Ars Technica readers donated $42,936.83 to Childs Play and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) during the 2025 Charity Drive, surpassing last year's total. The donations, tallied after the drive's completion, contribute to a lifetime donation haul of over $585,000 since the Ars Charity Drive began in 2007.

The funds were divided between the two charities, with $19,424.27 going to Childs Play and $23,512.56 to the EFF. According to Ars Technica, the drive saw 474 individual donations, with 272 directed to Childs Play and 202 to the EFF. The average donation was $90.58, with Childs Play averaging $71.41 and the EFF averaging $116.40. The median donation was $50.00.

Childs Play is a charity that provides toys and games to children in hospitals and domestic violence shelters. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is a non-profit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. Both organizations utilize technology and online platforms to further their respective missions, reflecting the increasing intersection of AI and societal well-being.

The use of AI in charitable giving is becoming more prevalent, with organizations employing AI-powered tools for fundraising, donor engagement, and impact assessment. AI algorithms can analyze donor data to personalize appeals, predict giving patterns, and identify potential new donors. This can lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness in fundraising efforts.

Ars Technica is currently in the process of selecting and notifying winners of the swag giveaway associated with the charity drive.