AI training helps regional not-for-profits save NZD $20,000 a year

A free artificial intelligence training initiative is helping not-for-profit organisations across regional New Zealand achieve cost savings and boost staff confidence, according to participants and organisers.

Programmeme expansion

The Not-For-Profit AI Capacity Building Programmeme provides education on artificial intelligence use, governance, and ethics, specifically tailored for community groups.

Originating in Nelson, the programme's first phase involved around 120 participants from more than 60 organisations. The second phase extended coverage to Marlborough and Motueka, reaching approximately 300 individuals from 150 organisations.

Support for the initiative comes through the Rātā Foundation and is led by the Nelson AI Sandbox, which operates from Nelson's public library and the Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology's Mahitahi Colab. Twenty volunteers with backgrounds in technology, business and marketing support the programme's delivery.

Practical training

The programme features in-person workshops, online courses, a network for sharing best practices, and a train-the-trainer scheme. Training addresses practical uses of AI alongside topics such as data privacy, security, data sovereignty, environmental impact, and ethical concerns.

Richard Brudvik-Lindner, the founder of Nelson AI Sandbox, said its grassroots model stands out. "The Nelson AI Sandbox appears to be the first and only grassroots, community-supported AI capacity-building organisation of its kind anywhere in the world. Our goal is to provide an unintimidating space for people to learn about AI tools and software, with the long-term aim of increasing productivity and opportunity in the region. The workshops are a way for us to do this, while also trying to create intergenerational cohesion and a place for everybody at the digital table," said Brudvik-Lindner, Founder, Nelson AI Sandbox.

Sloane Bayley, who leads the workshop delivery, emphasised the importance of accessibility.

"We realised there might be businesses and organisations that get training rolled out, but not-for-profits don't have access to that - it's either costly or time prohibitive. By providing the training for free, we're hopefully taking away the main barrier.

"The great thing about AI is you don't need to be a coder or technical expert. We're giving them tips on how to prompt and very quickly showing them how to do things like write grant funding proposals and meeting minutes and also coming up with AI policies for the safe use of this technology - the key things we'd heard organisations were struggling with, especially around the board table," said Bayley.

Perceived benefits

The course developers report strong demand and positive participant feedback. Programmeme organisers state that many organisations saving both time and resources as a result of their involvement.

Kate Sclater, Head of Community Investment at Rātā Foundation, said: "To enable long-term sustainability and create conditions for community organisations to thrive, Rātā invests in opportunities to strengthen the community sector. AI has the potential to transform the not-for-profit sector by enhancing data analysis, improving decision-making, and automating routine tasks, yet many organisations don't know where to even start, with the real risk that they could be left behind with this new technology.

"This programme provides practical tools and skills for organisations to integrate AI into their day-to-day operations, regardless of limited resources or financial constraints, and we are already seeing the tangible benefits for many of the organisations who attended the programme. Increasing AI literacy is a key way we can support and empower organisations to build their capability, enhance their resilience, and innovate in response to the changing environment," said Sclater.

Cost savings

Whenua Iti Outdoors estimated that AI tools could save them around NZD $20,000 annually, with staff reporting that tasks previously outsourced can now be completed in-house. "The knowledge I have gained from attending AI Sandbox workshops and subsequently using ChatGPT has been transformational for my role. Tasks that once took hours now take minutes. I've saved around $150 an hour on coding and process solutions that I previously would've needed to outsource to external contractors," said Geraldine Stones, Systems Improvement Lead, Whenua Iti Outdoors.

Other not-for-profits, such as Y-Nelson and Nelson Environment Centre, described similar experiences. Initiatives included using AI to compile reports, plan lessons, automate meeting notes, and manage government submissions. "AI isn't replacing our people - it's strengthening them. It's giving our team the confidence and tools to be more creative, efficient, and mission-focused. That's a win for us and for the community we serve," said Sean Trengrove, Executive Director, Y-Nelson.

"The NAIS workshop helped me start using AI. Before the course, I was cautious and didn't understand the power of AI. I now use it daily and it helps me to do so many parts of my job. It is a powerful tool that can help not-for-profits to grow. It frees up time for those in the not-for-profit space to actually focus on the important work that they do," said Kelli Campbell, Funding and Data Coordinator, Nelson Environment Centre.