Helping not-for-profits thrive in the age of AI: a major initiative to uplift sector’s digital capability by 2030

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

A new initiative designed to strengthen the digital capability and security of the not‑for‑profit (NFP) sector has been launched today by leading NFP social enterprise Infoxchange in collaboration with PwC Australia.

As technology and artificial intelligence reshapes service delivery, ‘NFP Digital Futures’ aims to streamline a fragmented approach to investment and initiatives by 2030, enabling scalable and sustainable technologies and digital platforms to be widely deployed across the sector.

This coordinated response will allow not-for-profits to address critical pressures that limit the ability of organisations to meet record community demand by boosting responsible AI adoption, building stronger foundations, and securing against digital threats.

A recent report by Infoxchange revealed a systemic digital capability gap in the sector, with 50% of NFPs lacking basic cybersecurity protocols. While 67% are using generative AI, only 14% have an AI policy or guideline in place.

PwC Australia’s Chief Sustainability Officer John O’Donoghue said unlocking trusted technologies, with robust frameworks, will accelerate greater efficiencies and uplift productivity.  

“Technology isn’t just a tool. It can be a driving force for social good. When it’s accessible, deployed responsibly and fit-for-purpose, it can empower NFPs to focus on their core mission of improving the lives of vulnerable Australians.”

PwC Australia has provided funding and in-kind support to the initiative, which was co-designed and receives ongoing assistance from a coalition of more than 35 peak industry bodies, technology partners and philanthropic leaders, including Microsoft, the National AI Centre, the Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Ian Potter Foundation, and Gandel Foundation.

Infoxchange CEO David Spriggs said sector demand for the vital infrastructure is growing, but greater safeguards and governance are required to maximise value and reduce risks.

“AI has the potential to ease the administrative burden, improve decision‑making and free up time for greater frontline impact as more Australians turn to not-for-profits for help.”

With $16 million in early cross-sector funding secured, NFP Digital Futures will begin rolling out programs focused on capability building and upskilling over the coming months.

It will be powered by a core pool of funding to invest in essential foundations for the whole sector and backed by targeted streams for specific priority domains.

“Traditional investment models can often leave organisations solving complex problems alone. It’s inefficient, risky and unsustainable,” Mr O’Donoghue said.

“Through collective action capability can be lifted at scale, ensuring that no organisation, no matter its size, is left behind.”

ABOUT NFP DIGITAL FUTURES

The launch of NFP Digital Futures builds on a successful relationship between PwC Australia and Infoxchange. Over the past four years, we’ve initiated a cyber and data upskilling program, including a first-of-its-kind cyber simulation workshop to enhance the sector's cyber defences and awareness.

The NFP Digital Futures initiative aligns with the adaptive and dynamic sector pillar of the Government’s NFP Sector Development Blueprint, which emphasises innovation, digital transformation and improved outcomes measurement as essential to the sector's future sustainability.

The long-term vision for 2035 is a digitally adept Australian not-for-profit sector centred on transparency, security and cross-sector collaboration, empowering organisations with the resources to remain response-ready in turbulent times.