This is a practical framework to assess and mitigate AI-related equity risks in your nonprofit: a hands-on toolkit that centers the communities you serve, not just operational checkboxes.
Most AI risk frameworks are built for corporations. This one asks the question that actually matters: “Could this AI harm the communities we exist to serve?” Using my cybersecurity management experience, I synthesised NIST’s AI Risk Management with nonprofit best practices to create an equity-centred design.
WHO THIS IS FOR:
- Nonprofit leaders using or considering AI tools
- Grantmakers evaluating AI use by grantees
- Program staff deploying chatbots, screening tools, or automation
- Board members providing governance oversight
- Community organisers advocating for equitable AI
- Consultants supporting mission-driven organisations
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT:
- Built specifically for nonprofits, not adapted from corporate frameworks.
- Actionable mitigation strategies you can implement immediately
- Centres marginalised communities, not compliance departments
WHAT’S IN THE PDF:
- The AI Equity Risk Matrix: Score likelihood × impact with clear action timelines
- Risk Calculator: Step-by-step assessment with critical red flags
- How-to Guide: 6-step process from mapping to community validation
- Common Risks & Scenarios: 1 detailed use case with real-world scenarios that are currently under beta.
THE LEGAL STUFF: Please note this is NOT a legal compliance checklist, cybersecurity risk assessment, technical AI audit or replacement for existing risk processes. This complements traditional risk assessments by surfacing equity-specific harms routinely missed by standard frameworks.
LICENSE: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 | To be used and adapted for nonprofit purposes with attribution.
VERSION: We are currently testing the matrix with the use case included.
Bhavyatta Bhardwaj 
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