Google.org is launching a new initiative, Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI, to fund and support nonprofits using generative AI technology. The program will start with 21 nonprofits, including Quill.org and the World Bank, providing them with $20 million in grants. These organizations aim to enhance student writing feedback and make development research more accessible, respectively.
The six-month accelerator will offer these nonprofits financial support, technical training, workshops, mentorship, and advice from an AI coach. Google employees will also dedicate up to six months to work with three selected nonprofits—Tarjimly, Benefits Data Trust, and mRelief—through Google.org’s fellowship program, helping them launch generative AI tools.
Benefits Data Trust is developing AI assistants for caseworkers, Tarjimly is focusing on AI language translation for refugees. MRelief is working on a faster SNAP assistance application process in the US.
Annie Lewin, Google.org’s director of global advocacy, stated in a blog post that generative AI significantly boosts the efficiency, creativity, and impact of social teams, halving costs and reducing time by two-thirds. A PwrdBy survey showed that 73% of organizations find AI aligns with their goals, and 75% say it simplifies their work. Yet, many nonprofits struggle with funding, time, and resources to develop or adopt AI solutions.
Lewin also mentioned a Google.org survey indicating that while 80% of NGOs see the potential in generative AI. Nearly half haven’t adopted it due to funding, awareness, training, and tool shortages.
The landscape is becoming more optimistic as the number of AI-focused charitable organizations increases. Fast Forward reported that nearly a third of its latest class applications were AI-related. Hundreds of nonprofits globally are exploring ethical AI use, including Earth05, JoyEducation, and AlgorithmWatch.
