Blackbaud Coalition Launches Free AI Certification for Nonprofits

The program debuts with a foundational course covering the history and types of AI, practical navigation of emerging tools like AI agents, and a study on generational trust factors regarding technology adoption. These modules feature instruction from experts at Databricks, McKinsey & Company, and Blackbaud itself, designed to move organizations beyond tentative experimentation toward sustainable, mission-driven results.

Carrie Cobb, chief data and AI officer at Blackbaud, emphasized that the sector faces a critical juncture where adoption alone is insufficient. The initiative aims to standardize best practices for governance and workflow integration. This launch serves as the flagship effort for the coalition, which formed in 2025 to provide shared standards across philanthropy and technology. A second course focusing on responsible AI principles and regulations is scheduled for release later this year.