AI in Social Enterprises

Abstract This article examines how AI provides novel solutions for the operational challenges faced by social enterprises. From a computer science perspective, it utilizes the extract, transform, load framework to analyze workflows of social enterprises, highlighting unique administrative frictions caused by a lack of specialized software, the need to manage a broader social context, and complex fundraising requirements. The recent democratization of AI has changed the economic case for automation, making powerful tools accessible. The article discusses two primary pathways for AI adoption: (a) leveraging external foundational models and (b) developing proprietary models using open-source tools. It concludes that AI should be thought of as a way to automate administrative tasks, freeing employees to focus on high-value, mission-driven social impact.