The Industry Standard

From AI-Curious to AI-Native

The first maturity-based AI certification built specifically for nonprofits. 5 levels. Free to start. Mission impact required.

Start Free — Earn L1 Today See All 5 Levels →
AIREC Certification Badge

The AI Readiness Crisis in Nonprofits

1.8 million US nonprofits are experimenting with AI — but almost none are doing it with a plan.

92%
Use AI in some capacity
81%
No documentation or strategy
47%
Zero AI governance policy
4%
Have an AI training budget

Built for Nonprofits. Not Adapted From Corporate.

Ethics Embedded, Not Bolted On

Responsible AI is woven into every level, not a standalone module. Because nonprofits serve the most vulnerable.

5 Clear Maturity Levels

From L1 (AI Aware) to L5 (AI Native). Know exactly where you stand and what comes next.

Portfolio-Based, Not Just Exams

We verify what you can do, not just what you know. Every level requires real-world application.

Free to Start, Affordable to Finish

L1 is always free. L2+ priced for nonprofit budgets with sliding scales and scholarships.

Individuals + Organizations

L1–L3 certify people. L4–L5 certify the entire organization. Both tracks matter.

Community-Powered

Cohort learning, peer review, mentorship, and shared resources. No one does AI alone.

Your Path from Aware to Native

Five progressive certification levels for individuals and organizations.

L1
AI Aware

Foundation

8–12 hrs • Free

Understand AI, try tools, sign the responsible AI pledge.

Start Free
L2
AI Enabled

Practitioner

30–40 hrs • $199–$299

Master AI tools for your role. Build a real-world portfolio.

Explore L2
L3
AI Strategic

Leader

50–60 hrs • $499–$799

Develop AI strategy, governance, and lead adoption.

Explore L3
L4
AI Optimized

Organization

6–12 mo • $1.5K–$5K

Certify your org with measurable AI-driven impact.

Explore L4
L5
AI Native

Innovator

Ongoing • By Invitation

Lead the sector in AI innovation and knowledge sharing.

Explore L5

Ready to Start?

L1 is free, takes 8–12 hours, and requires zero technical background. Join thousands of nonprofit professionals building AI confidence.

Earn Your L1 — Free

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Frequently Asked Questions

Every nonprofit professional — from volunteers and entry-level staff to executive directors and board members. We also certify organizations at L4–L5. If you work for or with a nonprofit and want to use AI effectively and responsibly, AIREC™ is for you.

Not at all. L1 requires zero technical background. L2 and L3 build practical skills progressively. AIREC™ is designed for people who use AI, not people who build it.

L1 is always free. L2 starts at $199, L3 at $499. Organizational certifications (L4–L5) are priced on a sliding scale based on budget size. Scholarships are available at every paid level.

AIREC™ is the only certification that combines deep AI focus with nonprofit specificity in a progressive maturity model. NTEN covers broad tech, Google/Microsoft are vendor-specific, and IAPP focuses on governance for enterprises. Only AIREC™ addresses the complete nonprofit AI journey.