Unlock the transformative potential of AI for social good through a powerful story of innovation, collaboration, and practical impact.
In this episode, Annie Legge is joined by Bronwyn Kunhardt and Dave Preedy to explore how a community-driven AI Living Lab is helping charities move from curiosity to confident action. Through small, real-world experiments, they’re showing how AI can boost efficiency, strengthen community engagement, and support - not replace - human connection.
You’ll hear how a “learning by doing” approach, grounded in human-centred design, is turning AI from an overwhelming buzzword into a practical tool that saves time, reduces pressure, and amplifies mission-driven work.
If you work in the charity, community, or tech sectors and want to explore AI without big budgets or complex systems this conversation offers a grounded, accessible starting point. All you need is curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment.
Takeaways
The AI Living Lab was a three-month program focused on innovation and learning by doing.
Charities were not just passive recipients of tech knowledge but co-designers in the process.
Volunteers brought their skills and a willingness to engage with charities' real-world challenges.
Building confidence in using AI was a key outcome for the charities involved.
The program emphasized the importance of hands-on experience over traditional training methods.
Collaboration between charities and tech volunteers led to meaningful relationships and shared learning.
The initiative aimed to empower charities to use AI to enhance their services and community impact.
Small experiments can lead to significant shifts in organizational thinking and capability.
The experience highlighted the need for a human-centered approach to AI in the charity sector.
Future programs will focus on thematic cohorts and supporting smaller organizations in their AI journeys.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the AI Living Lab
03:07 The Role of Charities and Volunteers
06:06 Designing the Three-Month Pilot
09:03 Engagement and Collaboration with Charities
11:59 Learning and Development Through AI
14:59 Building Confidence in AI for Charities
17:50 The Impact of AI on Charity Operations
20:52 Skills and Requirements for Volunteers
24:10 Reflections on the Experience
27:06 Future Aspirations and Next Steps