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.

Topics:

Current interest

Fundraising & philanthropy

Pick of the Month - April 2025

1st April, 2025 | By Bryony Salmon

Welcome to April’s Pick of the Month! We’re excited to feature individuals who are making a real impact in the charity world. From creative social innovators to tireless charity leaders, their work is all about driving change and improving lives. We’ll take a closer look at their unique paths, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the incredible contributions they’re making to communities across the UK. Come join us in celebrating their inspiring efforts!

Pick of the Month - June 2021

4th June, 2021 | By Edward Drew

And just like that, we’re halfway through this year’s Picks of the Months! This month, we spoke with a Charity Leader who is an influential voice in helping the long-term unemployed, and a Trustee who became a Chair during the pandemic.

Topics:

Current interest

National Volunteers’ Week: Engaging Volunteers in Fundraising

1st June, 2021 | By Naomi Chapman

For National Volunteers' Week, the Cause4 team considers how best to engage volunteers in fundraising.

Topics:

Fundraising & philanthropy

Pick of the Month - May 2021

4th May, 2021 | By Edward Drew

May the Fourth be with you! This month, we spoke with a Fellow putting the voice of young people front and centre in her work, and two Charity Leaders empowering LGBTQ+ people in Devon and beyond.

Topics:

Current interest

What daffodils taught me about fundraising

19th April, 2021 | By Edward Drew

Of all the things daffodils could possibly teach someone, you’d think fundraising is pretty unlikely. But on a cold February evening in 2019, four strangers and I at the Charity Fast-Track bootcamp in London were given a £1 coin and challenged to turn it into something much, much more.

Topics:

Fundraising & philanthropy

The Long Road to Fundraising Apprenticeships

15th April, 2021 | By Michelle Wright

Employers in arts, culture and heritage face hard choices about what to invest in and how to effectively plan for the long term, writes Michelle Wright.

Topics:

Programme design & innovation

Fundraising & philanthropy

Pick of the Month - April 2021

13th April, 2021 | By Naomi Chapman

April brings with it longer days, lockdown easing… and Pick of the Month! This month we spoke with a Social Entrepreneur campaigning to stop plastic pollution at the source, a leader of a LGBTQ+ theatre, and a Trustee on the Board of a homeless charity in Essex.

Planning for the end of a Trusteeship

12th April, 2021 | By Naomi Chapman

How can Trustees plan for leaving governance roles in a way that supports individuals and the charity which they support?

Topics:

Support and advice

A year like no other in arts fundraising

8th March, 2021 | By Sarah Teale

Lessons from a dozen arts fundraisers across the UK, supporting artists and communities during Covid-19.

Pick of the Month - March 2021

3rd March, 2021 | By Edward Drew

This month we spoke with a Social Entrepreneur using fresh surplus bread to brew beer and ales, and a Charity Leader who founded the first news website for Filipinos in the UK.

Topics:

Current interest