(image from microsoft.com)
Bellevue, Washington — Over 1,500 nonprofit leaders focused on technology have convened for the annual three-day Microsoft Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit.
During the event, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers, an initiative within a broader $5 billion investment aimed at equipping nonprofit leaders with AI certification, access to collaborative communities, and tailored resources for skill development.
The summit was inaugurated by Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, along with Justin Spelhaug, president of Microsoft Elevate, and Naria Santa Lucia, general manager for Capacity Building Solutions. The summit features over two dozen sessions involving representatives from various nonprofits and is backed by 18 sponsors from the philanthropic sector, including Blackbaud, DonorPerfect, and Moore.
“This new initiative underscores our Microsoft Elevate pledge to help individuals thrive in the AI landscape, a reflection of Microsoft’s 50-year commitment to supporting nonprofits,” stated Spelhaug. “We’re proud to collaborate with nearly one million nonprofits and educational institutions worldwide, and in the coming year, we expect to offer over $5 billion in discounts, donations, and grants.”
Key components of the Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers program include:
- **AI for Nonprofits Credential**: A professional certification developed in partnership with LinkedIn and NetHope, designed to provide a structured learning path aligned with the activities of the nonprofit sector. Certificate holders receive formal recognition on LinkedIn, validating their expertise and commitment to responsible AI implementation.
- **Live and On-Demand AI Training**: Tailored skills training focused on real-world nonprofit activities, rather than generic AI concepts. Each module is crafted to streamline workflows, enabling organizations to achieve more.
- **Changemaker Fellowship**: A global initiative targeting nonprofit professionals with actionable AI projects that can support their missions. This fellowship provides essential resources, funding, and expert mentorship. Participants will collaborate with a global cohort to create responsible AI strategies, enhance vital technical and change management skills, and connect with a reliable network of nonprofit AI leaders, supported by Microsoft and launch partners like EY and Caribou.
The Changemaker Fellowship is open to nonprofits of all types. Organizations interested in participating can register at https://aka.ms/MicrosoftElevateforChangemakers.
Spelhaug highlighted that “major technological shifts rarely happen uniformly. While AI opens up new possibilities, it also brings significant challenges for workers, families, and communities.” He emphasized that nonprofits play a crucial role in driving meaningful change today, serving as vital support systems for individuals seeking to acquire new skills, explore new career opportunities, and remain connected to essential community resources.
Research from IDC reveals that nearly 50% of nonprofits still rely on manual data entry and spreadsheets for various operational tasks, such as compliance documentation and meeting notes. For instance, ARCare, a healthcare provider serving underserved communities in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi, utilizes AI to handle administrative duties. This shift allows staff to focus more on patient care, eliminating six to eight hours of manual work each day.
However, Spelhaug emphasized that technology alone isn’t the answer. “The success stories of AI transforming mission-driven organizations rely on committed individuals within nonprofits who lead change without formal recognition or mandates. Their dedication to adopting new technologies, acquiring new skills, and advocating for responsible AI practices is what propels the sector forward,” he remarked.
