11 Top AI Tips for Nonprofits to Save Time & Money
Craig Hadley
Chief Content Officer (CCO)
Discover how nonprofits are using AI in 2025 to streamline grant writing, predict donor trends, personalize communication, and scale impact — with real-world examples and tips.
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What We Heard from Nonprofits — and What AI Can Do About It
Earlier this year, during a crisis communications training we hosted in Madison, a theme kept surfacing:
“Can you do another session but on AI?”
The room was filled with smart, mission-driven nonprofit professionals — short on time but eager to learn. They weren’t worried about AI replacing them. They wanted to use it: ethically, practically, and in ways that help them move their missions forward.
That conversation stayed with us. Because for nonprofits, AI isn’t a threat — it’s a tool. And increasingly, it’s becoming the key to staying relevant in a fast-changing world.
This article explores how nonprofits are using AI right now — from the American Cancer Society using machine learning to predict donor trends, to Kiwanis Club chapters drafting grant proposals with ChatGPT, and Charity Water’s chatbot turning education into engagement.
AI & Data Privacy
As that interest grows, so does the need for responsible use. Treat AI large language models like public spaces and avoid:
- Inputting real donor names
- Referring to financial records
- Chatting about sensitive internal details or HR matters
Focus instead on generalized examples, anonymized data, or fictional prompts — a smart way to stay efficient and protect trust.
More robust enterprise-grade tools like Microsoft Azure OpenAI or Google Cloud AI offer compliance-grade environments (SOC 2, HIPAA-ready, etc.) where you can process sensitive data under a data processing agreement (DPA).
How AI Is Helping Nonprofits Behind the Scenes
1. Grant Writing & Reporting
Example: A Kiwanis Club chapter used ChatGPT to align a grant proposal with funder priorities — saving hours.
Try this: Paste in a past proposal and prompt ChatGPT to refocus it for a new funder or emphasis (e.g., “digital access,” “equity,” “underserved youth”).
Why it works: AI helps your team articulate value quickly and reduce time spent on repetitive drafting.
2. Donor Trend Forecasting & Data Insights
Example: The American Cancer Society used AI to forecast donor behavior and plan better outreach. One campaign outperformed its donation benchmark by 117% and reached a 70% donor engagement rate.
Try this: Use tools with predictive analytics to analyze which campaigns or donor segments are most likely to re-engage.
Why it works: Data-driven decisions help nonprofits act proactively — not just reactively.
3 Meeting Notes & Summaries
Raise your hand if your team has ever said, “Who was taking notes?”
Example: Nonprofit newsrooms are using Otter.ai to transcribe meetings and ChatGPT to summarize them.
Try this: Record a meeting, run it through an AI transcript, and ask ChatGPT to identify key decisions and next steps.
Why it works: Saves staff hours and improves accountability.
4. Scheduling & Project Planning
Nonprofit calendars are chaotic. AI can help make sense of it.
Example: Orgs use AI to predict the best timing for appeals based on past engagement, through the always difficult forecasting the future.
Try this: AI can analyze past funding patterns, donor behavior, and economic indicators to predict funding fluctuations.
Why it works: AI helps teams plan smarter and respond faster.
5. Chatbots & Intake Tools
Nonprofit calendars are chaotic. AI can help make sense of it.
Example: Nonprofits use ChatGPT to draft reports, appeals, or thank-you letters — then revise for voice and tone.
Try this: Give the tool your audience, purpose, and key points. Prompt: “Write an annual appeal letter in a warm, confident tone.”
Why it works: Speeds up drafting while keeping your human voice front and center.
How AI Is Enhancing Nonprofit Communications
1. Content Drafting (with Oversight)
Example: Nonprofits use ChatGPT to draft reports, appeals, or thank-you letters — then revise for voice and tone.
Try this: Give the tool your audience, purpose, and key points. Prompt: “Write an annual appeal letter in a warm, confident tone.”
Why it works: Speeds up drafting while keeping your human voice front and center.
2. Social Media Captions
Example: Tools like Canva’s Magic Write and ChatGPT help nonprofits brainstorm and batch captions.
Try this: “Write 3 social media captions for our back-to-school fundraiser. Tone: supportive and enthusiastic.”
Why it Works: Consistency improves engagement. AI helps with volume and brainstorming.
3. Brand Voice Prompting
Raise your hand if your team has ever said, “Who was taking notes?”
Example: Nonprofits create reusable AI prompts like: “Write in the voice of a mission-driven nonprofit that supports families. Warm, clear, and inclusive tone.”
Try this: These kinds of prompts help maintain brand identity — even when different team members use AI tools.
Next Level: Hire us to transform your average prompts to a consistant unique brand voice through our Hero’s journey workshop.
Why it works: Keeps your messaging consistent, even when multiple people use AI tools.
4. Email Personalization
Want to personalize email without writing 10 versions? AI can help scale smartly.
Example: Gravity Forms and similar tools use AI to deliver targeted donor messaging.
(Source: nptechforgood)Try this: Use donor history and past engagement to segment messaging and prompt AI to help draft.
Why it works: Donors respond to messages that reflect who they are and what they’ve done.
5. Accessibility & Multilingual Content
AI can help you reach more people — across language and ability.
Example: Nonprofits use DeepL or Google Translate (followed by human review) for multi-language outreach.
Try this: Prompt AI to simplify or translate your copy — but always review with native speakers.
Why it works: Language inclusivity is part of access and equity.
6. Image Accessibility & SEO-Friendly Alt Text
Here is a technique we use regularly at our agency!
Example: Orgs use AI tools (like ChatGPT or Jasper) to write alt text for images on websites, blogs, and emails.
Try this: Prompt: “Write an alt text description for this image. Include what’s happening, who is in it, and where. Keep it under 125 characters.”
Why it works: Supports screen readers and ADA compliance and helps Google understand your content contextually. Good for SEO too!
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Grounded
AI doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with one use case. Try it, test it, and tailor it.
Use AI for drafting — not replacing.
- Review everything with real eyes.
- Respect data privacy and your mission’s voice.
AI isn’t here to replace your work. It’s here to help you focus on what matters most.
Craig Hadley
Chief Content Officer (CCO) at The Creative Company
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