Shadow AI Risk Zone
High AI Use
Low Governance
Data Privacy
Accessibility Gaps

When AI Use Outpaces Structure

This project explores how nonprofits and small organizations may already be using AI tools without clear policies, training, or governance structures in place.

AI Governance & Shadow AI Risks in Nonprofit Organizations

A qualitative capstone project exploring how AI use can outpace structure in nonprofit and small organization settings.

Project Overview

This project examines how nonprofits and small organizations are beginning to use AI tools like ChatGPT, often before formal policies, training, or governance structures are in place. The research focuses on accessibility, risk, implementation challenges, and the gap between existing AI governance frameworks and the realities of mission-driven organizations.

Capstone Research

Key Findings

01

AI is already being used

Employees are using AI for writing, practical guidance, research, and decision support.

02

Governance is behind behavior

AI use is happening faster than policies, training, and oversight can keep up.

03

Nonprofits need practical guidance

Smaller organizations need realistic, accessible steps instead of overly complex frameworks.

A large portion of AI use begins outside of work, which may influence how employees bring these tools into professional settings.

Research Insight

What Does This Mean?

AI governance is not just a technical issue. It is also about behavior, leadership, accessibility, and organizational capacity. For nonprofits and small organizations, the first step may be starting with clear conversations, simple expectations, and policies that match how people are already using AI.

Behavior
Leadership
Accessibility
Governance

Read the Full Capstone

This project was completed as part of my graduate cybersecurity work at Empire State University.

This research is intended as a starting point for conversations around responsible AI use in mission-driven organizations.

View Full Capstone PDF
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