Human service organizations (HS) are important for serving historically underserved communities, faces challenges adopting digital technologies. The emergence of generative AI (GenAI), such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, presents unprecedented opportunities and risks for the sector. This paper explores how GenAI, with its easy to use interface and ability to automate tasks, could enhance nonprofit operations, from fundraising to program evaluation. However, its adoption is not without significant concerns, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and misinformation risks. The sector must navigate the “hype cycle,” balancing optimism with cautious, responsible implementation. By understanding GenAI’s capabilities and limitations, leaders can craft policies that align with nonprofit values, ensure ethical deployment, and protect marginalized populations. Encouraging staff experimentation, developing AI literacy, and fostering collaboration are essential steps to integrate AI responsibly. We offer a roadmap for nonprofits to engage GenAI’s potential while safeguarding against harm, fostering innovation, and supporting mission-driven outcomes.

Less Hype, More Hope presents a framework for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into human services organizations (HSOs) grounded in purpose, ethics, and community need rather than technological hype. The authors argue that many AI initiatives fail because organizations adopt tools without linking them to meaningful practice challenges. Drawing from human-centered design and implementation science, the paper proposes a capabilities-based approach starting with real problems and mapping them to specific AI capabilities such as prediction, classification, and summarization. The framework centers on digital stewardship, an organizational process for aligning technology use with mission and values. It comprises three interrelated practices: discernment, building leadership capacity to determine where AI adds value; accompaniment, fostering reflection and collaboration among staff and communities; and attunement, ensuring co-design and responsiveness to how people experience digital tools.