Via Maryland Today / By Alyssa Ryan
As artificial intelligence reshapes how organizations operate, nonprofit leaders face a distinct challenge: how to use these tools in ways that strengthen their mission and serve communities responsibly. School of Public Policy Associate Clinical Professor Ebonie Johnson Cooper is developing a new graduate course to meet that moment, supported by a $10,000 course development grant through the University of Maryland’s Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), part of a universitywide effort awarding $230,000 to 15 new AI-focused courses.
AI for Nonprofits: Mission-Driven and Equitable Implementation
Cooper plans to create a graduate course that teaches nonprofit leaders to use AI strategically, ethically and in line with their mission. The course uses projects and case studies to explore how AI can aid fundraising, grant writing, program evaluation, communication and community engagement, with a focus on organizations serving marginalized communities. It emphasizes equitable, human-centered implementation, helping students evaluate AI tools, address bias and accessibility, and lead responsible technology adoption.
