IDIS initiative offers free training for NGOs to apply Artificial Intelligence to boost causes and institutional activities, including concepts, tools, practical exercises, and guidance for ethical and responsible use

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not something new. The history of AI began in the 1950s, going through cycles of excitement and disappointment, and recently boomed, with the launch of accessible tools like Gemini and ChatGPT, among others. In a matter of months, it became part of our daily lives, like the internet in the 1990s and the smartphone in the 2000s, but much more quickly. Its adoption has caused transformations, and it could not be different in the third sector.

The most recent survey conducted by the Brazilian Federal Government reveals that there are almost 650,000 active civil society organizations throughout the national territory. Commonly known as NGOs, these institutions form the third sector and play an essential role in promoting rights, reducing inequalities, and creating innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges, operating in different areas such as education, health, or human rights.

A survey launched by Canal SabIAr, in partnership with Instituto Beja, on the use of AI in the third sector revealed that only 6% of respondents reported advanced integration of the technology in their operations, while 58% are still in the early stages of experimentation or planning, and 11% have not yet started adopting AI. There is a growing interest in exploring the possibilities that AI offers, especially in areas such as communication and data analysis, but the lack of knowledge and training are barriers to progress.

In the third sector, for example, AI can help map social needs, measure project impact, and expand the reach of campaigns and access to resources. Democratizing access to AI can strengthen organizations, making them more efficient and sustainable, but investing in training is essential to prevent technology from increasing existing inequalities, reinforcing biases and injustices, and exceeding ethical and data security limits.

IA.3

To empower NGOs operating in Brazil in the use of Artificial Intelligence, IA.3 – Artificial Intelligence for the Third Sector was created, providing conditions for them to incorporate this technology in a conscious and strategic manner. Conceived by IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment, with support from Google.org and technical assistance from Canal SabIAr, the project will last three years and aims to encourage the adoption of the tool in daily activities, as well as promote innovative solutions developed by the social sector itself.

“With IA.3 we aim to benefit over a thousand NGOs across the country, offering accessible and practical content, contributing to democratize the use of Artificial Intelligence to promote positive socio-environmental impacts. Organizations that are interested in deepening their knowledge will also have access to more a complete training”, explains Paula Fabiani, CEO of IDIS.

Structured in a multi-step learning journey, ranging from basic content to in-person meetings and individualized mentoring, third sector organizations can register to participate in the program that will work as follows:

Training webinar

The first activity will take place in October. This is a free webinar open to those interested in learning more about concepts and tools of artificial intelligence, opportunities for use in the third sector, and precautions for its application. Practical examples, prompt models, and successful stories will be used to make the content accessible and with immediate implementation.

Intensive training

Between October and November, there will be a public call that will select 200 organizations to receive 30-hour training over 4 months, combining live online classes, asynchronous content, and practical activities.

Brazilian third sector organizations of all sizes and causes can register, provided they have a minimum internet infrastructure and can make at least three team members available to participate in the training (hired or volunteers). The selection will adopt criteria that balance different types and sizes of social organizations, as well as diversity criteria.

The selected organizations will be divided into two groups, the first will start the training in February 2026 and the other in February 2027. Each organization will have access to an AI toolkit, as well as an annual license for a paid platform to test in their daily activities.

In-person meeting and individualized mentoring

Representatives from the 30 organizations with the best performance in each intensive training class will participate in a two-day in-person meeting in São Paulo, Brazil, with all expenses paid, to deepen the use of AI in their causes, build concrete solutions, exchange experiences, and strengthen collaboration networks. It is scheduled to take place in the second semester of the training year. Individualized mentoring will also be offered for six months, contributing to organizations overcoming implementation challenges.

Impact assessment and knowledge dissemination

To monitor the variety of applications and the contribution of the use of modern technologies for third sector organizations, the project will adopt a robust experimental evaluation methodology, comparing organizations that took part in the training with those that did not, which will receive the training later.

In addition to measuring concrete results, the evaluation will support the development of a groundbreaking study with practical examples of the impact of using AI, with quantitative and qualitative data, to be launched at an event with leaders and specialists at the end of the program.

Why it is important to talk about Artificial Intelligence in the third sector

By democratizing access to Artificial Intelligence, IDIS not only responds to an emerging demand but reaffirms its belief that innovation must be inclusive, accessible, and aware of its multiple impacts, from the way it consumes energy to the way it can reproduce or correct social inequalities. In this way, we use technology to promote a more equitable and sustainable development for everyone. “IA.3 creates conditions for technology to be incorporated as a lasting resource, strengthening both NGOs and the philanthropic ecosystem as a whole,” says Fabiani.

This project is made possible with support from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google. “We believe that artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool, and by supporting initiatives that promote technical training in AI, Google contributes to more organizations having access to resources that enhance their efficiency, sustainability, and reach. Our commitment is to use technology to generate positive transformations and adherence in society,” declared Fábio Coelho, president of Google Brazil, when announcing the support.