AI Essentials Bootcamp for Charities

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According to last year’s Charity Digital Skills Report, only 44% of small charities are currently using or planning to use AI, compared to 64% of larger charities. Smaller organisations are facing greater barriers in using AI, including limited funding, time and resources. 
 
That’s why Media Trust, with support from the Centre for Public Impact and Google AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, is offering a free AI training programme, to NCVO members, to help you understand, explore and integrate AI into your organisation with confidence.

This course is exclusively available to NCVO charity members.

If you’re not yet a member, you can find out how to join here, or get in touch with membership@ncvo.org.uk for more information.

What is it?

The AI essentials programme runs for three weeks, featuring two live workshops per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays alongside additional independent learning through an eLearning platform. 
 
During the workshops, you’ll reflect on what you’ve covered in the eLearning and explore practical ways to apply AI within your organisation.  
 
The core elements of the course have been designed by Google and centre around five modules: 

At the end of the programme, you’ll receive a certificate from Google, which you can  share with your colleagues and professional network. 

Where is it?

Online on Zoom, with some additional independent learning via an eLearning platform.

What’s the time commitment?

If you’re selected for the programme, you must commit to attending all the training sessions. The training runs over three weeks with live online sessions on Tuesday mornings (9:00 –12:30) and Thursday mornings (10:00–11:30). There’s also approximately 2 hours of independent learning each week, to be completed through an eLearning platform. 
 
In total, you’ll need to set aside around 15 hours over the three weeks. 

Who should apply?

If you have little or no experience using AI but are eager to learn and grow, this opportunity is for you. Priority will be given to small, user-led charities.  

For the purposes of this course, Media Trust defines these as: 

• Small charity: an organisation with an annual turnover of £1M or less
• User-led: an organisation where those who benefit from its services play an active role in decision making and governance 

There are 25 places available on each course.

Who should take part?

This training is ideal for charity professionals in leadership or strategic roles who want to build their confidence in using AI to maximise their organisation’s impact. 

If you’re responsible for making key decisions, shaping your charity’s future or exploring ways to integrate AI into your operations, this bootcamp will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance your impact and streamline your processes. 

Since this programme is designed by Google, much of the content will focus on Google’s AI products, such as Gemini. While having a Google account is beneficial, it is not required.

As places are limited, we will be offering only one place per charity. To get the most from the training, we recommend that the same participant attends all sessions.

How do you apply?

The application process is simple and includes a short form covering basic details (name, email, organisation, etc.), along with a few key questions about your motivations for joining the course: 

• What do you hope to gain from this programme? (250 words)
• How do you plan to embed your learning into your organisation? (250 words) 

Your responses will play a crucial role in Media Trust’s selection process. 

Applications are open now and close a week prior to each bootcamp starting. Successful applicants will be notified on a rolling basis.  

If you have any questions about the programme or require any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact us at charityservices@mediatrust.org.

Key dates

AI Essentials Bootcamp runs online on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Full schedule to be provided to successful applicants.

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