Canada Launches Landmark National Program to Equip Nonprofits with AI for Social Impact
The Human Feedback Foundation (HFF), The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) are proud to jointly announce the launch of the Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact (RAISE) pilot program, a first-of-its-kind national initiative to help nonprofit organizations across Canada adopt artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and effectively.
With co-investment from DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, the program aims to establish Canada as a global leader in responsible AI adoption for social good and create a replicable model for AI for Good, positioning Canada as a global leader in human-centered, responsible AI adoption.
Canada Launches Landmark National Program to Equip Nonprofits with AI for Social Impact
The Human Feedback Foundation (HFF), Toronto Metropolitan University’s The Dais, and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) are proud to jointly announce the launch of the Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact (RAISE) pilot program to close the AI adoption and skills gap in Canada’s nonprofit sector — positioning Canada as a global leader in responsible AI for social impact.
Numbers
95.2%
of nonprofits aren't adopting AI
Only 4.8% of nonprofits report using AI.
170,000
nonprofits contributing $192 billion to the economy
Canada’s nonprofit sector faces a significant digital skills and technology gap.
Under 1%
engaged in tech roles
less than 1% of the workforce is engaged in tech roles, according to a 2024 CCNDR report.
Organizational AI Adoption Accelerator with CDL — Putting AI to Work
A 12-month program for 5 large nonprofit organizations — CAMH Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, CanadaHelps, Furniture Bank, Achēv — will join the inaugural nonprofit accelerator cohort to adopt AI in alignment with their missions, helping nonprofits move from strategy to responsible implementation.
AI Upskilling for Key Roles
Targeted training for 500 nonprofit professionals to build AI literacy and integrate AI into roles like fundraising, data stewardship, policy, and service delivery. Led by the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, this initiative leverages their Secure and Responsible Technology Policy (SRTP) program to equip participants with AI literacy, practical skills, and governance fundamentals for responsible AI adoption.
Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact Governance Framework
Led by the Human Feedback Foundation, this governance framework and AI adoption playbook will be co-developed with participating nonprofits to guide responsible AI adoption across the sector – prioritizing ethics, equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and measurable outcomes.
Hear from Our Partners
“Equipping non-profit workers with the knowledge and skills to responsibly use AI is essential for ensuring these powerful technologies amplify the sector's collective impact for Canada
André Côté
Interim Executive Director at The Dais
By equipping nonprofit leaders with the tools and skills to adopt AI responsibly through CDL’s Putting AI to Work program, we aim to amplify their missions nationwide.
Sonia Sennik
CEO of Creative Destruction Lab
We believe nonprofits have the potential to lead in ethical, trustworthy AI adoption. The RAISE pilot is designed to build capacity, so nonprofits can use AI as a force for good.
Elena Yunusov
Executive Director, Human Feedback Foundation
Join Today
Canada’s nonprofit sector touches millions of lives, yet most organizations are being left behind in the AI revolution. RAISE is the first national program of its kind, built to change that — equipping nonprofits with the tools, training, and support to use AI responsibly and powerfully for social good. Sign up to join a growing community to ensure AI benefits all Canadians.
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