Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for tech giants—it’s starting to show up in charity offices, offering smarter ways to manage admin, connect with donors, and make sense of data. But getting started isn’t always straightforward.

Here’s what’s holding things back:

💸 Funding comes first – With tight budgets, AI often takes a back seat to frontline services. 

 🧩 Skills & systems – Many teams don’t have the tech setup or know-how to make AI work well. 

 🔐 Privacy & ethics – Handling sensitive data means charities need to be extra cautious. 

 🧭 No clear lead– AI doesn’t always sit neatly in someone’s job description, so it can fall through the cracks. 

🤖 Chatbots with caveats – Some charities are testing AI chat tools, but tone and accessibility still need work.

That said, interest is growing. From smarter fundraising to better planning, small wins are starting to show up. But to really make AI work for the sector, charities need the right support and a clear, values-led approach.

To help with that, Phoenix and NCVO are hosting a free webinar on 15 July, sharing insights from the State of AI in Charities 2025 report. It’s a chance to hear what’s working, what’s not, and where things are heading. Plus, attendees get a copy of the report—and a £4 Starbucks voucher to sweeten the deal. Book your place.