Viewpoint

Take a look at the latest opinion pieces from the Cause4 team.

Feature story

AI and Chat GPT in Fundraising – its role, uses and implications

22nd May, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

With technology continuing to embed itself in all aspects of our lives at great speed, much has been written about AI technology, and how this is likely to facilitate the biggest shift in our working practices since the industrial revolution.

This week, OpenAI chief executive (and the inventor of Chat GPT) Sam Altman lauded the new generation of digital chatbots for their potential to “improve nearly every aspect of our lives”. 

However, his positivity also came with words of warning, “if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong, we want to work with the government to prevent that from happening.”

With every great revolution, comes trepidation, but looking at such technology through the eyes of a fundraiser, we need to ask whether this is the future of fundraising, or merely a tool to support us in our journey to create positive change? In a series of articles, we aim to open up discussion and debate on this topic.

Pick of the Month - December 2024

1st December, 2024 | By Katy Owen

Welcome to December's Pick of the Month! Dive in to discover insights from some truly inspiring individuals.

AI and Chat GPT in Fundraising – its role, uses and implications

22nd May, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

With technology continuing to embed itself in all aspects of our lives at great speed, much has been written about AI technology, and how this is likely to facilitate the biggest shift in our working practices since the industrial revolution.

This week, OpenAI chief executive (and the inventor of Chat GPT) Sam Altman lauded the new generation of digital chatbots for their potential to “improve nearly every aspect of our lives”. 

However, his positivity also came with words of warning, “if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong, we want to work with the government to prevent that from happening.”

With every great revolution, comes trepidation, but looking at such technology through the eyes of a fundraiser, we need to ask whether this is the future of fundraising, or merely a tool to support us in our journey to create positive change? In a series of articles, we aim to open up discussion and debate on this topic.

The Coronation: Royal Philanthropy, HM King Charles III and The Big Help Out 

4th May, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

Royal philanthropy has a long history – the first recorded Royal patronage was of the Society of Antiquaries, supported by King George II in the seventeenth century. It would later grow in importance between 1914-18; in the wake of the economic slump that followed the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the Windsors supplied unemployed men and their families (many of whom had lost their breadwinner wage packets overnight) with relief funds.

Pick of the Month – May 2023

3rd May, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

We're back with our next Pick of the Month! This time, with an all female line up. Our picks are a creative bunch, with practitioners in dance and pottery alongside staff and trustees in theatre and education. Read on to learn more about the challenges and successes each indivdiual has experienced in the sector.

Pick of the Month – April 2023

31st March, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

With April’s arrival, we’re back with another four individuals who are doing great work across charity, social entrepreneurship and trusteeship. In this Pick of the Month, you’ll read about individuals working across the theatre, community education and sport sectors. There’s a real range of perspectives this month – lots to consider as we bounce into springtime!

Insight from Leaders | International Leadership Week 2023

15th March, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

At Cause4, our Trustee Leadership Programme has allowed us to connect with and guide some brilliant leaders over the years; this work has been a consistent reminder of the energised, ambitious minds that continue to evolve leadership practice. As part of International Leadership Week 2023, we’ve collated advice, learnings and other musings from some of these individuals, who each have a distinct experience of leadership. 

Pick of the Month – March 2023

1st March, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

With February passing as swift as ever, we're back with March's Pick of the Month. This month features a Trustee from one of the country's leading Cancer charities, an entrepreuner finding innovative ways to engage with disdavantaged communities, a charity leader building vital skills for employability for individuals across Leeds and, finally, a Senior Fellow with diverse experience across the arts now working to support cultural output in Margate, Kent. They each have something distinct to say, but they share the same innovative and enthusiastic spirit. Do read on!

Pick of the Month – February 2023

1st February, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

February's Pick of the Month is really diverse – from a social entrpreneur in green tech to trustees empowering individual autonomy. Our Senior Fellow talks about theatre and its emegrance post-COVID, and we hear from a charity leader who has made (and is making!) brilliant change in the environment sector. There's lots to be inspired by here, so do read through this month's picks!

Increasing Board Diversity: Three reasons why it’s important

31st August, 2022 | By Emma Cook

Having a diverse board of trustees is becoming increasingly important for organisations. Here, we explore what diversity means for a board, and why it is something all boards need to be thinking about.

What can we learn from the Kids Company judgement?

10th January, 2022 | By Naomi Chapman

What should Trustees takeaway from the £10million, multi-year case against the Kids Company Trustees?

Giving Tuesday Campaign Round-Up

30th November, 2021 | By Naomi Chapman

The Cause4 team choose their favourite campaigns to mark Giving Tuesday 2021.

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