The Smart Way to Start Using AI in Your Nonprofit

🧠 The research

Recent reporting from The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Fast Company highlights how nonprofits are cautiously exploring AI to improve operations, fundraising, and service delivery. Tools like ChatGPT and predictive analytics are already helping organizations draft grant language, respond to donor inquiries, and identify patterns in client needs. But there's also growing concern about data ethics, equity, and the pace of adoption — especially for small teams with limited capacity.

💭 My take on it

AI can be a game-changer — if approached intentionally. It’s not about replacing human insight, but about reducing manual effort so that staff can focus on strategic work. The risk? Jumping in without a clear goal or ethical framework. Start small, stay focused, and always center your mission.

🔧 What this means for you

For nonprofits under $3mm, here are a few easy ways to explore AI safely and effectively:

• Use ChatGPT for writing support: Experiment with ChatGPT Plus or Free to train a model on your mission and tone style to draft appeal messaging, thank-yous, and grant proposals

• Pilot AI in admin workflows: Try tools like Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot that automate reminders or categorize email

• Review your data: Make sure your inputs are clean before applying AI

• Involve your team: Create shared guidelines so use is consistent and values-aligned. It should be a system like any other with clear procedures.

You don’t need a lab to test AI. Just a clear use case and a culture of learning.

References

How Nonprofits Can Use A.I. Well — and Avoid Pitfalls

Experts discuss what to consider when adopting A.I., simple steps to get started, and ways to make sure you ‘do no harm’ when using this technology.

www.philanthropy.com/article/how-nonprofits-can-use-a-i-well-and-avoid-pitfalls

How philanthropy can support AI to be a force for good

Funding nonprofits and providing resources to learn about artificial intelligence can help them use it to solve problems.

www.fastcompany.com/91213936/how-philanthropy-can-support-ai-to-be-a-force-for-good