11 Top AI Tips for Nonprofits to Save Time & Money
Craig Hadley
Director of Digital Strategy & Insights
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
Director of Digital Strategy & Insights at The Creative Company
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