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

Cultivating change: Inspiring Sustainable Practices in the Charity Sector  

20th May, 2025 | By Lucy Grehan-Bradley

From youth enterprises to community clothing initiatives, these organisations are not just acknowledging their impact on the planet; they’re taking action to make things better. By embedding eco-friendly practices into their missions, they’re transforming the cultural landscape and encouraging audiences to think about their own relationship with the environment.

Three ways to onboard a Trustee inclusively

15th December, 2020 | By Edward Drew

It’s no secret that despite effort from many charities, Trustee Boards remain chronically unrepresentative of society. At Cause4, we believe that making the Trustee onboarding experience inclusive makes a crucial difference.  

Topics: 
Support and advice

Michelle Wright comments for Working Wise

11th December, 2020 | By Naomi Chapman

Michelle comments for Working Wise on how to engage older volunteers. Engaging in voluntary work can be of enormous benefit to over-50s looking to change jobs or careers, especially when faced with so much competition in the jobs market right now.

Topics: 
Programme design & innovation

Five things we’ve learnt from lockdown

3rd December, 2020 | By Michelle Wright

National and international research has examined the pandemic’s impact on fundraising, marketing and audience development strategies, but what do the findings mean for the arts, culture and heritage in 2021? Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy looks to the challenges that now lie ahead. 

Topics: 
Support and advice

Pick of the Month - December 2020

1st December, 2020 | By Naomi Chapman

After a year like no other, December is here and with it 2020’s last Pick of the Month. This month, we feature the Chair of a publishing charity, a social enterprise using coffee to transform lives, and the new Chief Executive of Child.org.

Topics: 
Current interest

The Elephant in the Room: Should Trustees Give?

1st December, 2020 | By Naomi Chapman

Today is Giving Tuesday, an annual day of philanthropy designed to counter the individual consumption of Black Friday with generosity to charities a few days later. This year, we wanted to use this day to consider the debate around whether Trustees should give to the charities that they govern.

Topics: 
Training

Michelle Wright writes for East Life

16th November, 2020 | By Michelle Wright

Many of East Anglia’s charities have been hit hard. However, despite the challenges, there have been local charities using their ingenuity and resourcefulness to find ways to raise money and to reach out to their communities. What's to become of our charities?

Topics: 
Support and advice

In Conversation with Jackie Driver: Chair at SignHealth

6th November, 2020 | By Edward Drew

For Trustees Week this year, Cause4 speaks with Jackie Driver, the Chair at SignHealth, about diversity, accessibility and inclusion on Trustee Boards. 

Topics: 
Training

What is safeguarding, and why is it important for Trustees?

4th November, 2020 | By Erin Hughes

Safeguarding is an important part of the role of every Trustee. But what is it, who needs to be safeguarded, and how can Trustees ensure that they are fulfilling this role properly?

Topics: 
Programme design & innovation

An Interview with Keiran O’Neill, young Trustee

3rd November, 2020 | By Naomi Chapman

For Trustees Week, Cause4 interview Keiran O'Neill, a 22 year old Trustee on the board of the National Theatre of Scotland.

Topics: 
Training

Pick of the Month - November 2020

2nd November, 2020 | By Edward Drew

As we near the end of what’s been a turbulent year, our pick of the month features some inspiring examples of charitable and social action, including a social enterprise selling ethically-made clothing in East London, and a Charity Leader provoking action on race equity and representation in the sector.  

Topics: 
Current interest

Let’s get started

Start a conversation that matters

Talk to us

Take a look at some of our courses

Find out more