Article originally published in WINGS on June 30
By Luisa Lima, Communication and Knowledge Manager of IDIS

In a world increasingly shaped by climate disruption, technological transformation, political polarisation, and declining trust in institutions, philanthropy is being asked to rethink not only what it funds, but how it operates.

Across countries and contexts, social and environmental challenges are becoming more interconnected and more difficult to address through traditional approaches. The question facing philanthropy is no longer simply how to generate impact, but how to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. A systemic approach, innovative financing mechanisms, new partnerships and bridge-building in a polarised society are a few ways philanthropy is adapting to fulfil its mission.

The latest edition of ‘Perspectives for Brazilian Philanthropy’, published by IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment, offers a glimpse into how the philanthropic ecosystem is responding to this moment. While Brazil’s reality is unique, many trends emerging across the sector speak to questions that resonate globally.

One of the most significant trends in the report is the growing recognition that climate change can not be treated as a standalone issue. For many years, environmental philanthropy occupied its own space, often separate from agendas such as health, education, economic inclusion, or democracy. Today, that distinction is becoming increasingly artificial. Across Brazil, extreme weather events are affecting public services, livelihoods, food security, and community resilience. Climate is no longer just another cause; it cuts across all issues we tackle and is central to resilience. Whatever the thematic focus, organisations must be prepared to handle stress, recover from crises, and adapt to changes without losing their core mission.

This reality is pushing philanthropic organisations to rethink their strategies. The Brazilian Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change, the official Brazilian chapter of the global Philanthropy For Climate movement hosted and globally coordinated by WINGS and Philea, encourages funders of all causes to integrate climate considerations into governance, investment decisions, grantmaking, and organisational practices.

Alongside climate, another issue reshaping philanthropic practice is trust. Brazil Giving Research 2024 reveals that only 30% of Brazilians consider civil society organisations to be trustworthy. This challenge is not unique to Brazil. Around the world, declining confidence in institutions, combined with misinformation and political polarisation, is making it harder to build collective responses to shared problems. In response, philanthropic actors are increasingly investing in initiatives that strengthen dialogue and social cohesion. Brasil Fala, inspired by the international programme My Country Talks, connects people with opposing political views through structured conversations. Another local initiative, Sociedade Viva, seeks to improve public understanding of civil society organisations and their role in strengthening democracy. Besides having a website with curated content and data, they run campaigns for the general public and have a specific strategy to engage the media, including a practical guide for journalists on the third sector and a list of sources on multiple causes.

These efforts point towards a growing role for philanthropy as a bridge-builder. In divided societies, rebuilding trust may be just as important as funding programmes.

This conversation about trust naturally connects to another transformation underway – the redistribution of power. Across the philanthropic sector, communities are increasingly demanding a greater voice in decisions that affect their lives. In Brazil, this has contributed to the growth of community-led approaches that place local actors at the centre of funding and governance processes. Initiatives such as Casa Socio-Environmental Fund have incorporated Indigenous leaders, traditional communities, and grassroots organisations into decision-making structures, helping ensure that funding priorities reflect local realities rather than external assumptions. The lesson extends far beyond philanthropy: sustainable solutions are often stronger when communities are recognised not just as beneficiaries, but as partners.

Technology presents another important frontier, and artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly moved from a specialised topic to a central public debate. While AI offers enormous opportunities, it also raises concerns about bias, accountability, privacy, and unequal access. Research in Brazil found that only 6% of civil society organisations report using technology in advanced ways, revealing significant disparities in access and capacity. This challenge extends beyond Brazil. Around the world, many non-profits have fewer resources to invest in digital transformation and adopt new technologies. And this is how philanthropy can be a game-changer.

Recognising this challenge, initiatives such as IA.3 – Artificial Intelligence for the Third Sector, developed by IDIS with support from Google.org and technical partnership from Canal SabIAr, are working to expand access to AI while promoting responsible and ethical use. Rather than focusing solely on technological adoption, these efforts emphasise governance, inclusion, and public benefit.

Finally, conversations about the future are increasingly shaping philanthropic agendas. According to the UBS Global Wealth Report 2025, approximately USD 9 trillion is expected to be transferred between generations in Brazil over the coming decades. This has intensified discussions about legacy, planned giving, endowments, and stewardship ownership models that connect wealth to long-term social purposes.

These conversations reflect a broader shift. Philanthropy is becoming less focused on isolated acts of generosity and more concerned with how resources, values, and responsibilities can be sustained across generations.

Taken together, these developments reveal a philanthropic ecosystem in transition. Climate change cannot be ignored; trust is becoming a strategic asset; communities are demanding greater participation; technology is creating new opportunities and risks; and new forms of capital are emerging to address increasingly complex challenges. There is no single solution. Instead, resilience is emerging through many different actions, led by diverse actors responding to an increasingly complex, rapidly changing world.

Brazilian philanthropy is not offering a blueprint for the world. What it offers instead is a set of experiments born from a deeply unequal society confronting climate disruption, technological change, and democratic pressures simultaneously. The question for global philanthropy is not whether these approaches can be replicated elsewhere, but what they reveal about the kind of relationships, institutions, and systems philanthropy will need to build in the years ahead.

The 15th edition of the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum is already scheduled: on Thursday, August 27. For this year, the event brings as its central theme philanthropy “Between Essence and Reinvention.”

Once again, the event will take place in a hybrid format: in person for invited guests at Casa Melhoramentos, in São Paulo, and with a free live transmition on YouTube throughout the day.

At the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum 2026, we will explore the dynamic tension between permanence and transformation in philanthropy. In a context of accelerated social, political, technological, and climate changes, philanthropic actors are challenged to rethink their role in the world.

“Between Essence and Reinvention” positions philanthropy at a point of inflection. On one side lies its essence: ethical commitment, long-term vision, autonomy, the ability to take risks, and a focus on structural transformation. On the other side lies reinvention: digital disruption, new financial mechanisms, participatory governance, decolonial approaches, collaborative ecosystems, and adaptive strategies in the face of systemic crises. In this context, what must remain non-negotiable, and what needs to evolve for philanthropy to remain relevant and effective?

With the theme “BETWEEB ESSENCE AND REINVENTION”, the event will take place in person for invited guests and will be livestreamed for everyone interested in following the discussions.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE LIVE STREAMING

Registration for in-person will be sent soon.

Confirmed Speakers

Among the confirmed speakers are Claudia Buzzette Calais (Fundação Bunge), Mario Haberfeld (Onçafari), Rafael Ribeiro (Formigas-de-Embaúba), Ricardo Levisky (Levisky Legado) and Vitor Hugo Neia (Fundação Grupo Volkswagen).

Organizers and Partners

The Brazilian Philanthropy Forum is an initiative of IDIS – Institue for the Development of Social Investment, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), and Global Philanthropy Forum (GPF). 

The Forum counts on Strategic Partner´s from Movimento Bem Maior and Fundação Bradesco; Gold Partner from RD Saúde; Silver Partner from Fundação Sicredi; Bronze Partner´s from Fundação ArcelorMittal, Fundação Grupo Volkswagen, Levisky Legado, and Instituto Sicoob; Institutional Partner´s from Fundo de Fomento à Filantropia and UNICEF. Media Partners are Alliance Magazine and Stanford Social Innovation Review Brasil. 

Brazilian Philanthropy Forum

The Brazilian Philanthropy Forum offers a space for the philanthropic community to come together, exchange experiences, and learn from their peers, strengthening strategic philanthropy to promote the development of Brazilian society. The event has gathered more than 1500 participants among philanthropists, leaders, and national and international specialists. On IDIS’ YouTube channel, playlists are available with recordings from all previous editions. Check it out!

By Paula Fabiani, CEO of IDIS, and Denise Carvalho, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, to Alliance Magazine

The Global Philanthropy Forum (GPF) 2026, held in San Francisco from March 18 to 20, served as a pivotal stage for reimagining the structural foundations of social investment. Representing IDIS, the Institute for the Development of Social Investment, Paula Fabiani, CEO, and Denise Carvalho, Director of Impact Assessment, led a prominent Brazilian delegation of 24 leaders. The 2026 edition was particularly significant as it marked the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Global Philanthropy Forum, a milestone that invited reflection on a quarter-century of advancing global philanthropy and fostering a community of purpose-driven leaders. As the organization that annually spearheads the Brazilian presence at the Forum, IDIS continues to bridge local innovations with global philanthropic trends, fostering a cross-border exchange of strategies and visions. 

Under the evocative theme “Architecting the Future: Operating Systems for a New Era of Philanthropy,” the summit moved beyond the discussion of isolated projects. Instead, it focused on the “operating systems”—the underlying rules, incentives, and cultural norms—that dictate how capital is deployed for the public good. The consensus among participants was clear: the world is not merely navigating a period of transition, but a fundamental change of era, demanding a radical update to the philanthropic playbook. 

One of the most profound discussions focused on philanthropy’s unique ability to act as “society’s risk capital.” In a landscape where governments are often constrained by political cycles and corporations by quarterly results, philanthropy remains the main sector with the flexibility to fund high-risk, high-leverage initiatives. This urgency is underscored by a gloomy global backdrop; the Forum took place amidst escalating international conflicts and humanitarian crises that have redefined the geopolitical landscape. These wars serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our systems and the immediate need for philanthropy to address the human cost of global instability with moral consistency and a refusal to remain paralyzed by political finger-pointing. The Forum also highlighted that for philanthropy to be truly transformative, it must embrace its role at the “frontier”—backing unproven models, supporting institutional verification, and tackling systemic issues like climate stewardship and democratic resilience that traditional markets tend to avoid. 

The Brazilian delegation observed a growing urgency for coordinated action. With rising global inequality and eroding trust in institutions, the philanthropic sector is being called upon to provide the collective vision that other sectors currently lack. This requires a shift from fragmented, individual efforts to a more integrated approach where philanthropic capital acts as a catalyst for broader systemic change. A strategic meeting was held to discuss, alongside key Latin American organizations—including partners from the CAF Global Alliance, and other regional representatives—the idea of creating a dedicated space to discuss philanthropy specifically within the Latin American context. This initiative aims to strengthen the regional voice and foster a collaborative ecosystem tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. 

The necessity to rethink the nature of capital  was another relevant theme. The Forum proposed a paradigm shift: moving away from viewing wealth as a static “stock” to be guarded, toward seeing it as a flow that must serve life. This perspective challenges traditional endowment management and grantmaking cycles, suggesting that the true value of philanthropic capital lies in its movement and its ability to influence the much larger pools of private and corporate capital. 

By repositioning wealth as a tool for impact rather than an end in itself, philanthropists can drive a more equitable distribution of resources. Discussions explored how philanthropic “risk-taking” can de-risk social investments for private investors, effectively pulling more capital toward solving the world’s most pressing challenges. 

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) occupied a central place in the 2026 agenda. While AI offers unprecedented opportunities for the social sector—from data-driven impact assessment to personalized social services—it also poses significant risks of exacerbating existing inequalities. The Forum called for the establishment of “moral covenants” and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that technology remains a force for good. 

There is a recognized gap between the technological capabilities of the corporate world and the resources available to the social sector. To bridge this divide, philanthropy must invest in the digital infrastructure of civil society, ensuring that nonprofits are not just consumers of technology, but active participants in shaping an ethical, human-centered digital future. 

Ultimately, the summit reinforced that the most critical component of any philanthropic “operating system” is not technical, but human. Trust, collaboration, and moral consistency were identified as the essential pillars for architecting this new era. The discussions underscored that the future of philanthropy cannot be built in isolation; it requires a commitment to listening to diverse voices and centering the experiences of frontline communities. 

GPF has certainly tackled important subjects the concern global challenges, however, it lacked global and diverse points of view. Only a small number of speakers came from outside the United States, with the majority based in the U.S. While this imbalance is understandable—especially considering the current difficulties imposed the the US to access the country — it must also be said that it represented a missed opportunity. The event could have drawn more extensively on perspectives from different regions with long histories of operating under difficult conditions, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for developing new philanthropic models suited to both local and global contexts. 

As we return with these insights, the mission is to translate such reflections into local action, strengthening the impact of philanthropy and social investment in Brazil. The challenges of our decade require leaderships that are as courageous as collaborative. 

“We must be the leaders we want to see”. 

A new report, “Five Agendas to Drive the Transformation of the Philanthropic Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean”, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and produced by The Resource Foundation and Dalberg Advisors, examines the current role of philanthropy in the region and proposes an innovative, locally grounded approach to strengthen outcomes for Latin American and Caribbean communities and populations. The study concludes that philanthropic giving is far lower than in other parts of the world, even as needs continue to grow.

However, according to the authors, philanthropy in Latin America and the Caribbean has the potential to mobilize more than US$ 5 billion per year if just 1% of the region’s private wealth were activated—an amount comparable to the total international aid currently received.

The study also identifies key structural challenges facing the philanthropic sector, including a lack of strategic investment and public distrust, and calls on philanthropic leaders to rethink how resources are managed.

“Latin America and the Caribbean have enormous philanthropic potential that has yet to be activated. We need philanthropy that goes beyond temporary solutions and works toward structural, sustainable change,” said Lyana Latorre, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Rockefeller Foundation.

The study was presented during the first edition of “IDIS Coffee: Philanthropy in Debate”, a space designed for leaders of Brazilian organizations to engage in exchanges and reflections on how to make social investment more strategic, increasing resources and the capacity to engage across their value chain.

The first edition brought together around 35 leaders over the course of the morning, featuring presentations of studies and research, as well as debates.

Turning generosity into sustainable impact

The study shows that philanthropic culture in the region is less formalized than in other parts of the world. According to the World Giving Index, private donations represent only 0.2% to 0.3% of GDP- well below developed economies such as the United States (1.5%) or Canada (1%) and up to 50% lower than comparable economies such as Indonesia or South Africa (both around 0.4%).

According to the IDB, in its 2024 publication “The Complexities of Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean,” the contrast is even greater when considering that the richest 10% earn 12 times more than the poorest 10%. The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) notes that nearly 200 million people live in poverty and 70 million in extreme poverty, totaling about 270 million people. This structural inequality is worsened by the effects of climate change, as shown by the Climate Finance Vulnerability Index (CliF), which places eight countries in the region among the most vulnerable in the world, combining exposure to extreme events with low financial capacity.

A call to strengthen trust and unlock local resources

In this context, international aid has also been reduced drastically, as many countries are cutting their cooperation budgets. This poses a major challenge for Latin America and the Caribbean. In response, the new report highlights the urgent need to strengthen local and regional philanthropy, ensuring continuity for transformative initiatives that benefit communities.

Another major challenge is the lack of trust: according to Latinobarómetro, only 27% of Latin Americans trust NGOs, which limits people’s willingness to donate through formal channels. In addition, there is a strong presence of so-called “silent philanthropy” or invisible generosity, in which many people make direct donations to communities or local causes without these resources being recorded or strategically coordinated.

In contrast to this lack of trust, the region’s population demands concrete actions and tangible results. According to a recent Rockefeller Foundation survey, 78% of Latin Americans support international cooperation if it demonstrates effective results—a rate higher than the global average of 75%.

“Across the world, philanthropy plays a critical role in bringing allies together, mobilizing resources, and scaling solutions that improve people’s lives and well-being,” said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs at the Rockefeller Foundation. “Building on our track record in the region, we are proud to stand alongside philanthropic organizations and other partners in Latin America and the Caribbean as they work to build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future.”

Five agendas to transform philanthropy

Based on this diagnosis, the study proposes five strategic agendas to transform philanthropy in Latin America and the Caribbean. These agendas emerged from a broad listening process, designed with full awareness of the diversity and complexity of the region’s philanthropic ecosystem. More than 70 regional leaders—including philanthropic organizations, companies, civil society groups, and local actors—shared their perspectives through interviews and focus groups. The process was also informed by an analysis of more than 40 reports and studies, ensuring a solid and diverse evidence base.

1 – Radical collaboration: Promote a cultural shift in how organizations work together. Co-investment without co-creation is merely coordination, not genuine collaboration. The study proposes moving from isolated projects to sustained alliances, with shared governance structures, common goals, and joint evaluation mechanisms.

2 – Mobilizing local resources: Encourage a new generation of donors who see philanthropy as a tool for social transformation, not merely assistance. The challenge is to broaden funding sources, integrate new actors (families, entrepreneurs, and emerging companies), and create incentives—both governmental and market-based—that enable sustained participation. The current reality is not a lack of wealth, but an inability to activate it.

3 – Purpose-driven investment: Prioritize the quality of resources over volume. The study highlights the need to design more strategic investments that measure returns in terms of social impact, sustainability, and institutional strengthening—not only immediate outputs. When resources are treated as charity, reach is limited; when applied as social investment, they can drive systemic change.

4 – Local leadership: Treating communities solely as beneficiaries creates dependency. It is necessary to recognize communities’ knowledge and capacity to manage their own development, ensuring they are partners in the process. Philanthropic agendas must adapt to territorial realities, respect local knowledge, and build solutions aligned with the cultural, economic, and environmental contexts of each place.

5 – Professionalization of the sector: strengthening the philanthropic system should not be seen as an administrative expense. It is necessary to invest in modern infrastructure, with better information systems, specialized talent, and transparency and accountability mechanisms that increase the sector’s legitimacy and effectiveness.

“Philanthropy in Latin America and the Caribbean has enormous latent energy. The capital exists, and so does the talent. What we need now is to activate them with purpose, build trust, and show that investing in the region is not charity, but a development strategy,” said Beatriz Guillén, Executive Director of The Resource Foundation.

Let’s be honest, 25 years don’t come every day. In September, we’ll reach this milestone and, of course, we couldn’t let it pass without celebrating. It’s not just about the years of history, but especially about all the people who have built and continue to build it with us.

Throughout this journey, we have closely followed the evolution of Private Social Investment in Brazil and the world – its movements, advances, challenges. And everything we have achieved has only been possible due to the commitment, collaboration and collective work of different people with a common goal: to build a better world with more equity. In this celebration, we knew who should be at the center of the story: all the people who think, act, and drive social investment in forward. They are the protagonists – or rather, we are.

Some recognize us as a knowledge-generating institution. Others, as a advisor. Some know us for the projects we execute and nothing else. And there are those who define us as an intermediary organization. We are all of this, but above all, we are people who make all of this happen.

As we celebrate IDIS’s 25 years, we also celebrate the power of community, the strength of collaboration, and the unlimited potential of organized civil society. Social investment is much more than just a strategy; it is an expression of our shared humanity.

Therefore, we launch the campaign ‘Social Investment is about people’ and you are our special guest in this celebration.

Follow along and participate. After all, all of this has been built by us and by you, collectively.

Warm regards,

IDIS team

by Denise Carvalho, Senior Manager of Monitoring and Evaluation at IDIS.

In the corporate world’s waze of words, ESG has become a consensus for assessing and validating whether a company is socially conscious, sustainable, and has good governance. These are criteria supported by impact measurement methodologies that identify good companies to invest in. After all, ESG is directly linked to sustainability – here, related to the very viability of businesses’ existence and profit generation.

Transitioning to the realm of social investors, where profit is not the ultimate goal, ESG serves as a compass guiding organizations’ strategic actions and opens doors to measure the impact that developed projects have on the communities served. But how do you know if the positive impact justifies the investments involved?

Environmental impact measurement, for example, fosters various relationships: how many hectares have been spared from deforestation, how many greenhouse gases have been avoided, which water bodies have been cleaned, how much waste has been reduced. However, the calculation on the social side may be somewhat different.

One of the main obstacles faced by social investors, as highlighted by the ecosystem itself, is obtaining quality data related to the social pillar of the ESG Agenda. This perception was corroborated by the ESG Global Survey 2023, conducted by BNP Paribas, in which 71% of respondents pointed to result measurement as the biggest concern for investors. This agenda is seen as a guiding element for organizations towards more responsible practices, yet the challenge of standardization and consistency of data persists, particularly in the social sphere.

Currently, impact assessment methodologies are capable of rigorously measuring the results generated by the actions of social projects. These methodologies provide a thorough and well-founded analysis of how an organization’s activities influence people, communities, and the environment, seeking to understand the extent and effects of its actions, programs, and projects.

Impact assessment doesn’t just study “what” but also measures “how much,” “why,” and “how” changes occur. Since impact assessments are always data-driven and can provide information in a common language, communicating these analyses can bring great visibility to the organization itself, as well as enrich the debate on the ESG agenda in the corporate world.

Some companies and organizations already recognize the potential of impact assessments as allies of the ESG Agenda. For example, Petrobras has been conducting rigorous analyses in its various social and environmental projects as part of its commitment to the agenda. To achieve this, the company began a process of diagnosing and harmonizing indicators aligned with its socio-environmental strategy, allowing for a clearer identification of the impact in the communities where it operates. Intelligently used data enables strategic direction of actions and the expansion of the positive impact of projects.

Another aspect to keep an eye on when it comes to measuring social impacts is the adoption of tools such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain as allies in this process, aiming to ensure even more transparency for social investors. The decentralized nature of blockchain, for example, prevents potential data manipulation, enhancing the credibility of impact reports. This allows investors to assess the socioeconomic results of funded projects more precisely, securely, and efficiently. Fintech Moeda Seeds and the Banqu platform are examples of organizations that have been working with the support of these tools to increase the credibility of the data presented.

It is through the materialization of impact that managers are armed with data that enable the strategic actions of organizations, relating the invested value to the social return of projects. It’s the antidote to the infamous “washing”.

Impact assessment is fundamental to establish a solid foundation for the sustainable success of organizations. It transcends mere measurement and becomes a strategic guide, directing companies towards paths more aligned with the ESG agenda. Although conducting impact assessments can be challenging, the benefits it offers far outweigh the possible obstacles.

A study conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), represented in Brazil by IDIS, shows an optimistic society but still quite divided regarding the use of AI by social organizations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved beyond the realm of science fiction, with applications increasingly present in our daily lives. In 2023, the world witnessed (and experienced) the explosion of ChatGPT, the generative AI platform from OpenAI, which reached 100 million users in just three months—the fastest growth in the history of internet applications. As technology advances, so does the reflection on technical and ethical implications, as well as the opportunities and risks associated with it.

The groundbreaking research ‘What the public think of charities using AI’ conducted by the British organization Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), represented in Brazil by IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment, reveals an optimistic society regarding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, but with reservations. The study involved over six thousand individuals in 10 countries, including Brazil.

According to the research, 37% of respondents believe that the benefits of using AI outweigh the potential risks, contrasting with the 22% who state the opposite.

“The findings of this study are valuable for delving deeper into the debate on the use of AI in the third sector in Brazil, with the responsibility and ethics that the subject demands,” comments Luisa Lima, Communications and Knowledge Manager at IDIS.

 

The study further deepens the analysis by calculating net favorability, i.e., the difference between those who are in favor of AI use and those who believe the risks are greater. Globally, this value corresponds to 15%. In the country ranking, Brazil ranks second among those who believe the benefits of AI use outweigh the risks (30%), trailing only behind Kenya (44%). Among the surveyed countries, only in Australia does the majority of the population show skepticism towards AI adoption, believing that risks outweigh opportunities (-4%).

The opportunities highlighted by Brazilian respondents include the potential to assist more people (29%), the ability to respond quickly to emergencies (22%), and making more precise decisions through data analysis (16%). Daniel Assunção, founder and CEO of Atados, shared his insights on the study results, expressing optimism about the use of AI, particularly in emergency situations such as floods. He emphasized the potential benefits, including proactive risk mapping and informing the population before disasters, optimizing resource distribution during response, and evaluating response quality through data analysis.

Regarding risks for third-sector organizations, Brazilian respondents cited data security (30%), job reduction (26%), and the generation of biased information and decisions (14%) as the most prominent. To mitigate these potential issues, Rodrigo Pipponzi, President of the MOL Group Council, emphasized the importance of governance structures in analyzing how the tool should be used in organizations. He stated that organization boards can play a crucial role not only in facilitating tool adoption but also in supporting its regulation and mediating technology use within institutions.

Gradually, AI is being adopted by civil society organizations, as reported by Kiko Afonso, the executive director of Ação da Cidadania. “Today, we use AI for communication, running sponsored ads on platforms like Google or Facebook and generating images, for example. We also see significant potential for its use in fundraising, as it can help us better understand the profile of our donors and create strategies based on that knowledge”. The research reveals that the public is attentive and interested in how NGOs apply technology, with only 13% stating they would pay little or no attention to its use by the organizations they support. In developing countries, including Brazil, 73% said they would pay much attention to this point, higher than the 40% in higher-income countries.

The results indicate that the public recognizes the opportunities generated by Artificial Intelligence but expects caution and transparency to understand how and why organizations are using AI to fulfill their mission. They also acknowledge that there should be investment for AI to be adopted by all types of organizations, avoiding creating inequalities in the sector.

Complete data is available on the CAF website.

Leadership Perceptions of Brazilian NGOs on the Research Results:

Daniel Assunção, Founder and CEO of Atado

“I am optimistic about the use of technologies. AI can optimize our activities, and people will have more time to undertake and dedicate themselves to actions that contribute to reducing inequalities, such as volunteering”.

“The regulation of technology use is still low, and in the short term, it can intensify inequalities and biases. In the long run, the trend is that this will be overcome”.

“In the organization where I work, we connect people interested in volunteering to social organizations. We are looking at the incorporation of technologies in general, and AI in particular, to improve the experience of our users and organizations, streamline processes and content production, as well as accelerate innovation”.

“In Brazil, the technology culture among social organizations is still low. I see few organizations innovating through its use, but as they become more popular, I believe many will start adopting it in their processes”.

“AI has the potential to generate more opportunities for individual engagement and activism. On the other hand, there is a risk that recommendations still have many biases, so it is important to invest in actions that contribute to critical thinking”.

“The response to emergencies is still carried out in a less structured manner in Brazil. Donations happen, but there is a lack of processes, coordination, and articulation between actions to distribute resources, support those affected, and mitigate damages. The use of AI can contribute in numerous ways. Even before disasters, by mapping potential risks and informing the population about the imminent threat. It can also be beneficial during the response, optimizing the distribution of resources and communication among all involved, as well as afterward, evaluating the quality of the response through the cross-referencing of available data”.

Rodrigo Pipponzi, President of the MOL Group Council

“The third sector faces a scarcity of resources. I believe that in situations of limitation, artificial intelligence can play a complementary role. It can be used where you typically lack manpower, speed, or agility, but I still see little knowledge about its application”.

“I have an optimistic view and believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. However, I think there is a considerable risk associated with society not fully understanding the use of this tool. One of the main risks, in my opinion, is the disconnection from causes. There is a danger of dehumanizing something very human, transferring the responsibility of decisions that often involve emotional and intuitive aspects to AI”.

“None of the organizations I am currently involved in incorporates Artificial Intelligence as an established tool. Our use is more focused on experimentation, lacking a structured policy”.

“Organization boards should play a very important role, not only facilitating the adoption of tools but primarily regulating their use and mediating technology use within institutions”.

Rodrigo “Kiko” Afonso, Executive Director of Ação da Cidadania

“The concerns presented in the research are also my concerns as a leader of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Among the factors, what currently concerns me the most is the potential for biases, as this can indeed lead to wrong decisions. Currently, the algorithm can contribute to processing large volumes of data, but it can never replace people in making important decisions, as this involves cultural and social aspects that are subjective”.

“In Ação da Cidadania, we currently use AI for communication, running sponsored ads on platforms like Google or Facebook, and generating images, for example. We also see great potential for its use in fundraising, as it can help us better understand the profile of our donors and create strategies based on that knowledge”.

“Currently, NGOs in Brazil use AI very little. I believe that its use can generate positive results, but organizations must have clarity about the fundamentals of the technology. Otherwise, the risk of making biased and even disastrous decisions is high”.

“In Brazil, we are still poorly prepared to face emergencies. In the short term, I believe AI can contribute to identifying potential tragedies and warning populations that may be affected”.

ABOUT CAF 

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a group of three social organizations based in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, specializing in secure and effective international donations. Together, they work with companies and philanthropists to support them and ensure that money reaches the core causes of their private social investment strategies. In the UK, CAF also operates CAF Bank, offering dedicated banking services to support over 14,000 social organizations based in the UK. Through the CAF International network, it is present on all continents, with IDIS representing it in Latin America.

ABOUT IDIS

IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment is a civil society organization founded in 1999 and pioneer in technical support to social investors in Brazil. With the mission to inspire, support and promote strategic philanthropy and its impact, we serve individuals, families, companies, corporate and family run institutes and foundations, as well as with civil society organizations, in actions that transform realities and contribute for the reduction of social inequality in the country.