A new program called Accelerator: Geneative AI has been launched by the charitable organization affiliated with Google to support the funding of non-profit entities working on developing technologies that leverage generative artificial intelligence.
The program is expected to be funded with a grant of $20 million and will initially include 21 non-profit organizations.
Among the non-profit organizations are Quill.org, which is developing AI-powered tools to assist students in writing comments, and the World Bank, which is working on building a generative AI application to facilitate access to development research.
In addition to funding, non-profit organizations in the ongoing acceleration program are provided with six months of access to technical training, workshops, mentors, and guidance from AI trainers.
Through the fellowship program, Google employees engage with three non-profit organizations, such as Tarjimly, Benefits Data Trust, and mRelief, on a full-time basis for up to six months to support the launch of proposed generative AI tools.
Tarjimly aims to use smart translation to help refugees communicate in different languages, while Benefits Data Trust leverages smart technology to create assistants supporting social service workers in aiding low-income individuals in registering for public benefits.
Simultaneously, mRelief is working on developing a tool to facilitate the process of applying for SNAP benefits in the United States.
Annie Lois, Global Advocacy Director at Google’s charity division, said: “Generative AI is a supportive factor for social impact teams in enhancing productivity, innovation, and efficiency in serving their communities. Beneficiaries of funding from Google.org report that artificial intelligence helps them achieve their goals in about two-thirds less time and at a lower cost.”
According to a study conducted by PwrdBy, 73% of non-profit organizations believe that AI innovations align with their purposes, and 75% believe that AI makes life easier, especially in areas like donor classification, routine office tasks, and purpose-driven initiatives.
Significant challenges still face non-profit organizations wishing to develop AI solutions or use external products, including cost, resources, and time constraints.
A survey conducted by Google.org showed that most non-profit organizations see that generative AI could be beneficial to their operations. However, almost half of these non-profit organizations currently do not use the technology due to several internal and external reasons.
