Imagine AI empowering charities to increase donations and help more people, transforming compassion into action. This is not a distant future, but a hopeful reality already within our reach.

Proof of Concepts (PoCs) play a key role in justifying AI solutions for social impact. They help charities identify potential donors, streamline operations, and automate routine tasks, freeing up staff for more meaningful work. AI can also personalise communication with donors and volunteers, increasing engagement and support.

steps in creating a PoC: define objectives, research and planning, select the right tools and technologies, data collection and preparation, develop the PoC, testing and validation, documentation and reporting, review and iterate and decision making.

Understanding the proof of concept and its role

A PoC is an initial model or proof used to check that certain concepts or theories have the promise for real-world application. In the scenario of AI for Good, a PoC is transformational for many reasons:

  • Establish the practicality and success of an AI solution before committing substantial resources
  • Reduce the risks linked with full-scale implementation by spotting issues early on
  • Builds trust and secures buy-in from interested parties by proving the practical gains of the proposed solution

The impact of AI for good

Did you know that 35% of charities are already using AI tools for some tasks, and a further 26% are planning to do so soon? Charities can unlock a new level of productivity and good organisation by cleverly adding AI.

There are many AI tools that can help charities do the most meaningful work:

  • Instant Support: AI chatbots can answer donor FAQs and even support mental health services by engaging young people while they wait for a counsellor
  • Smarter Funding Applications: Generative AI helps charities reuse learnings from past cases to draft stronger, more effective funding bids
  • Data-Driven Decisions: AI can forecast trends, assess fundraising success, and identify where help is needed most—enabling better strategic planning
  • Proving Impact: AI tools help charities calculate and communicate their outcomes clearly, attracting more funding and support
  • Accessible Adoption: Even small charities can take simple steps to explore AI safely and discover how it can benefit their mission and communities

What does a great PoC supporting AI for Good look like?

The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC)

TNMOC had a vision to become one of the most inclusive museums in the world, they faced the challenge of making complex exhibit information accessible to a diverse, international audience, including non-native English speakers and neurodiverse visitors.

To address this, the TNMOC Mate app was developed, offering simplified text and audio narration tailored to individual needs and languages. The app not only enhanced the visitor experience and staff empowerment but also helped increase attendance and return on investment. Its impact was recognised when it was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2024 Microsoft Inclusion Changemaker Partner of the Year Award.

Dyslexia Ireland

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how people read, write, and spell words. It is not a sign of low intelligence, but rather a difference in how the brain processes language. With the right support and strategies, people with dyslexia can overcome these differences and reach their goals.

SimpliText, developed by Version 1 AI Labs in collaboration with Dyslexia Ireland and Microsoft, is an innovative tool designed to support people with dyslexia in reading and absorbing written content. Leveraging advanced Generative AI models like GPT-4, SimpliText offers a range of standout features: it enables users to hear text read aloud, provides a reading pointer to maintain focus, and allows adjustment of reading speed for a personalised experience.

SimpliText’s impact and innovation have been widely recognised. It is available on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace (since May 2024) and has garnered significant accolades, including the Microsoft Social Impact Partner of the Year Award in 2023. In 2024, it also received the Exceptional AI Project of the Year at the CIO & IT Leaders Summit and Awards and was a finalist in the AI Awards Ireland, underscoring its role as a pioneering solution for inclusive technology.

Encephalitis Society

Encephalitis is a serious inflammation of the brain, often beginning with flu-like symptoms and requiring urgent hospital treatment. Public understanding of the condition remains limited, which delays diagnosis and impedes effective engagement by support organisations like the Encephalitis Society.

To address barriers in accessing clear, multilingual information about encephalitis, Version 1 AI Labs developed ‘The Brain’ – a web-based AI tool using the Global Reach Accessible Communication Engine (GRACE). This solution offers accurate, context-aware translations and simplifies complex medical and research content, making it easier for people worldwide to understand essential information regardless of language or education level.

The introduction of ‘The Brain’ has enabled Encephalitis International to expand its reach, deliver support more efficiently, and reduce the demand for one-on-one staff interventions. By streamlining translation and content delivery, the Society has grown its consumer base, improved inclusivity, and strengthened its position to secure funding and grants, ultimately enhancing global awareness and support for those affected by encephalitis.

Challenges in developing PoCs for AI for good

Creating AI PoCs for social impact can be challenging, but using AI in the development process itself can streamline and accelerate progress. The most critical factor is having clean, relevant, and sufficient data, as AI performance hinges on data quality.

Legacy systems often pose integration hurdles, so careful planning and selecting adaptable AI tools is key. Resource constraints—from limited funding to setup costs—make it essential to focus on feasibility and value, not just ambition. Scalable cloud solutions can ease financial pressure, and grants from providers like Microsoft or AWS can offer vital support.

Ethics must be front and centre: whether using pre-trained models or building your own, ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance. Clear communication about how decisions are made and robust governance help protect privacy and build trust.

With thoughtful planning, even resource-limited organisations can develop ethical, impactful AI PoCs that serve communities and drive meaningful change.

Future of PoCs in AI for good

Looking ahead, PoCs in AI for good will do more than just automate tasks, they’ll help bridge resource gaps and foster meaningful change. While challenges remain, like digital skills gaps, funding pressures, and ethical concerns, AI can also be part of the solution.

Crucially, AI is a partner, not a replacement, for the human touch that drives charitable work. By setting clear goals and collaborating with other organisations and experts, charities can move PoCs into real-world impact. For those considering AI adoption, understanding risk is key.

If you’re ready to explore how AI can help your cause, reach out and start your journey today.

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