The AI readiness matrix

Within a month of joining Bonterra, in response to a request for content ideas to fill a gap in the H2 2025 editorial calendar, I pitched the AI Readiness Matrix (my first assignment) as an extension of the nonprofit technology company’s Q3 2025 flagship report. Rather than let the report’s findings remain as a one-time diagnosis, we translated them into a tool practitioners could use, borrowing the disciplined logic of grantwriting and nonprofit management to structure the framework. The resulting matrix maps an organization’s AI readiness against two dimensions (clarity [x-axis] vs. capacity [y-axis]), four pillars (data readiness, people/culture, responsible use/ethics, and operational integration), and four maturity stages (exploring, emerging, operational, and optimized), guiding fundraising and program professionals toward their next step rather than offering a vague sense of preparedness. Working alongside designers to shape the overall direction and visual treatment, the matrix helps nonprofits explore AI on their terms, without the pressure to rush or adopt.