What is the Human in the Loop: AI Multi-Week Program?
The 2026 Human in the Loop: AI Multi-Week Program is a skills-based program designed to support US- or Canada-based nonprofits and charities as they explore, adopt, or strengthen the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning within their organizations. Participating nonprofits work closely with a dedicated team of skilled volunteers who bring AI, data, and technology expertise to help address a capacity‑building challenge that organizations may not otherwise have the time, resources, or technical knowledge to solve.
Taproot recruits a team of volunteers specific to your need, provides pro bono best practices training to all participants, and supports with project oversight during the course of the engagement. As part of this program, Taproot will also provide a dedicated AI readiness learning agenda for all participants.
Is this program free to participate in?
Yes! This customized pro bono offering has been supported by Taproot’s partners at Okta, making it available free of cost for all participating nonprofits and volunteers.
What could capacity‑building support look like through this program?
Through this program, organizations collaborate with a matched team of 3–5 skilled volunteers to deeply understand an AI readiness‑related organizational challenge and co‑develop a custom solution. This may include:
A new AI‑enabled workflow or process
Recommendations for responsible AI implementation
A structured data‑readiness assessment
A roadmap for integrating AI tools
An improved model, prototype, or automation concept
The work is hands‑on and tailored to each nonprofit’s specific needs. If you are brand new to thinking about AI—this program still could be the right fit for you!
What kind of challenge should I submit?
The strongest project submissions are those that build long‑term organizational capacity by improving effectiveness, expanding reach, reducing costs, or strengthening infrastructure through AI‑driven solutions. Organizations can apply for support with:
Strategic Alignment and Prioritization: Determine where AI could deliver the most value and how to prioritize potential uses. Support focuses on aligning AI opportunities with mission goals, organizational priorities, and available resources so that efforts are focused and realistic.
Organizational Culture & Change Readiness: Get your organization and staff ready to adopt and work alongside AI tools. Support may address staff perceptions, leadership readiness, and the cultural shifts needed to encourage learning, experimentation, and confidence with AI‑supported work.
Ethical & Risk Frameworks: Use AI responsibly by identifying and addressing ethical, privacy, and operational risks. Support may include defining guardrails for AI use, considering fairness and transparency, and preparing for current or emerging legal and compliance expectations.
Talent & Skills: Assess whether your organization has the right skills and capacity to work effectively with AI. Support may focus on identifying technical and non‑technical skill gaps, strengthening staff understanding of AI tools, and helping leadership guide teams through changes related to automation.
Data Strategy & Infrastructure: Get your organization’s data ready to support AI tools and insights. Support may include assessing data quality, structure, governance, and security to ensure data can be used safely and effectively for AI applications.
Technology Stack & Systems Integration: Examine whether your existing technology systems can support AI solutions. Support may include evaluating IT infrastructure, identifying integration challenges with current systems, and recommending improvements to ensure AI tools function reliably and sustainably.
What is the time commitment?
Volunteers will spend roughly 3 hours per week for 12 weeks working on your project. Participating nonprofit representatives should plan to spend 1–3 hours per week collaborating with their volunteer team.
The 12‑week project window runs from August through November.
Key dates include:
Nonprofit Training: Tuesday, July 14th from 1-2pm ET
Kick‑off Event: Tuesday, August 4th: 1pm-3pm ET
Weekly collaboration sessions (scheduled directly with your volunteer team)
Optional educational event series hosted throughout the summer-fall (participants are strongly encouraged to attend at least 2 events)
Final presentation and handoff during the last week of the program
I’m interested! What’s next?
Great! Complete this short application by Friday, April 17th to express your interest.
Nonprofits will be selected based on the strength of the match between organizational needs and available volunteer expertise, ensuring the most impactful and equitable distribution of support. Taproot Plus eligibility requirements around non-proselytization and non-discrimination apply.