Freeing Up Time With AI: Tools That Help Leaders Focus on What Matters Most  

May 20, 2026 | by NBA Cares

Do you wish you had more time to serve people, instead of drowning in forms and documents? Lean into using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in practical, ethical, and aligned ways that free up more time for people, not paperwork. 

Today, AI has become more accessible, more intuitive, and far better suited for organizations that need efficiency without complexity. AI tools can help with such administrative tasks as drafting grant responses, summarizing case notes, organizing meeting minutes, creating outreach materials, or translating communications instantly. AI can also automate simple workflows, sending reminders, organizing calendars, or generating first draft reports.

By thoughtfully utilizing AI tools, you can reclaim staff time that’s often lost to administrative tasks, allowing more energy for connecting with clients, collaborating with partners, and advancing the mission, providing a way to work smarter without sacrificing quality or compassion. These small efficiencies add up, especially for teams already stretched thin. And for many organizations, adopting AI doesn’t require major budgets or new staff positions; it simply means using the tools already available to lighten the administrative load. 

Using AI responsibly is just as important as using it efficiently. Nonprofit leaders should create clear guidelines that protect client information, ensure accuracy, and avoid entering confidential data. Always review AI-generated text and choose tools that emphasize privacy, transparency, and ethical use. Encourage staff to explore AI through small, low risk tasks can also build confidence and reduce the fear of “getting it wrong.”

When organizations adopt AI in a practical, ethical, and mission aligned way, they empower their teams to focus on what matters most: serving people, strengthening communities, and creating meaningful impact. 

If you think your team could benefit from AI training, NBA is here to support you. Stay tuned to future newsletters and NBA’s social accounts for further updates on resources and learning opportunities around AI.  

As AI technology continues to evolve, we’d love to know—how is your organization putting it to use? Contact us here and share how you are leaning into AI tools!