Divide in Social Impact Sector — Blackbaud, Inc.

Event summary

85% of social impact professionals use AI, but only 33% believe their organizations use it effectively.
10% of organizations are 'AI-Adaptive,' achieving revenue growth and donor retention through systemic AI use.
Key gaps identified: effectiveness, infrastructure, data-readiness, and transparency.
AI-Adaptive organizations save $621/employee/week, reinvesting in mission delivery and fundraising.
Blackbaud launches free certification program for social impact professionals this summer.

The big picture

Blackbaud's research highlights a critical inflection point in the social impact sector, where AI adoption is outpacing effectiveness. Traditional fundraising models are under strain due to resource constraints, making intentional AI use a strategic imperative for financial resilience and mission delivery. The report underscores that scalable, governed AI implementation can drive revenue growth and donor engagement, but only if organizations address key gaps in infrastructure and transparency.

What we're watching

AI Maturity Divide: How the gap between AI-Adaptive organizations and others will widen without targeted interventions.
Data Governance: Whether social impact organizations can improve data health to support responsible AI use.
Donor Transparency: The pace at which organizations will adopt AI disclosure practices to meet donor expectations.