92%vs7%
92% of nonprofits use AI in some form vs 7% report major capability gains
Nonprofits · Virtuous · 2026 · n=346
The data
What the research shows.
Six independent studies converge on the same pattern: adoption is broad, capability is rare, governance is mostly absent.
60%vs5%
60% of church leaders use AI monthly vs 5% of churches have an established AI policy
Churches · Barna/Pushpay · 2026 · n=1,306
88%vs6%
88% of organizations use AI in at least one function vs 6% qualify as high performers
Enterprise · McKinsey · 2025 · n=1,993
60%vs5%
60% of firms generate no material AI value vs 5% qualify as future-built
Enterprise · BCG · 2025 · n=1,250
The Trust Deficit
While adoption accelerates quietly, constituents remain skeptical. Transparency is emerging as the primary differentiator for institutions.
43% of churchgoers disagree with their pastor using AI for sermon prep
43%Lifeway · 2026 · n=1,200 churchgoers
62% of pastors are concerned about non-disclosure of AI involvement
62%Lifeway · 2026 · n=1,003 pastors