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What AI in Business Central Means for Resource-Strapped Nonprofits

Selena Elledge

Aug 21 2025

4 min read

When you hear “AI,” it might sound like something only large corporations can afford to explore. But with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, AI is “built in”—not “bolted on”—and it’s designed to help organizations of all sizes, including nonprofits, operate more efficiently. That’s especially important for resource-strapped teams working to maximize impact. 

And let’s be honest—you’re probably already experimenting with AI tools, whether it’s drafting emails, generating meeting notes, or parsing spreadsheets. Copilot takes that one step further with built-in, secure automation that works directly inside your ERP. 

Meet Microsoft Copilot—Your Built-In Assistant 

Copilot is embedded throughout Business Central and is available in your everyday Microsoft 365 tools—like Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams. That means your team doesn’t need to learn new software to get real-time support from AI. 

Here’s how it helps: 

Auto-suggest journal entries based on recurring transactions 
Summarize financial reports for easier funder, program, and board communications 
Generate intelligent forecasts for budgets, donations, and spend-downs 
Reconcile accounts faster and flag irregularities before they become problems 
Speed up data analysis without needing a full BI team

It’s not just smart—it’s practical. And it’s already included in your Microsoft ecosystem.  

Do More With Less—Without Burning Out Your Team 

Nonprofits are constantly being asked to deliver more with fewer resources. Copilot helps lighten the load by: 

Automating repetitive tasks like reconciliations and report preparation 
Reducing manual errors by spotting inconsistencies in financial data 
Streamlining audits and grant reporting, with faster access to the right numbers 
Accelerating decision-making, so you’re not stuck in spreadsheets

Whether you’re trying to meet compliance deadlines or juggle multiple funding sources, Copilot gives you back time without adding headcount. Think about the processes that drain the most time from your day. Odds are, there’s a smarter, faster way to handle it—and we’d love to help you find it. 

Secure, Accountable, and Built for Trust 

Unlike free AI tools, Copilot operates inside Microsoft’s secure, enterprise-grade cloud, backed by billions in annual cybersecurity investment. That means: 

Your data stays private and protected 
You remain in full control—Copilot suggests, you decide 
Every interaction is grounded in your own systems and data context

It’s a safer way to put AI to work, especially for finance and operations leaders who need to balance innovation with responsibility. 

Powered by Microsoft’s Commitment to Nonprofits 

Microsoft delivers world-class tools—including AI and ERP—at pricing that’s accessible for nonprofits. Through the Tech for Social Impact (TSI) program, eligible organizations can unlock additional discounts, funding opportunities, and purpose-built resources. You’re not just getting automation, you’re getting mission-aligned innovation backed by a global leader. 

The Bottom Line 

AI isn’t a futuristic luxury, it’s a real, available advantage your organization can start using today. With Business Central and Copilot, you can: 

Increase capacity without increasing burnout 
Work more securely and collaboratively 
Spend more time on strategy, and less on spreadsheets 
And most importantly, focus more of your time and talent on what matters most—your mission and the communities you serve

Ready to see it in action? 

Let us show you how Microsoft Copilot and Business Central work together to support nonprofit operations. Whether it’s finance, operations, or development—you’ll walk away with real examples, not just buzzwords. 

Schedule a Live Demo

Or let’s get creative. 

What process is eating up hours each week? Let’s talk through where you’re feeling stuck today—and imagine a smarter, more efficient way forward. 

Book a Creativity Session

This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.

About the Author

Selena Elledge

Selena is Senior Director of Nonprofit Services in Sikich's Technology practice specializing with accounting software for nonprofits. Selena assists clients in designing solutions and strategic planning during their transformation process. She values collaboration with clients to understand current processes and requirements, as well as to explore ideas for future functionality and efficiency enhancements, ensuring alignment with the appropriate solutions.