How Civil Society Data Can Power AI Assistants and Strengthen Collaboration

Civil society organizations are at the forefront of addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges—from supporting migrants and refugees to protecting the environment and strengthening democratic participation. In their daily work, they generate and curate a wealth of data: reports, research findings, blog posts and brochures, and testimonies from lived experiences from the communities they serve.

Many of these organizations already invest significant effort in making this knowledge available through print publications and websites. Yet their commitment often runs up against structural constraints: limited resources leave little room for building advanced knowledge infrastructures, while technical barriers—such as outdated content management systems or inconsistent data formats—make it difficult to share and connect information across projects. The result is that much of this valuable knowledge remains underutilized, dispersed, and locked away in silos.

When we use this data to develop AI assistants, we not only amplify the impact of each individual organization but also create new opportunities for collaboration and shared learning across the sector.

The Knowledge Treasure of Civil Society

The knowledge generated by civil society is unique because it captures perspectives and experiences that are often absent from governmental or academic datasets. It reflects the realities of communities on the ground, the obstacles they face, and the creative solutions developed in response. This knowledge is not only about facts and figures—it includes contextual understanding, cultural nuances, and trust built over years of engagement.

Precisely because of this richness, it can play a crucial role in powering AI assistants that are more inclusive, accurate, and socially relevant. By embedding civil society data into AI systems, we ensure that technology reflects lived realities and serves the public interest, rather than being shaped solely by commercial priorities.

Unlocking the Impact of Civil Society Data: The Case of “Handbook Germany : Together” and Migration Knowledge

A concrete example of how civil society data can power AI assistants is the use of materials from “Handbook Germany : Together” to build the application Lupai. “Handbook Germany : Together” is a trusted, multilingual platform that provides clear, accessible information on different aspects of life in Germany, such as residence, health, work, and education. Yet people seeking answers often don’t know the official terminology to search for, or they need to cross-reference multiple sources—laws, information from state administrations, and recommendations from advisory centers—to get a comprehensive picture. This is where AI assistants add real value: they can connect information across different datasets, allow people to ask questions in their own words, and offer more personalized guidance, while always pointing users back to the original, trusted sources.

The partnership between “Handbook Germany : Together” and Lupai demonstrates how this works in practice. By combining high-quality, regularly updated content with relevant laws, administrative procedures, and materials from advisory organizations, Lupai is powered by a solid data foundation anchored in deep domain knowledge.

Civil Society at the Forefront of Responsible AI

By harnessing their knowledge to power AI assistants, civil society organizations can position themselves at the forefront of innovative and responsible AI adoption. In this way, they demonstrate how technology can serve the public good—grounded in trust, inclusivity, and collaboration. The result is not only an amplification of their own impact but also a contribution to shaping a digital future where AI strengthens democracy and social cohesion.