A recent Google.org survey showed that while 25% of nonprofits have concrete ideas for using AI, over 40% report that none of their staff are trained in it. This reflects a deeper challenge - not only a lack of tools, but limited access to relevant, contextualized learning opportunities. To address this, TechSoup, with support from Google.org, is launching a new initiative under its global Digital Activism Program: AI for Social Change.

Over the span of two years (March 2025 – August 2027), this project will provide 10,000 civil society professionals across ten countries in the EMEA region with practical, responsible, and mission-driven AI knowledge, skills, tools, and a supportive, learning community.

Where We Work

The initiative will be implemented by TechSoup and regional Partners in:
France, Spain, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

What We Aim to Achieve

AI for Social Change is designed to:

  • Bridge the AI knowledge gap in the nonprofit sector

  • Equip civil society actors with tailored, country-specific AI skills and learning resources

  • Support digital inclusion, security, and resilience.

The activity will revolve around the topics selected from the three key themes:

1. Knowledge, Skills, and Learning

AI literacy and fluency, media literacy education, personal and organizational resilience, digital transformation and inclusion, and effective communication.

2. Stronger Communities

Cybersecurity, digital literacy, safeguarding vulnerable communities from online threats and scams, and supporting digital wellbeing and health.

3. Scientific Progress

Development of AI solutions supporting climate protection and strengthening crisis response.

What the Project Offers

  • ·Research and Needs Assessment: Mapping sector-specific priorities through surveys, interviews, and exploratory workshops

  • Trainer Network & Training Delivery: Recruiting and preparing via Training-of-Trainer's sessions of over 40 trainers and organizing 40 local training sessions and 48 online educational events.

  • Resource Library: Building a multilingual, open-access collection of nonprofit-oriented, AI learning content hosted on the Hive Mind platform

  • Community Building: Launching awareness campaigns and hosting two major international convenings—a regional Meet-Up and the MEGAPHONE conference

  • Impact Reporting: Capturing learning outcomes and sharing knowledge across the region

Expected Impact

  • 10,000+ nonprofit professionals trained (2,000 participants engaged through in-person sessions and 8,000 learners reached via online and self-paced courses)

  • 40+ local trainers empowered to lead learning in their communities

  • 50+ curated tools and insights shared

  • 2 regional gatherings uniting 160 participants from across EMEA

About the Digital Activism Program

This initiative is part of TechSoup’s Digital Activism Program - a global initiative that has empowered civil society organizations and activists since 2018 by providing support, learning opportunities, funding, connections, resources and tools to strengthen their digital resilience and help them adjust to the current challenges.

MEGAPHONE is Digital Activism Program’s flagship annual event bringing together civil society for open dialogue, co-learning, and collaboration.

Stay tuned for updates, training opportunities, and new learning resources created within AI for Social Change. Explore the Hive Mind website, follow Hive Mind Community on social media, and subscribe to the Hive Mind newsletter.