AI as a tool to strengthen volunteering in Sweden
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Forum - Idéburna Organisationer Med Social Inriktning - Volontärbyrån |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 600 000 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - October 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Learning and meeting places |
| Call | Start your AI journey: For organizational learning and practical use of artificial intelligence in municipalities and civil society in 2023 |
Important results from the project
Volontärbyrån runs a website with volunteering opportunites published by non-profit organisations. We handle hundreds of opportunities and thousands of applications every year. The aim of the project was to improve the matching between non-profits and volunteers with the help of AI, and to streamline the flow. We developed an AI assistant that helps non-profit organisations generate volunteering opportunities, tag them and translate them. The AI assistant works with similar volunteering opportunities and is prompted to write them so that they are intersting and well-written.
Expected long term effects
We have developed an AI-driven prototype for automatic tagging and translation of ad texts. The tool formulates and translates volunteer opportunities, identifies keywords and improves matching algorithms. The AI assistant, based on GPT-4 and supported by a vector database, creates engaging texts, which saves time and streamlines the process. Testing shows that organisations create relevant ads faster. Even language-impaired people receive support, and the automated categorization makes it easier for coordinators and for Volontärbyrån.
Approach and implementation
The project began by collecting and analyzing data from Volontärbyrån. Different language models (LLM) were tested to streamline the matching processes. The AI tool was evaluated with a reference group and internally, and testing among user groups has been an important factor for a successful project. The tool was trained to write informative ads, correct linguistic errors and find the right tonality. We will implement the AI assistant in 2025. The AI project has also contributed to increasing interest in and competence in AI throughout the organisation.