Neighbourly & Microsoft launch AI training for charities

A new initiative by Neighbourly and Microsoft aims to equip the UK's charity sector with crucial AI skills, targeting up to 100,000 learners by June.

The Ai123 initiative emerges as research from Neighbourly highlights a digital gap, with 64% of charities yet to engage with generative AI and 72% experiencing significant digital challenges due to financial constraints. Additionally, 8.5 million people across the UK lack basic digital skills. The charity sector's lag in AI capabilities is in contrast to the substantial investments made by corporate Britain in AI adoption.

Ai123 will implement a Train-the-Trainer model, connecting corporate volunteers from companies such as Virgin Media O2 and Currys with grassroots organisations. This approach is designed to create a cascading effect where trained volunteers empower charity leaders who, in turn, further disseminate skills amongst colleagues, volunteers, and service users.

"This isn't just about technology - it's about survival," said Zoe Colosimo, Chief Operating Officer at Neighbourly. "Charities are stretched beyond breaking point with limited budgets and overwhelming demand. The Government AI plan unveiled in January made no specific mention of the charitable sector. AI could transform everything from fundraising efficiency to service delivery, but the knowledge gap is becoming a real concern because of the pace of change. Ai123 delivers the entry-level knowledge and confidence that charities desperately need to get started safely."

The initiative focuses on immediate practical applications identified by the charities themselves, which includes baseline AI skills and entry points that assist with operations such as planning rotas and social media marketing.

Participating corporations view Ai123 as an opportunity to contribute significantly to social impact whilst simultaneously benefitting from a knowledge exchange in digital expertise. Early contributors have noted substantial employee interest in engaging and imparting their AI knowledge through a structured framework.

The programme targets an impressive initial reach of 100,000 trained individuals, with expectations for expanded influence as the knowledge spreads within organisations and their communities.

"AI skills are fundamental to ensuring everyone can participate in, and benefit from, an AI-enabled society," stated Hugh Milward, Vice President, External Affairs at Microsoft UK. "This joint initiative with Neighbourly and industry volunteers reflects our commitment to supporting people in the charity sector gain the confidence and knowledge needed to harness the AI opportunity."

Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer at Currys, expressed the company's enthusiasm to support the Ai123 initiative: "At Currys, we're thrilled to be part of the Ai123 initiative, bringing practical AI skills to the charity sector where they can make a tremendous difference. Our team members are passionate about technology's power to solve real-world problems, and this programme creates a unique two-way learning opportunity. Ai123 aligns perfectly with our commitment to help everyone enjoy amazing technology, and we've already seen enthusiasm from across our business to participate and volunteer time to this initiative."

Nicola Green, Chief Communications & Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, elaborated on the impact of digital skills training: "We know that learning digital skills can transform lives. That's why Virgin Media O2 is proudly making Ai123 available to our people, where they can use their paid volunteering days to train charity workers, helping them build their skills and confidence so they can have a greater impact on the communities they support."

Monique Vassell from The PeaceTime Zone, a community organisation, commented on the initiative's impact: "As a small grassroots charity, we know AI could transform how we work - but like many, we've lacked the knowledge and resources to get started. Ai123 changes that as it offers practical, accessible learning tailored to our needs. We hope AI can help us streamline everything from volunteer coordination to marketing - freeing us to focus on delivering hands-on support and lasting impact in our community."

Zoe Amar, Founder and Director of Zoe Amar Digital and Trustee for Charity Digital, noted the importance of the initiative: "As part of the Charity AI Taskforce's work, we're really keen to see more cross-sector AI partnerships and we hope that Neighbourly and Microsoft's work will be the first of many. What I particularly value about this initiative is its practical, grassroots, community-led approach - connecting those with knowledge to those who need it most. In doing so, Neighbourly is addressing a much-needed and significant gap that is easily overlooked amidst the pressure to innovate at scale."