Wise Giving Wednesday: Charting a Future for Social Good in an AI-Driven World

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, charity leaders are reimagining the future of social good—leveraging foresight, empathy, and innovation to stay mission-driven amid AI disruption.

Forecasting the Future: What AI Means for Charities by 2035

Earlier this year, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA), in partnership with the Institute for the Future (IFTF), GoFundMe, and The Salvation Army, invited charity leaders to explore how forecasting tools and predictive insights might support their mission over the coming decade.

Central to the event was IFTF’s thought-provoking 10-year forecast. It included three primary predictions:

1. 1. By 2035, AI bots will outnumber humans,
2. 2. AI will be able to translate any idea between any language or discipline, and
3. 3. AI will transform our relationship with resources.

These insights help charities anticipate future shocks and prepare for emerging socio-economic shifts with intentionality and purpose.

Centering Humanity: How Charity Leaders Are Shaping Ethical Innovation

Charity leaders reflected on the importance of centering human values in technological innovation. “It is not a future that is going to happen to us but one that we can shape,” said Amir Pasic of Indiana University, reminding us that we are not merely spectators of the AI revolution, but architects of it. Colonel James Betts, National Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army, raised important questions about dignity and opportunity in an AI-driven world: “What does it mean to be human as we lose opportunity to work?” The technological innovations of the coming decade will raise questions of humanity, truth, and faith. Margaret Richardson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at GoFundMe, reminded us that we have a choice: to act in fear or to act with empathy. She proposes we cultivate empathy at scale.

From Reactive to Proactive: The Role of Charities in Designing the Future

The future is not fixed, but a collective effort. As such, charities have a responsibility to act as agents rather than reactors. While new technologies bring opportunities for charities to become more efficient, strengthen decision-making, and expand their reach, BBB Wise Giving Alliance also hopes that charities will take the lead to ensure these tools are used with the best of intentions and ethics.  

Want More Forecasts and Reflections on the Future of Giving?

Explore the ideas shaping tomorrow’s charitable sector:

• Read the Wise Giving Guide for full details on the 2035 forecast
• Request a Print Copy via Request Magazine, free of charge

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• AdoptAClassroom.org
• charity:water
• Blinded Veterans Association

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.