Namaste Data released the AI Equity Project 2026 report, the third annual report in a research and listening initiative examining how nonprofits experience, adopt, govern, and resource artificial intelligence. Drawing on 880 survey responses in 2026, the report explores AI readiness, organizational culture, governance, funding, accountability, and community participation. Across three annual surveys, the project has gathered more than 2,400 responses, primarily from people working in and with nonprofits in the United States and Canada. This year’s work centers a question with growing importance for the sector: Who gets to shape AI adoption, and who is accountable for its consequences?

The annual surveys use independent samples rather than tracking the same organizations over time. Three-year comparisons offer insight into emerging patterns, with attention to changes in survey questions and measures. The project also includes the AI Equity Framework and practical learning resources that help organizations examine data equity, accountability, transparency, resource equity, participation, and self-determination.

Alongside the surveys, an ongoing “Report Data and AI Harms” form provides a space for people to share their experiences. This parallel listening work has informed resources including AI Equity Harm Signals, a guide to recognizing and responding to harms in everyday nonprofit practice. The project continues to deliberately avoid producing a single AI Equity Score, emphasizing contextual reflection over organizational rankings.

Explore the AI Equity research and resources