Ilitch School faculty help nonprofit leaders unlock the potential of AI

While most AI applications have been aimed at the for-profit sector, nonprofits can benefit from applying AI tools to automate tasks, increase efficiency and lower costs. The Mike Ilitch School of Business hosted a workshop session for nonprofits in the local community to learn how to apply AI solutions to their work.

On June 3, 2026, the leaders of 37 nonprofits in the Detroit area came to the Ilitch School for a workshop hosted by Dr. Chao Wu, assistant professor of global supply chain management and Dr. Kwame Porter Robinson, assistant professor of technology information systems and analytics. Nonprofit organizations were recruited through SHARE Detroit, an organization that supports local nonprofits by providing resources, opportunities for connection and community engagement. This workshop took participants through guided discussions with each other and with the faculty about how they have experimented with AI previously, and shared additional uses for the technology to explore in the future.

"This workshop is a wonderful example of how the Mike Ilitch School of Business engages with and serves our community," said Dr. Virginia Franke Kleist, Dean of the Ilitch School. "As artificial intelligence continues to transform the way organizations operate, it is important that nonprofit leaders have access to the knowledge and tools needed to harness these technologies effectively. Faculty members like Dr. Robinson and Dr. Wu are at the forefront of new developments in the AI space, and we are proud to share their expertise in ways that create meaningful impact beyond the classroom. Their work reflects our commitment to advancing innovation while helping organizations throughout our region thrive."

Using the IMPACT Framework, a structure to define, measure, and report social, environmental, or economic outcomes within an organization, Wu and Robinson helped these nonprofit leaders conceptualize how AI can improve outcomes for their work. Wu and Robinson also took participants through some demonstrations of AI application and gave participants a chance to have some hands-on experience with these tools.

"Many nonprofit professionals, particularly those working in small and medium-sized organizations, serve as the 'chief everything officer,' managing a wide range of responsibilities with limited resources," said Wu. "Our focus is on how AI can help them address these challenges, expand their capabilities, and devote more attention to achieving their mission."

Robinson and Wu recognize that it can be difficult to know where to begin with AI, and that it takes time to experiment and explore this new technology. However, responsible use can greatly benefit a nonprofit organization once they have their tools up and running.

Wu and Robinson are set to host a follow up workshop on August 12, 2026 to engage more nonprofits with this new technology.