Register Now: Getting Started with Artificial Intelligence
Details: Made possible by a partnership between Microsoft and Everyone On This free introductory course teaches adults the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its practical applications. The curriculum covers fundamental AI concepts, safe exploration of AI tools, career advancement with AI and creative AI applications. Participants will gain the skills and understanding needed to navigate and leverage AI technology in various aspects of their lives, including: Understand basic AI concepts and their impact on daily life Learn to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT safely and effectively Explore AI applications for career development and education Develop skills in AI-assisted design using Canva Gain awareness of AI's future potential and ethical considerations This 3-part course progresses from foundational knowledge to practical applications, with optional assignments to support learning. The content includes: Part 1: March 27, 2025, 4-6pm EST focuses on an introduction to AI, including a brief history and definition of AI, overview of machine learning, Generative AI, how to create content, ChatGPT, using prompts, comparing tools and recognizing bias. aka.ms/AI101-Part1 Part 2: April 10, 2025, 4-6pm EST focuses on career, education and graphic design, including using AI to build skills and explore career options, generating resumes, preparing for interviews, and using Canva design software tools and AI features. aka.ms/AI101-Part2 Part 3: April 16, 2025, 4-5pm EST focuses on a deep dive into Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer with hands-on activities. aka.ms/AI101-Part3 *Each session requires separate registration—please be sure to sign up individually for each part you plan to attend ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Speakers (3) Carlos Galeana Carlos is a highly skilled technology trainer, instructional designer, video editor, and facilitator at Everyone On. He has conducted nationwide workshops on digital literacy, privacy and safety, and office tools. Jemir Martinez Jemir Martnez is an AI Specialist that leverages his aptitude for artificial intelligence and problem solving to drive innovative solutions that transform user experiences. Partnering with teams across functions, he has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge AI solutions. His approach blends technical acumen with business insight, ensuring that every project under his guidance not only meets but exceeds the strategic goals set forth, solidifying customer relationships and advancing Microsoft's position at the forefront of AI applications. John Carroll John Carroll is a Senior Technology Specialist and Generative AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft, based in Atlanta, GA. He partners with Fortune 500 companies to transform business operations through innovative AI and cloud solutions. With deep experience spanning aerospace, public safety, and manufacturing, John combines technical expertise with a people-first approach to solve complex challenges and drive measurable impact.
Mastering Microsoft Teams Messaging: A Guide to Message Bar Features
Exploring the Message Bar in Teams When you open a chat or channel in Teams, the message bar is where you type your messages. But beyond just text, it offers several features that make communication more effective. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do: 1. Rich Text Formatting ("A" Icon) The "A" (Format) button expands the message bar, allowing you to: Apply bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough for emphasis. Adjust font size, color, and highlight for clarity. Create ordered and unordered lists for structured communication. Insert quotes and code snippets for technical discussions. 2. @Mentions for Attention Using @ followed by a name notifies a specific person in a chat or channel, ensuring they don’t miss important messages. In channels, you can also mention: @team – The name of the team: Notifies everyone in the team. @channel – The name of the channel: Alerts everyone following the channel. @everyone - Alerts everyone in a chat. 3. Attach Files (Paperclip Icon) Teams makes it easy to share files directly in chat. You can: Upload files from OneDrive or your local device. Drag and drop files into the message bar. Collaborate in real time on Office documents. Find the paperclip icon, by clicking on the '+' icon. 4. Emojis, GIFs, and Stickers Enhance engagement with: 😀 Emojis – Express emotions quickly. 🎭 GIFs – Add fun or emphasize messages. 🖼️ Stickers & Memes – Create customized visuals. 5. Inline Reactions Instead of replying, hover over a message and use quick reactions like 👍❤️😂 to acknowledge messages instantly. 6. Loop Components For interactive collaboration, Loop Components allow you to create: Live task lists Shared tables Real-time checklists These stay editable by everyone in the chat, keeping information updated. 7. Urgent & Important Messages (! Icon) Teams lets you mark messages as: Important (Red exclamation mark) – Highlights key messages. Urgent (Red bell) – Sends repeated notifications to ensure visibility. Navigate to the '+' for Action and Apps Click on the "Set delivery options" Select which delivery options you would like 8. Meeting Scheduling (Calendar Icon) If a conversation needs a deeper discussion, use the Schedule a Meeting button to book a Teams meeting instantly. First click on the '+' icon and find the 'Schedule meeting' option. 9. Schedule a Message If there is a need to send a message later, perhaps during normal working hours or as a reminder to a teammate at a certain time, schedule a message for the best date and time up to a week in the future. 10. Immersive Reader (Three Dots Menu) This accessibility feature reads messages aloud and adjusts text size for better readability. Hover over a message Click on the three dots menu that appears If not enabled yet, hover over More Actions Click on Immersive Reader The messages will appear in new screen click on "ESC" button to exit 11. Copilot AI Assistance (accessible with a subscription) For organizations with a Copilot license, Microsoft Teams now includes AI-powered assistance directly in chat. With Copilot, you can: Summarize long chat threads to quickly catch up on conversations. Draft messages with AI suggestions to improve clarity and tone. Extract action items from discussions to ensure follow-ups aren’t missed. Ask for insights about ongoing conversations, making it easier to stay informed. Copilot in Teams is a premium feature, available only to organizations subscribed to Microsoft’s AI-enabled subscribed plans/licenses. It’s a game-changer for productivity, reducing manual effort in message drafting and task tracking. Conclusion The message bar in Microsoft Teams is more than just a text box—it’s a productivity powerhouse. Whether you're formatting messages, sharing files, collaborating with Loop, or leveraging AI with Copilot, knowing these features can enhance your communication experience. 💬 What’s your favorite Teams messaging feature? Let us know in the comments!Contacting Billing Support in Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Use Case: Nonprofit Organization Billing Inquiry Imagine you're a member of a nonprofit organization responsible for managing your Microsoft 365 subscription. Recently, you noticed an unexpected charge on your billing statement and need to clarify the details. By following the steps outlined below, you can easily submit a support ticket and get the assistance you need to resolve the issue. Log into admin.microsoft.com with your admin credentials. If you don't have admin permissions, you'll need to contact someone in your organization who does. Select the green help & support button typically located at the bottom right of the admin center dashboard. Click on it to open the support pane. Type in “support” into the search bar. Select “Contact support”. Choose your preferences: preferred contact method, preferred time zone, and preferred contact language. Fill in your details and give a strong description of your problem for a quicker resolution. You can add a file, a screenshot, or a video for added support. Once you’ve filled out the details, select Contact me at the bottom.Transform Your Inbox: Mastering Outlook's Powerful Features for Ultimate Productivity
In today's fast-paced digital world, email is an indispensable tool for both personal and professional communication. However, managing an overflowing inbox can often feel overwhelming. Thankfully, Microsoft Outlook offers a suite of powerful features designed to streamline your email experience and boost productivity. From customizable display densities to intelligent sorting with Focused Inbox, and from convenient quick actions to seamless integration with other tools, Outlook provides an array of options to tailor your email management to your unique needs. In this guide, we'll explore these features in detail and show you how to unlock the full potential of Outlook to transform your inbox into an efficient and organized hub of activity. Let's explore these features: Density: The display density in Outlook refers to how much information is visible at a glance within your inbox. It determines the number of messages you can see and how they are displayed in the inbox column. Let’s explore its purpose: Customization and Personalization: 1. Compact View: If you choose a compact density, you’ll see more messages on the screen simultaneously. This is useful when you want to quickly scan through emails without much whitespace. 2. Cozy View: Opting for a cozy density provides a balanced view, allowing you to read messages comfortably without feeling overwhelmed. 3. Roomy View: The roomy density gives each message more space, making it ideal for focusing on individual emails or when you want a spacious layout. Focused Inbox: A new feature that automatically sorts your emails into two tabs: Focused and Other. “Focused” is where you more important emails are housed “Other” is for the less important ones. Interestingly, Outlook uses machine learning to analyze your email habits and prioritize your email messages. It looks at factors such as the content of emails, interaction history, and behavior towards specific contacts. For example, if you frequently flag and pin emails from certain contacts, Outlook will recognize these patterns and place important messages in the Focused tab, while less critical ones are routed to Other. Over time, as your behavior changes, Outlook learns and refines the categorization to better suit your preferences. Snoozed Emails: This feature allows you to temporarily remove an email from your inbox and to have it reappear at a later date or time. When you snooze an email, it disappears from your inbox and is moved to a designated folder or section until its appointed time, then it reappears as a new message in your inbox. This is beneficial: It allows you to prioritize emails based on when you need to address them, rather than letting them clutter your inbox. Also beneficial for email that requires an action but isn’t urgent, which allows you to focus on more pressing matters. Maybe also good to use as a follow-up strategy in cases where you have sent an email to want to follow-up a certain number of days because they have become unresponsive. Quick Actions: Outlook offers quick action buttons directly in the message list, allowing you to easily perform common actions such as reply, forward, delete, and archive without opening the email. You can get to the quick actions by going in the email list and right click an email. Unified Experience: You have the ability to create spreadsheet, storyline post, presentations, and more in outlook. This integration provides a unified experience and consolidation which not only allows you manager various communication channels seamlessly in Outlook, but it also reduces the need of switch back and forth between separate apps and users can access these features without leaving the email environment. Understanding and leveraging Outlook's customization options can significantly enhance your email management and productivity. By choosing the display density that best suits your needs—whether it's compact, cozy, or roomy—you can tailor your inbox to your preferences. The Focused Inbox feature uses machine learning to ensure important emails are front and center, while the snoozed emails feature allows you to manage your priorities effectively. Quick actions make email handling swift and efficient, and the integration of other tools within Outlook provides a seamless and unified experience, eliminating the need to switch between apps. Embrace these features to transform your Outlook experience into a powerful productivity tool.How Nonprofits Can Use LinkedIn Learning to Upskill Their Teams & Communities
Investing in skills = investing in impact. As a nonprofit, your mission is to empower communities and create lasting change—but do your staff, volunteers, and program participants have access to the skills they need to succeed? That’s where LinkedIn Learning for Nonprofits comes in. This online learning platform offers thousands of high-quality courses on topics like digital literacy, leadership, project management, fundraising, AI, and more. Even better? Eligible nonprofits can get free or discounted access. Why LinkedIn Learning Matters for Nonprofits Nonprofits often face limited budgets, high turnover, and evolving skill needs. LinkedIn Learning helps by: ✅ Upskilling staff & volunteers – Equip your team with essential workplace skills (e.g., Microsoft 365, data analysis, grant writing, AI literacy). ✅ Providing career growth opportunities – Offer professional development to retain and empower employees. ✅ Training the communities you serve – Share learning resources with job seekers, students, and underserved groups to help them build marketable skills. ✅ Flexible & self-paced learning – Courses are available anytime, anywhere, making training accessible for busy schedules. How Nonprofits Can Access LinkedIn Learning Nonprofit organizations can enhance their impact by leveraging resources from LinkedIn for Nonprofits. This platform offers access to free online materials, opportunities to connect with the nonprofit community, and discounted LinkedIn products to help drive your mission forward. To learn more about eligibility and available resources, visit the LinkedIn for Nonprofits Resource Hub. AI Skills for Nonprofits: A Bonus Resource If you're interested in teaching or learning AI, Microsoft also offers the AI Skills Initiative—a free program designed to help professionals understand and apply AI in their work. This is a perfect complement to LinkedIn Learning, especially for nonprofits exploring AI for efficiency, automation, and decision-making. Start Learning Today! By tapping into LinkedIn Learning, nonprofits can build a stronger, more skilled workforce—and create even greater impact. 👉 Is your nonprofit using LinkedIn Learning? What courses have helped you the most? Let us know in the comments!Empower Your Nonprofit with AI: A Beginner’s Guide to Teaching AI Skills
That’s where AI Skills for Educators comes in—a free resource designed to help educators (including nonprofit leaders, trainers, and community advocates) introduce AI concepts to their audience. Why Should Nonprofits Teach AI? Nonprofits thrive on impact. By integrating AI education into your programs, you can: ✅ Expand career opportunities for your community members. ✅ Boost digital literacy and future-proof skills. ✅ Enhance nonprofit operations by leveraging AI for efficiency. Whether you're running workforce development programs, youth education initiatives, or volunteer training, AI skills can add immense value. What Is AI Skills for Educators? Microsoft’s AI Skills for Educators is a free training hub that provides lesson plans, resources, and interactive learning materials to help you teach AI—even if you’re not an AI expert. Key Features: 🎓 AI Basics – Understand and teach foundational AI concepts. 📖 Pre-made Lesson Plans – Save time with structured AI courses. 🖥️ Hands-on Exercises – Engage learners with real-world AI scenarios. 🎤 Presentation Materials – Ready-to-use slides and guides for training. How Can Your Nonprofit Use These Resources? Here are some ways your nonprofit can start teaching AI today: 1. AI Workshops for Your Community Use the free lesson plans to host in-person or virtual AI workshops. Whether it's a basic AI introduction for job seekers or advanced concepts for tech learners, these resources provide an easy starting point. 2. AI Training for Volunteers & Staff Empower your internal team with AI knowledge! Whether it's automating administrative tasks or enhancing outreach, an AI-skilled team can work smarter. 3. Partner with Schools & Libraries Collaborate with educators, libraries, and youth programs to introduce AI concepts to students and underrepresented communities. AI education shouldn't be limited to tech companies—your nonprofit can bridge the gap. 4. Digital Equity & Inclusion Programs If your nonprofit focuses on closing the digital divide, these resources can help you teach AI literacy in underserved communities, giving more people access to future job opportunities. Getting Started Is Easy! ✅ Step 1: Visit aka.ms/AISkillsForEducators. ✅ Step 2: Explore the lesson plans and materials. ✅ Step 3: Adapt the content to fit your nonprofit’s mission. ✅ Step 4: Start teaching AI in your community! By integrating AI education into your nonprofit, you're not just teaching technology—you’re shaping futures. 💡 Is your nonprofit ready to empower communities with AI? Visit aka.ms/AISkillsForEducators and start making an impact today!Have No Fear, Responsible AI is Here: Empowering Organizations Dedicated to Social Good
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform industries in powerful ways, from optimizing operations to making smarter, data-driven decisions. But as organizations, including nonprofits, begin to integrate AI into their processes, ethical considerations must remain at the forefront. After all, the use of AI directly impacts individuals and communities and must align with the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Fortunately, Microsoft is at the forefront of advocating for responsible AI. The company is not only developing AI solutions but also ensuring these tools are ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to all—particularly nonprofits that are using AI to drive social good. In this blog, we’ll explore Microsoft’s approach to responsible AI and how organizations, particularly those dedicated to social good, can leverage its technologies to further their mission in a responsible and ethical manner. What is Responsible AI? Responsible AI refers to the practice of designing, developing, and deploying AI systems that are ethical, transparent, and accountable. Microsoft defines responsible AI as: Fairness: AI models should be unbiased and provide equitable outcomes for all. Reliability & Safety: AI must operate in a manner that is safe and predictable. Privacy & Security: AI systems should respect privacy and safeguard sensitive information. Inclusiveness: AI should be designed to serve diverse populations and include perspectives from different communities. Transparency: Nonprofits and stakeholders should understand how AI models make decisions. Accountability: Organizations should be responsible for the outcomes and impacts of their AI systems. Microsoft’s commitment to responsible AI ensures that the tools used in organizations can drive innovation and efficiency without compromising ethical standards. For more information on Microsoft’s approach to Responsible AI, please visit: Empowering responsible AI practices | Microsoft AI 1. Ethical AI for Social Good Microsoft recognizes that nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing global challenges, and they are eager to empower these organizations with AI to drive positive change. To help ensure that AI is deployed responsibly, Microsoft offers several key principles and resources: AI for Good Program Microsoft’s AI for Good program aims to harness the power of AI to help address some of the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change, healthcare, and education. The program is guided by Microsoft’s responsible AI principles, ensuring that AI is used in a way that maximizes social benefit while mitigating risks. Through the AI for Good Lab, Microsoft has partnered with various organizations to design and implement AI solutions that benefit marginalized communities. Examples include AI-powered solutions to predict disease outbreaks, monitor deforestation, or support accessibility for people with disabilities. To learn more about the initiatives around the AI for Good Program, please visit: AI For Good Lab - Microsoft Research AI for Accessibility The AI for Accessibility initiative seeks to empower groups with AI tools to create innovative solutions that improve the lives of people with disabilities. By promoting inclusivity in technology, organizations can develop applications that improve communication, mobility, and daily living for individuals with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments. To learn more about Microsoft’s Accessibility Innovation, please visit: Innovation and AI for Accessibility | Microsoft Accessibility 2. Microsoft’s Responsible AI Tools and Frameworks Microsoft doesn’t just talk the talk; they provide tools and frameworks that help organizations ensure their AI is being developed and deployed responsibly. These tools can be extremely helpful for nonprofits seeking to maintain ethical AI practices: The Microsoft Responsible AI Standard The Responsible AI Standard is a set of guidelines designed to ensure that AI systems are ethical, fair, and inclusive. It can provide nonprofits with a clear path for identifying and mitigating biases, ensuring AI models are transparent, and keeping privacy concerns at the forefront. This framework includes specific actions, including: Fairness assessments to identify biases in AI models. Data privacy protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Transparency guidelines that allow users to understand how AI decisions are made. By integrating the Responsible AI Standard, organizations, especially nonprofits can confidently adopt AI tools while ensuring their use aligns with ethical standards. To learn more about Microsoft’s principles and approach to responsible AI, please visit: Responsible AI Principles and Approach | Microsoft AI These are just a few of the resources put in place to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, benefiting society as a whole. By adhering to these principles and utilizing the tools provided by Microsoft, organizations, especially nonprofits, can harness the power of AI to drive positive change while upholding ethical standards. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize responsible practices to build a future where technology serves the greater good and fosters trust within communities. For additional tips and resources, be sure to follow our Nonprofit Community | Microsoft Community Hub for blogs, updates, and expert advice on maximizing your nonprofit tools.Stay Organized and On Track with the Remind App in Microsoft Teams
In today’s fast-paced work environment, staying organized and keeping track of tasks and deadlines can be a challenge. Fortunately, Microsoft Teams offers a solution that can help you stay on top of everything with ease: the Remind app. What is the Remind App? The Remind app in Microsoft Teams is a versatile tool designed to help you set and manage reminders for important tasks, meetings, and deadlines. Whether you need a nudge to complete a project or a reminder for an upcoming meeting, the Remind app has got you covered. Key Features of the Remind App Personal and Group Reminders: You can set reminders for yourself or for other team members in a chat or channel. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and no important task is overlooked. Recurring Reminders: Some tasks require regular attention. With the Remind app, you can set up recurring reminders on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to stay consistent and organized. Time Zone Support: Working with team members across different time zones? The Remind app allows you to set reminders according to different time zones, making global collaboration seamless. Integration with Outlook: For those who use Outlook, the Remind app offers seamless integration. You can add the Remind tab to Outlook or Microsoft 365 and manage your reminders alongside your emails and calendar events. Easy Setup: Setting reminders is a breeze. Simply mention the bot in a chat or channel or use the scheduling interface to set up your reminders. Why Use the Remind App? Stay Organized: With the Remind app, you can keep track of all your tasks and deadlines in one place. This reduces the chances of missing important deadlines and helps you stay focused on your priorities. Improve Team Collaboration: By setting reminders for your team, you ensure that everyone is aware of upcoming tasks and deadlines. This promotes better communication and collaboration among team members. Increase Productivity: Regular reminders help you stay on track and complete tasks more efficiently. By staying organized, you can increase your productivity and achieve your goals more effectively. Reduce Stress: Knowing that you have a system in place to remind you of important tasks can reduce stress and allow you to focus on your work without constantly worrying about forgetting something. Adapt to Remote Work: In the era of remote work, staying connected and organized is more important than ever. The Remind app helps you manage your tasks and deadlines, regardless of where you are working from. How to Get Started To start using the Remind app in Microsoft Teams, follow these simple steps: 1. Open Microsoft Teams and click on the Apps icon on the left-hand sidebar. 2. Search for "Remind" and click on the app to install it. 3. Once installed, you can start setting reminders by mentioning the bot in a chat or channel by using @remind, or by using the scheduling interface. In conclusion, in a world where staying organized and managing tasks efficiently is crucial, the Remind app in Microsoft Teams stands out as a valuable tool. By offering features like personal and group reminders, recurring reminders, and seamless integration with Outlook, the Remind app ensures that you and your team can stay on track with ease. It not only enhances productivity but also fosters better collaboration and reduces stress, making it an essential addition to your workflow. Whether you're working from the office or remotely, the Remind app helps you maintain a smooth and organized work environment. Give it a try and experience the difference it can make in managing your tasks and deadlines. Happy Organizing!Engage, Empower, Excel - Fun Ways Nonprofits Can Use Microsoft Polls
Polls for Nonprofits: The Secret Sauce for Engagement! Microsoft Polls is a built-in feature that helps nonprofits quickly gather feedback, spark engagement, and make data-driven decisions—all without switching apps. And the best part? It’s easy and free for organizations using Microsoft 365! 🙌 🎯 Why Should Nonprofits Use Microsoft Polls? Quick Decisions, Less Guesswork – Need to decide on a meeting time? Want feedback on an upcoming fundraising campaign? Fire off a quick poll and get instant results. Boost Engagement & Participation – Volunteers and staff love to feel heard! Polls encourage collaboration and help keep meetings dynamic instead of crickets 🦗. Data You Can Actually Use – Poll responses are stored in Forms and can be analyzed later, helping you track trends and make informed decisions for your mission-driven work. Perfect for Remote & Hybrid Teams – Whether your team is all in one place or spread across different time zones, polls make sure everyone's voice matters! 🌍 🚀 How to Create a Poll in Microsoft Teams (It’s Easy!) Open the Apps icon in Microsoft Teams. Type in Polls in the search. Add the Polls app. Optionally pin to your menu bar if you will use it frequently. Choose a channel, chat or meeting you’d like to use Polls in and then select Open. Select Create a new Poll. Craft poll questions and responses and then select preview. Choose whether you want to record the names of respondents (visible to creator only). Choose whether you want to share results with the respondents. Select Preview and then make edits or send the poll. The chosen chat, channel or meeting will now see the poll and be able to submit responses. If you have selected to have aggregated responses visible, they will also be able to see them in real time. Poll results can also be found in Microsoft Forms. You can also create polls in Teams meetings to keep your audience engaged and interactive—perfect for virtual town halls, volunteer training, or staff check-ins. 🎉 Fun Ways Nonprofits Can Use Microsoft Polls Fundraising Brainstorming: “What theme should our next fundraiser be? 🎭🕺🏾🎨” Training & Development: “What cybersecurity topic should we cover next?” (Because cyber threats don’t take breaks! 🔐) Volunteer Scheduling: “What weekend works best for our community event? 📅” Just for Fun: “How do we feel about pineapple on pizza? 🍍🍕” (Because, yes, team bonding matters!) 🏆 Pro Tip: Make Polls a Habit! Want to keep engagement high? Try making a quick weekly poll part of your team meetings. Whether it’s a serious topic or just a lighthearted check-in, using Microsoft Polls can make work feel less like work and more like a collaborative experience. So, next time you're in a Teams meeting, give Microsoft Polls a spin and see how it transforms engagement for your nonprofit! 🚀💙 Have you tried Microsoft Polls in Teams yet? Drop a comment and share how your nonprofit is using it! 👇Transforming Nonprofit Storytelling: AI Image Creator in Microsoft Paint
*Please note that this article is focused on the Image Creator feature. However, it may not yet be available in your country or region but is currently being rolled out. You may also see a different feature preview titled CoCreator instead of Image creator based on your region. These features will soon be released together under the Copilot button addition to Microsoft Paint. Stay tuned!* Bringing Nonprofit Stories to Life with AI-Powered Images For many nonprofits, creating professional visuals has long been a challenge—hiring designers can be expensive, and not every team has the skills or software needed to produce eye-catching graphics. But with AI stepping in to bridge the gap, even the most resource-strapped organizations can now craft compelling visuals that resonate with their audiences. The Power of Visual Storytelling A powerful image can say more than words alone. It can spark emotions, make complex issues easier to understand, and inspire people to take action. For nonprofits, this could mean the difference between someone scrolling past a post and someone stopping to donate, volunteer, or share a message. The challenge? Creating high-quality visuals takes time, expertise, and often a budget that many nonprofits simply don’t have. But now, AI-driven tools are changing the game. How AI Image Creators Are Changing the Game AI image creators, like the one integrated into Microsoft Paint, are making it easier than ever to generate high-quality visuals without needing advanced design skills. These tools use machine learning to create custom images based on descriptions or selections, helping nonprofits craft professional, engaging visuals in just minutes. One of the standout features of Microsoft Paint’s AI-powered tools is its "Layers" feature, which makes designing easier and more flexible—especially for nonprofits creating custom visuals. With layers, users can stack and edit different elements independently, meaning you can move, adjust, or refine one part of an image without disrupting the entire design. This level of control is a big win for organizations that want to create polished, professional-looking graphics without needing advanced design skills. Unlike Microsoft Designer, which combines all elements into a single layer, Paint’s multi-layer approach allows for more precise adjustments—making it the go-to choice for those working on more detailed, customized projects. For nonprofits, this means more freedom to fine-tune social media posts, event flyers, educational graphics, and impact reports—without having to start from scratch every time a change is needed. More flexibility, less frustration, and better storytelling—all at no extra cost! With just a few clicks, organizations can create everything from simple illustrations to detailed graphics—tailored to their brand and mission. Even those with zero design experience can bring their vision to life. Why This Matters for Nonprofits AI-powered visuals aren’t just a convenience—they're a game-changer for nonprofits. Here’s why: ✅ Cost-Effective – No need to hire expensive graphic designers; AI tools make high-quality visuals accessible on a budget. ⏳ Saves Time – Nonprofits can create compelling images quickly, freeing up time for their core mission. 🎨 Customizable – AI-generated images can be tweaked to match a nonprofit’s branding, ensuring a consistent look and feel. 📢 Boosts Engagement – Eye-catching visuals help increase social media shares, donations, and event participation. How Nonprofits Are Already Using AI-Generated Images Many nonprofits are already tapping into AI-powered visuals to strengthen their storytelling. Some ways they’re using these tools include: 📌 Fundraising Campaigns – Designing social media graphics, email banners, and event flyers that capture attention and drive donations. 📚 Educational Materials – Creating infographics, posters, and explainer images to help people understand key issues. 📊 Impact Reports & Presentations – Using visuals to highlight achievements, data, and success stories in an engaging way. The Future of AI-Powered Storytelling As AI continues to evolve, the possibilities for nonprofits are endless. Future advancements could bring even more customization, real-time collaboration, and smarter automation—making storytelling even more seamless for organizations of all sizes. At its core, AI isn’t replacing human creativity—it’s amplifying it. By embracing tools like Microsoft Paint’s AI image creator, nonprofits can focus on what truly matters: making an impact. So, if you’ve ever felt held back by a lack of design skills or resources, it’s time to explore how AI can help. Your stories deserve to be seen—and now, they can be told in more vivid, compelling ways than ever before. How to create with Microsoft Paint’s Image Creator Open Microsoft Paint: Launch the Paint application on your Windows device by typing Paint into the search bar. Sign In: Click on the profile icon at the top-right corner and ensure you are signed in with your Microsoft account. This is necessary to access the Image Creator feature. Access Image Creator: Click the Image Creator button located on the toolbar. This will open the Image Creator side panel. Enter Description: In the text box provided, type a detailed description of the image you want to create. For example, you might enter "Children reading books in a cozy library" or "A clean beach with volunteers picking up trash." Choose a Style: Select a style for your image from the available options, such as "Pixel Art," "Oil Painting," "Charcoal," "Ink Sketch," "Watercolor," "Digital Art," "Photorealistic," or "Anime." Generate Image: Click the Create button. The AI will generate three different variants of the image based on your description. Select an Image: Review the generated images and click on the one you prefer. This image will be applied to the Paint canvas, where you can further edit or enhance it as needed. Add Layers: Select the "Layers" button and then the + sign to generate a new prompt and add items to a new layer. This feature allows you to adjust and incorporate new elements into the image without affecting the work done on previous layers. Blend Your Photo: After generating a new image, utilize features in the toolbar, such as “remove background” to better blend your new photo. Save or Share: Once you are satisfied with your creation, you can save the image to your device or share it directly from Paint.
