How U.S. Nonprofits are Building Their Own AI Tools to Drive Change?

Most nonprofits know AI is important but many assume it’s something only big tech companies, universities, or well-funded labs can build. Tools are expensive, vendors don’t understand mission-driven needs, and off-the-shelf products rarely fit the realities of community work.

But a new shift is happening.

Across the U.S. and globally, nonprofits are building their own AI tools using open-source models, small data sets, and mission-first design principles. This new wave is often called DIY AI, and it’s redefining who gets to participate in the future of technology.

Why This Shift Matters

A 2024 NTEN survey found that over 70% of nonprofits plan to adopt or expand AI use, but cost and misaligned tools remain the biggest barriers.

Why DIY AI is Important for Nonprofits?

Real-World Examples 

Here are a few cases showing the potential of nonprofit-built AI: 

1. OpenSRP by Ona 

Ona, a nonprofit tech platform, powers OpenSRP, an open-source system that supports community health workers with AI-informed data entry—improving maternal and child health in East Africa.  

2. Bridges to Prosperity’s WaterNet Project 

Bridges to Prosperity developed Fika Map and WaterNet, AI tools that map previously undocumented waterways using satellite imagery and Strava data. This enables smarter bridge placement in rural areas around the world. 

3. Flying Labs Network 

Flying Labs trains local teams in over 40 countries in geospatial mapping using drones and AI for flood, fire, and hurricane response. Its model centers on local leadership. 

Benefits of Nonprofits Building Their Own AI Tools

1. Local Language + Cultural Fit

   AI trained on local dialects, expressions, and cultural norms improves adoption and trust.

2. Community-Centered Design

   Nonprofits build for the real world:

   • intermittent internet

   • low-resource environments

   • accessible UX

   • safety and privacy priorities

3. Data Ownership

   DIY AI keeps data with the organization and community, not third-party vendors.

4. Long-Term Cost Savings

   Building once often costs less than paying for recurring licenses.

5. Faster Innovation

   Mission teams can update features at their own pace—no waiting for vendor timelines.

   
   

How Nonprofits Can Start DIY AI 

Steps to start DIY AI

Why DIY AI Advances Equity

When nonprofits build their own tools:

• Language gaps close—dialects, accents, and cultural nuances are finally embedded in the system.

• Local knowledge becomes encoded—tools reflect community realities, not Silicon Valley defaults.

• Trust increases—communities know the tool was built with them.

The Road Ahead

As more nonprofits experiment, share code, and learn from one another, we’re moving towards a world where:

• AI is not a luxury.

• AI is not a barrier.

• AI is a community tool for community solutions.

  
  

Nonprofits are not waiting for tech giants to build for them, they are building their own AI future.

Thinking About DIY AI for Your Nonprofit?

If your nonprofit wants to explore DIY AI, start by mapping your top three bottlenecks. Then look for open-source AI tools on platforms like Hugging Face, TensorFlow, or community-built chatbots. Questions or need guidance? Contact The CLASS Consulting Group , we’ll help you take the first step. 

CLASS has been a trusted advisor to board and leadership teams of nonprofits since 2002. Learn more and reach out today.