Microsoft has announced a new initiative aimed at helping nonprofit organizations prepare for the future and make better use of artificial intelligence to address social challenges. The announcement was made as more than 1,500 nonprofit leaders from across the world gathered for the Microsoft Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, an event focused on exploring how technology can strengthen communities and expand opportunities.
The nonprofit sector is facing a new phase of technological change as AI continues to reshape industries and economies. While these advancements create new opportunities, they can also disrupt workers, families, and communities. Nonprofit organizations often play a critical role in helping people adapt to these changes by supporting skill development, connecting individuals with employment opportunities, and ensuring communities remain linked to essential systems and services.
To support this transition, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers, a programme designed to help nonprofit leaders build the skills and capacity needed to adopt AI responsibly within their organizations. The initiative provides access to AI credentials, a global peer community, and role-based resources that aim to help nonprofit professionals confidently integrate AI into their work while staying aligned with their missions and the needs of the communities they serve.
The programme forms part of Microsoft’s broader Microsoft Elevate commitment, which focuses on ensuring people can thrive in the AI-driven economy. Microsoft highlighted its long-standing relationship with the nonprofit sector, noting that it partners with nearly one million nonprofits and education systems globally. Over the next year, the company also plans to deliver more than $5 billion in discounts, donations, and grants to support nonprofit organizations addressing community needs.
One key component of the initiative is the AI for Nonprofits credential, a professional certificate developed in collaboration with LinkedIn and NetHope. The credential provides a structured learning path based on real nonprofit work and awards participants a professional certificate on LinkedIn, recognizing their expertise and commitment to responsible AI use within their organizations. The programme also offers live and on-demand training focused on practical skills tailored to nonprofit operations, covering topics such as Copilot fundamentals, change management, and responsible AI governance.
Another major element is the Changemaker Fellowship, a global programme open to nonprofit professionals whose organizations are ready to advance AI-driven projects that support their missions. The fellowship provides funding, guidance, and access to a global network of nonprofit leaders working with AI. Participants will collaborate on responsible AI adoption plans, develop technical and leadership skills, and connect with partners including EY and Caribou.
Across the nonprofit sector, organizations are already using AI to improve their work in practical ways. AI is helping reduce administrative tasks that often consume significant staff time, allowing teams to focus more on mission-driven activities. For example, the healthcare provider ARcare has used AI to automate administrative processes, enabling staff to spend more time on patient care and significantly reduce hours spent on manual work each day.
AI is also enabling nonprofits to expand the reach of their programmes. Opportunity International is using a local-language chatbot powered by AI to provide farmers with instant agricultural advice, helping overcome literacy barriers and making critical information more accessible. This approach allows frontline teams to focus on building relationships and delivering long-term impact in communities.
Fundraising and donor engagement are another area where AI is supporting nonprofits. Organizations are using the technology to manage donor relationships more efficiently and increase their capacity to secure funding. Meanwhile, the social housing organization de Alliantie has adopted an AI chatbot to help manage thousands of weekly housing support calls, allowing staff to assist more people while maintaining a human-centered approach to service delivery.
Microsoft emphasized that many of these advancements are being driven by individuals within nonprofits who are embracing new technology and leading change, often without formal recognition. Their willingness to learn new skills and implement responsible AI practices is helping the sector adapt and grow in a rapidly changing environment.
Looking ahead, Microsoft stated that the future of AI in the nonprofit sector will depend on the leadership and resilience of organizations that work closely with communities. As AI adoption expands, nonprofits are expected to play a key role in ensuring that its benefits are shared broadly and used to strengthen communities rather than replace human efforts. The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting nonprofits through technology, partnerships, and investment aimed at helping them deliver greater impact in the years to come.
