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.

We’ve divided the content into two categories:

• Operations: Behind-the-scenes tasks AI can streamline
• Communications: Outward-facing efforts AI can enhance

Let’s start where every saved hour matters most — operations.

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.

Sources

• AI-Driven Strategies for Enhancing Non-Profit Organizational Impact
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Intellectual Capital Development
• Integration of AI-Powered Analytics for Donor Behavior Insights