How Pittsburgh nonprofits are putting AI to work
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Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios
Pittsburgh nonprofits are tapping into AI to stretch limited resources and widen their reach.
Why it matters: Nonprofits are often lifelines for those they serve, but lean teams, rising demand and fierce funding competition can drive burnout and blunt impact.
State of play: The Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP), a Forbes Funds program, and Pittsburgh-based Skilly lead AI cohorts for the social impact sector to help nonprofits, businesses and government agencies build AI literacy, develop practical tools and learn from peers.
The latest: Participants on Tuesday shared how they're using AI at a GPNP "Demo Day" at Nova Place, from sharpening funding proposals to building apps.
Case in point: Lorenzo Boone, CEO of Gold Pyramid Screen and Stage — a local production company that highlights diverse experiences — said he created a website chat widget that answers questions about the organization and how people can get involved, including internship and volunteer opportunities.
- AI tools gather audience feedback in real time through surveys that inform educational programs, film development and productions, he said.
- Richard Brown, a coach with ReCA — which supports formerly incarcerated people and their families during reentry — said the organization has developed a mobile app concept that would help people find resources, track goals, connect with coaches and more.
What they're saying: "For us, AI isn't replacing human connection; it's allowing us to organize our work so our human connection becomes more consistent, more responsive and easier to scale," said Brown.
Zoom in: Shannah Tharp Gilliam, director of the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, said AI helps her quickly surface program directives, track relevant legislation, build internal presentations and more.
By the numbers: Over the past three years, 175 participants from 72 organizations have completed the AI cohort, per GPNP.
- Participants report saving 8–12 hours per week using the tools they've learned, with 74% reporting reduced burnout, the group added.
The big picture: Nearly two-thirds of foundation and nonprofit leaders nationwide report using AI, primarily for internal productivity, communication and development, per a Center for Effective Philanthropy study.
- Two-thirds said few, if any, employees had a solid understanding of AI and its applications.
The bottom line: Fred Brown, CEO of The Forbes Funds, tells Axios the initiative is designed to boost AI equity, helping limited-capacity organizations harness tech (that's often already used by larger players) ethically and strategically to deepen their community service.
- "It gives them the muscle to be competitive," he said.
What's next: Organizations interested in the next AI cohorts this fall — dates TBD — can fill out this form.