KPMG initiative helps nonprofits use AI, provides workforce training

Big four firm KPMG launched an “AI Impact Initiative” which — in recognition of the profound impact AI will have on businesses and how people work — supports equitable access to opportunity and community wellbeing through collaborations with clients, strategic technology alliance partners and nonprofit organizations.

“We believe in the transformative power of AI and its potential to create positive change,” said Anita Whitehead, head of impact and president of the KPMG US Foundation. “By working with our technology alliance partners and investing KPMG’s human expertise, time and resources to provide more equitable access to the benefits of the technology and future job opportunities, we can responsibly make meaningful and lasting change for better.”

While intended to be wide-ranging, the initiative’s efforts will focus on two initial areas: empowering nonprofits to maximize the benefits they deliver by harnessing the power of AI; and equipping the workforce of the future with critical AI and generative AI skills and capabilities.

KPMG has awarded a $500,000 AI grant to nonprofit organization First Book, which provides books and other resources to marginalized children, plus support for the educators supporting them. The donation will support implementation of AI technology and tools to help First Book increase efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness in its efforts to promote educational equity. In addition to the grant, KPMG is providing pro-bono consulting services to help First Book develop an AI strategy to enhance its reach and impact. 

The firm also announced a $1.1 million partnership with Women’s Health Access Matters, which funds women’s health research. KPMG is providing analysis, insight and project management to support WHAM’s Investment Report for the newly launched Investment Collaborative. Additionally, KPMG is employing its technology to conduct secondary data analysis to unlock insights into sex-based differences in disease. The KPMG U.S. Foundation is also playing a role in supporting WHAM’s mission to drive innovative strategies aimed at advancing health outcomes and economic prosperity for all. The multiyear partnership will focus on women’s health research and investment related to autoimmune disease, brain health, cancer and heart health. 

KPMG, as part of this initiative, is also working with Microsoft to implement AI technology for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. The firm will help the organization improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its Matching Engine. A successful proof of concept at BBBSPS Puget Sound will then lay the groundwork for expansion across the country to provide benefits to all Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and the children they serve.

Similarly, KPMG is also committing to working with AI solutions provider ServiceNow to implement its AI technology including software, license and services through complimentary implementation services of up to 600 hours for integration of ServiceNow technology into the operations of poverty and social justice-oriented Care International.

Beyond any specific organization, the Big Four firm is also working with Google to develop a grant management tool that will help nonprofits identify opportunities for grants, prepare letters of inquiry, grant applications and grant reports. 

In terms of workforce training and education, KPMG is also collaborating with organizations to develop a more representative workforce in recognition of the importance of mitigating bias and enhancing the quality of new AI solutions. This includes KPMG’s ongoing internship program with Break Through Tech. The firm is also adding an AI focus to KPMG’s Reaching New Heights program, which works with community colleges and smaller universities; the collaboration will focus on helping students and faculty build their AI acumen and capabilities.