The AI Contributor: A New Thought Partner in Systems Change

Many foundations are making long-term commitments to advancing systemic change, continually adapting and refining their approaches along the way. An emerging and often underutilized tool in their systems change toolkit is generative artificial intelligence (AI). AI is enhancing practices across philanthropy, often focused on increasing efficiencies and scaling or streamlining human tasks. What if we instead focus on what AI can do that is distinctly different from what a human can offer? In the world of systemic change, we continue to struggle with the complexity and intractability of systems and finding moments when systems can be shifted. AI can be a new type of “contributor,” offering access to deep knowledge across systems and contexts; rapid synthesis; the ability to answer questions in real time; and bringing relevant, even if obscure, examples. This article explores examples and opportunities for using AI throughout systems work in philanthropy, including as philanthropy first enters into understanding a system; developing strategies; testing and refining strategies, including identifying alternatives; during ongoing sensemaking, learning, and adaptation; and with comprehensive evaluations that make visible how, why, and under what conditions change happened.