At The Giving Grove, we believe technology should support human connection, not replace it.  As AI tools continue to evolve, we want to be transparent about how we use them in our work and the boundaries we set around their use.

How The Giving Grove Uses AI:

Our team may use AI tools in limited, supportive ways to help staff work more efficiently and spend more time focused on people, partnerships, and community impact.

Current Uses Include:

  • Proofreading, editing, and improving clarity in written communications

  • Organizing, digesting, and sorting large datasets

  • Assisting Giving Grove program managers with orchard planning and customized orchard maintenance plans

AI is used as a support tool ONLY.  All final materials, plans, communications, and recommendations are reviewed by staff before being shared or implemented.

How The Giving Grove Does NOT Use AI:

The Giving Grove recognizes that AI tools have limitations, including concerns about privacy, bias, accuracy, and equitable decision-making.  Because of this, we maintain clear boundaries around its use.

We will NEVER:

  • Input personal information of donors, orchard stewards, volunteers, or partners into AI platforms

  • Use AI to make organizational, personnel, funding, or partnership decisions

  • Rely on AI in place of human judgment, relationship-building, or community expertise

The only orchard-related data we may input into AI systems is non-personal operational data, such as harvest data or orchard characteristics. All major decisions at The Giving Grove remain the responsibility of staff, leadership, and our board.

Intentional Technology Use

As a staff, we do not use AI tools when a task can be completed efficiently through conventional software or existing workflows.  We view AI as one tool among many, not a default solution and not a replacement for human creativity and individual voice.

When we do use AI tools, we prioritize platforms that demonstrate:

  • Strong data security practices

  • Environmental transparency and mitigation efforts, whenever possible

Questions about The Giving Grove’s AI Use Policy?

We welcome any questions or concerns about The Giving Grove’s use of AI platforms.  Please contact us at any time by emailing info@givinggrove.org.