1. AI Foundations: Building the Base
AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations | Anthropic
This course moves beyond the hype to establish a structured approach to human-AI interaction. It introduces the 4D Framework (Delegation, Description, Discernment, and Diligence) to help you approach AI strategically rather than reactively.
What you’ll learn: Core capabilities and limitations of current AI; practical skills for project planning and iterative prompting.
Level: from basic to advanced
Format: Online self-paced (14 lectures)
Time Commitment: 1h 10m
Access: Free (requires a Skilljar account)
Language: English
Google AI Essentials Specialization | Coursera & Google
A comprehensive program designed by Google experts to boost productivity across any industry.
What you’ll learn: Writing effective prompts, using AI for idea generation, and identifying AI bias to ensure responsible use.
Level: basic
Format: Online self-paced specialization (5 modules)
Time Commitment: 8 hours
Access: Free (requires a Coursera account)
Languages: English, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Polish
Introduction to Generative AI | Google Skills
An introductory micro-learning course that explains what GenAI is and how it differs from traditional machine learning.
What you’ll learn: The technical "why" behind the tools and an intro to Google’s development ecosystem.
Level: basic
Format: Online self-paced (9 short lessons)
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Access: Free (requires a Google account)
Languages: English, Italian, French, Spanish, Polish
Getting started with AI | CAST
A friendly and accessible entry point for those who prefer learning in small, weekly increments via their inbox.
What you’ll learn: Safe experimentation with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gamma to simplify daily work life.
Level: basic
Format: Email-based course (one guided activity per week)
Time Commitment: one activity through 7 weeks
Access: Free (via email registration)
Language: English
2. Mission-Driven AI: Courses Dedicated for Nonprofits
These resources are tailored specifically for the unique resource constraints and ethical considerations of the social impact sector.
AI Fluency for nonprofits | Anthropic & GivingTuesday
An adaptation of Anthropic’s foundational course, built specifically for staff in fundraising, communications, and program delivery.
Recommended prerequisites for this course: For a deeper understanding, participants should complete AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations before beginning this educator-focused curriculum.
Focus: Using the 4D Framework (Delegation, Description, Discernment, and Diligence) within the context of mission-driven work and limited resources.
Level: from basic to intermediate
Format: Online self-paced
Time Commitment: < 60 minutes.
Access: Free (requires Skilljar account)
Language: English
Unlocking AI for NGOs | NetHope & Microsoft
Developed for the humanitarian and conservation sectors, this pathway helps organizations evaluate and apply AI in global development contexts. Learners can select a pathway most suited in their current AI journey - from understanding the foundational AI concepts and best practices in prompting for grant writing and program planning to learning about case studies that serve as a valuable resource for organizations looking to implement AI-driven solutions, providing key learnings and best practices to enhance humanitarian response worldwide.
Focus: Four pathways: AI Basics, Applications of GenAI, Microsoft Copilot, and Responsible Use. Includes real-world case studies.
Level: basic
Format: Learning path (4 courses)
Time Commitment: 7.5 hours
Access: Free (requires a Kaya Connect account)
Language: English
3 Steps to AI Literacy for Nonprofits | OpenAI Academy
A three-part, virtual bootcamp created by the Fund for the City of New York. It covers everything from AI basics to high-level ethics and practical ChatGPT features. The series emphasizes responsible adoption by teaching participants how to navigate risks like privacy and equity while aligning technology with community values. It also provides intermediate-level training on ChatGPT features, such as custom instructions and file uploads, to transform beginners into confident users.
Note: Developed in a US legal context; European/EMEA users should remain mindful of local GDPR and data privacy regulations.
Level: from basic to intermediate
Format: Recorded webinars (3 parts)
Time Commitment: 3 hours
Access: Free (no registration required)
Languages: English, Spanish (subtitles)
3. Micro-Tutorials for Nonprofits | OpenAI Academy
Short, high-impact videos for specific NGO use cases:
Prompting 101: Foundational skills for staff new to AI (16 min).
Repurposing Content with ChatGPT: Turning one blog ils, social posts, and scripts (13 min).
ChatGPT Projects: Creating workspaces with your brand guidelines and strategic plans (9 min).
Canva in ChatGPT: Designing graphics without switching apps (9 min).
Level: basic
Format: video
Access: Free (no registration required)
Languages: English
Supporting Your Organization with AI | CAST
An email-based course for those who have mastered AI personally and now want to lead their organization through the transition.
Focus: Mapping organizational AI culture, building colleague confidence, and scaling impact.
Level: basic to intermediate
Format: Email-based course (one email per week)
Time Commitment: one activity through 8 weeks
Access: Free (via registration)
Language: English
4. Courses on AI Integrated in the Organization’s Digital Ecosystem: Gemini & Copilot
If your organization already uses Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, these courses show you how to use the AI tools already built into your workflow. Note that to have access to all features presented in the courses, you need to have paid versions and the availability and scope of the AI tools depend on the subscription plan you have.
Microsoft 365 Copilot: Introduction to AI Skills for Nonprofits | Microsoft Learn
Learn how Copilot acts as an assistant across the Microsoft suite.
Applications: Outlook (email management), PowerPoint (slide creation), Excel (data analysis), Word (drafting), and Teams (meeting insights).
Modules:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot (available in EN, IT, PL, FR, ES)
Explore the possibilities with Microsoft 365 Copilot (available in EN, IT, FR, ES)
Create and draft with Microsoft 365 Copilot (available in EN, IT, FR, PL, ES)
Note: This course guides you through the use of Copilot in the paid version.
Level: Basic
Format: Learning Path (3 modules)
Time Commitment: ~1.5 hours
Access: Free (no account required)
Languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish
Introduction to Google Workspace with Gemini | Google Skills
Discover how to use Gemini’s generative features to improve efficiency within the Google ecosystem.
Applications: Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, and Google Vids.
Level: from basic to intermediate
Format: Learning Path (multiple modules)
Time Commitment: 4h 15m (each module ~30 minutes)
Access: Free (requires Google account)
Languages: English, French, Italian (subtitles), Spanish
Important Disclosures
Data Privacy: Always be mindful of data handling, especially when using tools developed outside your legal jurisdiction (e.g., US-based tools vs. GDPR).
This article was created with assistance from AI (text editing).
This article has been created as part of the AI for Social Change project within TechSoup's Digital Activism Program, with support from Google.org.
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