Are You Experimenting with AI... or Building a Strategy?

Ray Borkman

AI adoption rarely happens all at once. Some organizations are just getting started, while others are embedding AI into everyday workflows with governance, oversight, and measurable outcomes.

A recent Blackbaud blog, Understanding the Five Stages of AI Maturity, explores a framework from the Responsible AI Institute that outlines five stages of AI maturity:

• Aware – learning about AI and exploring possibilities
• Active – experimenting with tools and use cases
• Operational – using AI consistently in select processes
• Systematic – applying governance, oversight, and standards
• Optimized – continuously improving AI adoption across the organization

What makes this framework especially useful is the reminder that progress isn't always linear. Different teams, departments, and initiatives may be operating at different stages at the same time.

For organizations focused on fundraising, stewardship, and donor engagement, understanding your current stage can help you identify practical next steps. Whether you're exploring AI-powered tools, evaluating governance needs, or looking at solutions like Agents for Good™ and Development Agent that help expand fundraising capacity through personalized donor engagement, having a clear framework can make the journey more intentional.

📖 Read the blog: Understanding the Five Stages of AI Maturity by @Kate Averett Anderson

Discussion Question

Which stage best describes your organization's approach to AI today?

• Are you actively experimenting?
• Have you established governance and processes?
• What challenges have you encountered as you move forward?
• What advice would you share with peers who are earlier in their AI journey?

Join the conversation and share your perspective below.