AI for Nonprofits E-Book

Darian Rodriguez Heyman

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 704

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

A collection of actionable AI tools you can apply immediately to help your nonprofit drive social impact and change

In AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause, a team of leading nonprofit experts and social entrepreneurs delivers a startlingly insightful, strategic “how-to guide” for nonprofit and foundation leaders, board members, and volunteers, as well as higher education professionals and social entrepreneurs looking to deploy and integrate artificial intelligence tailored to their organization's mission and needs. It's the leading reference guide for people who are entirely new to AI, as well as tech-savvy veterans with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence looking for proven, hands-on techniques they can apply immediately to transform their nonprofits.

Each chapter is based on interviews conducted with 57 of the nonprofit industry's most innovative and reputed voices. Together, they provide the latest strategies and tactics for nonprofit generative AI and predictive analytics applications, skills and competencies needed to effectively use this new technology, tips, tools, best practices, resource reviews, and the most common pitfalls to avoid.

AI for Nonprofits walks you through exactly how to strategically customize artificial intelligence to improve your fundraising and resource development efforts, marketing and community engagement, program delivery, and back-office operations. From human resources management to program strategy, social listening, and donor research, the book provides the on-the-ground techniques you need to deploy to transform your nonprofit's operations.

Inside the book:

• Step-by-step frameworks and actionable roadmaps to help you implement AI for content creation, donor engagement, and developing personalized messages at scale
• How to protect your donors' privacy and data with policies and practices that comply with rapidly shifting legal and regulatory landscapes
• Cutting-edge research and practical case studies drawn from real-world situations that illustrate concrete AI applications
• Access to 100+ tools, platforms, and providers focused on helping nonprofits optimize their use of AI

AI for Nonprofits explains how to supercharge your organization's fundraising pipeline, marketing and community engagement, program delivery, back-office operations, and governance policies. It's perfect for nonprofit executives, managers, professionals, and leaders, AI for Nonprofits will also earn a place in the libraries of anyone with an interest in using AI to power social impact and change.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword:

Your Future Is NOW

Interviewee Bio

About the Book

Book Purpose and Flow

How to Use This Book

A Note on Formatting

AI Disclosure

Acknowledgments

Part I: Introduction to AI: Laying the Foundation for Responsible Adoption

Chapter 1: The Future Is Now: AI 101, the Basics

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 2: Before You Get Started

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Contributor Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 2.1: Understanding the AI Adoption Life Cycle

The Four Stages of AI Adoption

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 3: 90-Day Blueprint for AI Success

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 3.1: Key Ingredients for AI Adoption Success

Mindset, Skill Set, and Tool Set

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 4: Adapting and Thriving in the Age of AI

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 4.1: Predictive Medical Analytics Case Study: Michael J. Fox Foundation and Sensoria Health

Background and Problem Statement

AI-Driven Solution

Results and Impact

Lessons Learned

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 5: How to Sell AI Upstream and Downstream Within Your Organization

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 5.1: AI as Your Institutional Memory

The Price of Data Graves

Using AI to Create Data Lakes

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 6: AI and Technology Planning: Figuring Out Your Tech

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 6.1: Guidelines for AI Vendor Selection

A Framework for Mastering Vendor Selection

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 7: Prompt Engineering: Asking AI the Right Questions

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 7.1: Introducing Arnold, the StaffBot: Lung Cancer Foundation of America Case Study

Background and Problem Statement

AI-Driven Solution

Results and Impact

Lessons Learned

Interviewee Bio

Part II: Fundraising: Strengthening Relationships, Not Replacing Them

Chapter 8: Prompting Next Gen Donors to Give

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 9: Donor Research

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 9.1: Political Fundraising

The AI Advantage

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 10: The Future of Philanthropy: AI and Donor Engagement

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 10.1: CRM 2.0: The Road Map Ahead

The Evolution of CRM: From 1.0 to 2.0

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 11 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and Ambassador Engagement

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 12: Foundation Prospecting

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 13: Grant Writing and Reports

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 13.1: Securing Funding for Your AI Upgrades

Lead with Impact

Follow Fast and Embrace Community

Start with Core Funders, Then Expand

Right-Size Your Projects

Convey Responsible Use

Interviewee Bio

Part III: Marketing and Community Engagement: Building More Meaningful Relationships Through AI

Chapter 14: Audiovisual (AV) Content Creation

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Contributor Bios

Resource Review

Chapter 14.1: Translation

Breaking Language Barriers with AI

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 15: Social Listening

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 15.1: Using Machine Learning to Segment Your Lists

AI-Driven List Segmentation

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 15.2: Social Media Analysis

Your Blueprint for Decoding Social Data

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 15.3: Volunteer Recruitment and Management

Unlock AI's Potential for Volunteer Management

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 16: Community Engagement

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 17: Lobbying and Advocacy

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Part IV: Programs: Redefining Mission Delivery with AI

Chapter 18: Preparing for AI Integration

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bios

Resource Review

Chapter 18.1: Leveraging Emerging Technology: Save the Children Case Study

Background and Problem Statement

AI-Driven Solution

Results and Impact

Lessons Learned

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 19: Strategic Planning

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 20: Dashboarding: Impact Measurement and Data Visualization

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bios

Resource Review

Chapter 20.1: Program Evaluation

The RISE Framework: AI-Powered Evaluation

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 20.2: Ensuring Data Quality

Maximizing Accuracy and Reliability

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 21: Developing Your Own Custom Large Language Model

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 22: Public-Facing Chatbots

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 23: Dealing with Mis/Disinformation

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Part V: The Invisible Backbone: Transforming Back-Office Operations with AI

Chapter 24: Human Resources

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 25: Finance and Bookkeeping

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 26: Board Recruitment and Engagement

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 26.1: Recruiting Tech Executives to Your Board

Your Five-Point Plan

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 27: IT Infrastructure and Software: The Tech Stack Needed to Support AI Integration

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Part VI: Policies and Protections: Safeguarding the Mission and Avoiding Trouble in the Age of AI

Chapter 28: Cybersecurity in the Age of AI

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 29: Enhancing Legal Operations and Compliance

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bios

Resource Review

Chapter 30: Data Privacy and Ethical AI Adoption

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Part VII: AI Across Missions: Innovating for Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, and Higher Education

Chapter 31: Foundations and Philanthropy

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 31.1: Best Practices in Funding Nonprofit Technology

Framework for Funding Nonprofit Technology

Interviewee Bio

Chapter 32: Social Enterprises and Mission-Driven Companies

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Interviewee Bio

Resource Review

Chapter 33: Higher Education

Critical Skills and Competencies

Pitfalls and Solutions

Road Map to the Future

Dos and Don'ts

Conclusion

Contributor Bios

Resource Review

Closing Thoughts

Stay Hungry

Embrace Experimentation

Keep Moving Forward

Afterword

A Glimpse into the Next Decade

Preparing for the Future

Start with Why

A Future of Possibilities

Interviewee Bio

Book Underwriters

AI for Nonprofits

Resource Directory

Action Network

AI for Good

Amazon Web Services (AWS) for Nonprofits

AppealAI

Authentic

Benevity

Board.dev

Board Effect

Browse.ai

Candid.org

Cause Inspired Media

Causewriter.ai

Center for Transformational Change

Charity Digital

Classy

Community Boost

Cooperative Impact Lab

Dataro

DonorSearch

Engage

Fast Forward

Fireflies

Fundraising.ai

Fundwriter.ai

GitHub

Golden

Good Tech Fest

Google for Nonprofits

Grantable

Innovation for Impact

Instrumentl

MERL Tech and Tech Salon NYC

Microsoft 365

NetHope

Nonprofit Help Center

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

NTEN

Okta for Nonprofits

The Prompt

Quiller

Scribe

Sembly AI

Social Current

Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence

Stockimg AI

Tango

Tech Impact

Tech Matters

Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG)

TechSoup Global

VolunteerMatch

Books

Contributor Bio

About the Editors

Glossary of Terms

Name Index

Subject Index

End User License Agreement

List of Illustrations

Chapter 19

Figure 19.1 Strategy Development Process

Chapter 26

Figure 26.1 Prompts for End-to-End Board Recruitment

Guide

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword Your Future Is NOW

About the Book

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents

Begin Reading

Closing Thoughts

Afterword

Book Underwriters

AI for Nonprofits Resource Directory

About the Editors

Glossary of Terms

Name Index

Subject Index

End User License Agreement

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DARIAN RODRIGUEZ HEYMAN & CHERYL CONTEE

Foreword by Jonathan BrillAfterword by Blaise Agüera y Arcas

AI FOR NONPROFITS

Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause

Practical tips and tools for strategic fundraising, marketing, programs, and back-office operations

Copyright © 2025 by Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee. All rights reserved.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, [phone], fax [phone], or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, [phone], fax [phone], or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permission.

The manufacturer’s authorized representative according to the EU General Product Safety Regulation is Wiley-VCH GmbH, Boschstr. 12, 69469 Weinheim, Germany, e-mail: [email protected].

Trademarks: Wiley and the Wiley logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

For general information on our other products and services or for technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the United States at [phone], outside the United States at [phone] or fax [phone].

Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic formats. For more information about Wiley products, visit our web site at www.wiley.com.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is Available:

ISBN 9781394298419 (Paperback)ISBN 9781394298426 (ePub)ISBN 9781394298433 (ePDF)

Cover Design : WileyCover Image : © d1sk/Shutterstock

I dedicate this book to my incredible son, Rafael. Rafi, my love for you has served to deepen my commitment to helping usher in the thriving, equitable, and just world I know is possible. You deserve no less and I'm only sorry this book doesn't have more math in it! — DRH

I dedicate this book to my son, Colm Contee. Buddy, you are the future we’ve all been waiting for. Being your mom has made me a better person and every day I learn something, create something, or imagine something new with you. I hope this book inspires you and your peers to use innovation to build a better world not only for yourselves but also for everyone. Special shoutout to my brother Clarence Contee Jr., who has been my rock through both sunny and rainy days. Honorable mention to Fluffy and his warm companionship while I was writing! —CC

ForewordYour Future Is NOW

The future isn't just something that happens—it's something we create with every action we take. I've spent my career helping leaders anticipate and adapt to the turbulence of exponential change, and there's no question that AI is one of the most significant forces reshaping our world today. The remarkable surge of AI capabilities in the last few years is unlocking advancements poised to transform every corner of our society—including the nonprofit sector. AI for Nonprofits arrives at precisely the moment when nonprofit executives, social entrepreneurs, and philanthropists need actionable guidance on how to harness the power of intelligent systems for social good.

Our world is more interconnected than ever before. The challenges we face—climate change, income inequality, public health crises—are increasingly complex and intertwined, and the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. In the technology realm, AI stands out as a game changer for two main reasons: its ability to process massive amounts of data in real time and its capacity to transform that data into decisions, predictions, and insights at scale. From my vantage point as a futurist, I see AI as an extraordinary lever for change. But just as important, I see it as a tool that can liberate our most human qualities of compassion and creativity by reducing the complexity and repetition in our work.

The question I most often hear in my discussions with corporate executives and nonprofit leaders is, “How do we begin?” It's a fair concern, given the pace of transformation. In response, I always share the need to break AI adoption into manageable steps: start by clarifying your mission and objectives, then identify specific pain points where AI-driven solutions might be beneficial, and finally, cultivate a culture of experimentation. This book provides a tactical road map for doing exactly that.

At the heart of this road map is the idea that AI is not an end in itself. Yes, it's a powerful tool—one that can reduce the time staff spend on repetitive tasks, improve donor engagement, identify at-risk communities earlier, and free up valuable resources for the frontline work that truly matters. Yet technology is only as effective as the humans behind it. I often remind organizations that while we use AI to automate, accelerate, and amplify our capabilities, it's our people and our values that give technology its meaning. AI for Nonprofits shows you not just how to adopt new tools, but how to integrate them holistically into your mission, preserving the best of what makes your organization human and mission-driven.

One recurring theme from my interviews with social sector executives is the reluctance some leaders feel about AI. They worry about biases in algorithms or fear that advanced technologies might distract from their nonprofit's human-centric mission. These concerns are real and legitimate. The solution is to lean in, not step away: by understanding AI's strengths and limitations, you equip your organization to steer AI in an ethical and inclusive direction. This book emphasizes best practices for transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation—keys to ensuring AI supports, rather than supplants, the values at your nonprofit's core.

In my work, I often talk about “futureproofing” organizations—identifying ways to stay resilient and adaptable in times of uncertainty. In the nonprofit world, futureproofing means staying relevant and impactful in the face of rapidly changing social and technological realities. AI might not solve every challenge, but as you'll discover in this book, it can dramatically increase the speed and scale of solutions that do. With the right guidance and governance, AI becomes a force multiplier for every cause.

As you explore the pages of AI for Nonprofits, you'll learn the fundamentals of AI, unpack the jargon that often confuses leaders, and walk through practical case studies of how nonprofits across different sectors are transforming their strategies. You'll see real-world examples of how AI enhances donor outreach, reduces operational costs, and strengthens program delivery. You'll discover strategies to unleash the potential of your team: freeing staff from repetitive tasks, tapping into new insights from the wealth of data you already have, and creating more dynamic relationships with the communities you serve.

Above all, my hope for you, as you read this book, is that you'll cultivate an innovator's mindset—a willingness to explore, iterate, and learn alongside your colleagues. AI is still evolving. The ultimate competitive advantage in the social sector will go to those who lean into this new frontier with curiosity, creativity, and courage. In my experience, the most promising organizations recognize that the best time to prepare for the future is now.

In these pages, you will find not only the technical and tactical guidance to make AI a driving force in your nonprofit, but also the inspiration to reimagine what's possible. I'm convinced that AI, when wielded responsibly, will unlock the full potential of your team and significantly amplify your impact—helping humanity take leaps forward in our quest to create a more equitable, thriving world.

So, let's get started on this journey! The insights and practical tools ahead are designed to fuel your mission, elevate your strategies, and catalyze the next era of nonprofit innovation. In my conversations with nonprofit leaders, I am often reminded that every bit of technological progress is ultimately about improving lives. AI is the frontier that can propel us to greater collective good, if we embrace its possibilities.

The future is now. Let's shape it together!

Interviewee Bio

Jonathan Brill is a renowned futurist, strategic advisor, and author committed to helping organizations navigate uncertainty and prepare for disruptive change. As the former global futurist at Hewlett Packard and author of Rogue Waves, he has guided nonprofits, global brands, and government agencies to anticipate, adapt, and thrive amid emerging challenges. His expertise lies in scenario planning, innovation strategy, and leveraging AI-driven insights to craft resilient road maps for the future. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 leaders and a sought-after keynote speaker, Jonathan's thought leadership empowers nonprofits to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity to strengthen their strategies and serve their communities more effectively. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrill1/

About the Book

“You don't need to know all the answers; you just need to know where to find them.”

—Albert Einstein

In November 2022, the launch of ChatGPT 3.5 changed everything. More than just the fastest technology to reach 100 million users, which it did in just two months, it marked a tipping point: a moment when artificial intelligence (AI) became accessible to everyone through simple, conversational interactions. Beyond offering the world's knowledge at your fingertips, AI now acts as a virtual assistant capable of helping you brainstorm, create, predict, and execute with unprecedented ease. It's no exaggeration to say we are all now living on the jagged frontier of this technology with a rapidly evolving future ahead.

For nonprofits—particularly grassroots organizations often stretched thin on time, staff, and resources—AI isn't just another tool. This is an opportunity to rewrite the rules. AI is a Swiss Army knife for the social sector, with three primary capabilities:

Streamlining tasks:

From drafting emails and summarizing reports to automating workflows, AI can save countless hours and let you focus on what matters most.

Enhancing creativity:

AI can brainstorm with you, offering fresh ideas for outreach, fundraising, campaigns, and strategies you might not have considered.

Seeing into the future:

Through predictive analytics, AI can identify patterns and anticipate challenges, giving you insights to make data-driven decisions.

In short, AI can amplify your efforts in ways previously unimaginable. The question is, “Where do you want to point that thing?”

Book Purpose and Flow

This book exists because nonprofits are at a crossroads. With urgent community needs and the ever-present challenge of doing more with less, it's critical to harness the tools that can make your work more efficient and effective. Yet AI—and the technology landscape overall—changes fast. How can we offer guidance that stays relevant in a rapidly evolving field?

The answer is simple: we focus on what's timeless. Instead of detailed how-tos on specific platforms, this book provides real-world strategies, best practices, and tactical tips and tools that empower you to approach AI adoption with confidence. Whether you're looking to raise more money, expand awareness, enhance programs, or streamline operations, the chapters ahead will give you the foundation to get started.

This book begins with a foundational section designed to help you set the stage for success. You'll find essential guidance on understanding AI basics, preparing your organization for adoption, crafting a strategic plan, and building the confidence to use AI effectively. Through these, we provide you with the groundwork needed to approach AI as a partner in your work.

The core of the book focuses on four key areas where AI can make the most significant difference:

Fundraising:

Discover how AI can help identify prospects, build relationships, and optimize your development efforts with both donors and funders.

Marketing and community engagement:

Learn how to connect with your audience more effectively, amplify your message, and foster deeper relationships.

Program delivery:

Explore how AI can enhance service design, improve outcomes, and scale your impact.

Back-office operations:

Reduce administrative burdens and streamline essential functions like HR, finance, and board engagement.

Beyond these core areas, the book also addresses three critical supplemental topics:

Policies and protections:

Guidance on implementing AI responsibly and ethically, with tools to mitigate risks and align your efforts with your mission

AI for other mission-led organizations:

Tailored advice for foundations and donors, social enterprises, and higher education institutions, showcasing how they can apply these strategies in their unique contexts

Resource directory:

A curated list of tools, platforms, publications, and providers to support your AI journey, helping you stay informed and equipped to adapt as the landscape evolves

Together, these sections form a comprehensive road map for nonprofits seeking to harness the potential of AI. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this book offers the insights and strategies needed to build a brighter future for your organization and the communities you serve.

How to Use This Book

Think of this book as your AI owner's manual. It's not meant to be read cover-to-cover unless that suits your style. Instead, approach it as a reference guide: dip into the chapters that address your current challenges, and revisit them as your needs evolve.

Each chapter is structured consistently to maximize your time and impact:

Introduction:

A quick overview of why the topic matters

Critical skills and competencies:

Tactical tips and tools, plus frameworks to guide your adoption of AI

Pitfalls and solutions:

Common missteps and how to avoid them

Road map to the future:

Emerging trends and how to stay ahead

Dos and don'ts:

Bite-sized, actionable takeaways underscoring key insights from each chapter

Conclusion:

A recap of key points to leave you inspired to action

Resource review:

Publications, platforms, and tools to explore further

Some chapters also feature insets on relevant subtopics and case studies to showcase real-world examples and inspire new ideas.

A Note on Formatting

We know you're busy. To help you get straight to the point:

Bold italics

highlight actionable tips and key takeaways.

Bold

text signals section headers or list introductions.

Italics

emphasize suggested AI prompts or specialized terms.

AI Disclosure

In an effort to practice what we preach, we used AI extensively when producing this book. This was in part to walk in the shoes of nonprofit leaders and understand from experience what works, what doesn't, and what's coming soon. Specifically, we used Fireflies.ai to record and automatically transcribe our virtual Zoom interviews with all 57 experts. We then used ChatGPT, Claude, and our publisher Wiley's private large language model Scribble to help draft all book content based on the interviews with author edits, and once again to integrate feedback and proposed edits from our interviewees. Craig Johnson, one of our experts, adapted his software, Change Agent AI, to help analyze our manuscript, facilitating the creation of our glossary of terms. Please note however that we remained the humans in the loop (HITL) at all times. Every single page of this book received human attention in review and editing. AI is inescapable in modern society and functions behind the scenes in more ways than most people may realize in daily life. Yet it's how humans adapt this multipurpose utility knife, especially generative AI, that will determine our future.

On behalf of the 57 expert contributors who helped shape this book, we hope these insights empower you to make a greater impact. While no book can answer every question, this one is designed to provide you with a solid foundation for using AI to further your mission. Together, let's work smarter, dream bigger, and build a better world.

Acknowledgments

It truly takes a village. This book is the result of countless hours of hard work and dedication—not just from the two of us, but from an incredible community of supporters who made this effort possible.

First and foremost, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the 57 extraordinary individuals who shared their hard-won insights, savvy suggestions, and practical wisdom. Your insightful contributions serve as the cornerstone of this work, enabling us to provide actionable tools and strategies for nonprofit leaders. Thank you for your shared dedication to strengthening the social sector and for offering your expertise to support others during this pivotal moment in the adoption of AI.

We also owe a heartfelt thanks to our families, whose support and understanding made it possible for us to devote so many hours to this project—often well beyond the demands of our day jobs. Your grace and encouragement have been invaluable.

Special thanks go to Gabriella (Gabby) De La Cruz, Sonam Tsering, Zach Bell, and Raina Pahade for their indispensable aid coordinating and managing this complex undertaking. Your efforts and ideas helped make this book possible! Much gratitude to the staff and board of The Impact Seat Foundation and Egeria Enterprises for their support during the intensive process of interviewing, writing, and editing for this project. Much appreciation and awe to Craig Johnson of Change Agent AI who applied his team's frontier tech to help us create a glossary of terms to ensure everyone's maximum understanding. We are also deeply grateful to our team at Wiley for their enthusiasm, dedication to nonprofit capacity building, and patience as we brought this community-centered vision to life.

Finally, to all the nonprofits tirelessly working to build a better world: thank you! And to you, our reader: we know the demands on your time are immense as you tackle pressing community needs every day. The fact that you've chosen to invest time in building your capacity and exploring how AI can amplify your impact speaks volumes about your leadership, foresight, and commitment. We hope this book serves you well on that journey.

Together,

Darian and Cheryl

Part IIntroduction to AI: Laying the Foundation for Responsible Adoption

“Knowledge corresponds to the past. It is technology. Wisdom is the future. It is philosophy.”

—Herbie Hancock, legendary American jazz artist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

AI is not a distant future—it's here, now, transforming how nonprofits operate. Whether you're drafting grant proposals, engaging donors, managing programs, or streamlining operations, AI has the potential to revolutionize every aspect of your work. But realizing this potential isn't just about knowing the tools; it's about using them thoughtfully and responsibly.

This opening section lays the groundwork for your nonprofit's AI journey. It equips you with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical strategies to start strong and avoid common mistakes in AI adoption. Each chapter provides a critical piece of your foundation, ensuring you adopt AI in ways that align with your mission, maximize your resources, and amplify your impact.

Part I begins with “The Future Is Now: AI 101, the Basics,” where we break down the basics of AI—what it is, how it works, and why it's an incredible resource for nonprofits. From there, “Before You Get Started” guides you through assessing your organization's readiness for AI adoption, with a practical framework for understanding the chapter inset, “Understanding the AI Adoption Life Cycle,” to help you move from experimentation to implementation with clarity and confidence.

The “90-Day Blueprint for AI Success” offers a step-by-step road map for launching your AI journey. The inset “Key Ingredients for AI Adoption Success” introduces the mindset, skill set, and tool set framework that ensures you're setting your nonprofit up for long-term success. “Adapting and Thriving in the Age of AI” explores how nonprofits can foster a culture of experimentation and resilience, staying ahead in a rapidly changing landscape, and it includes a case study showcasing how the Michael J. Fox Foundation leveraged emerging technology to advance its mission.

In “How to Sell AI Upstream and Downstream Within Your Organization,” we address the critical challenge of securing buy-in, offering strategies to bring your board, leadership, and staff along on the journey. The inset on “AI as Your Institutional Memory” supports the case for adoption by speaking to the benefits of AI as it relates to helping your nonprofit learn from past efforts to support strategy development and programs.

Once you're ready to select tools, “AI and Technology Planning: Figuring Out Your Tech” provides guidance for choosing platforms that align with your needs, including the inset “Guidelines for AI Vendor Selection” to help you evaluate potential partners. “Prompt Engineering: Asking AI the Right Questions” dives into how to communicate effectively with AI, featuring a case study that speaks to how a small nonprofit built a private large language model (LLM) “staffbot” to streamline their operations, raise awareness, and support fundraising.

These chapters were chosen and crafted consciously, aimed at collectively equipping you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to embrace AI as a partner in your work. Whether you're taking your first steps or refining your approach, this foundational section ensures your nonprofit is prepared to leverage AI strategically and in support of your ultimate mission and goals.

Darian and Cheryl's Top 10 List: Critical Guidelines for AI Adoption

To help you succeed, we've distilled the essentials of effective AI use into 10 actionable principles:

Play around:

Experiment with AI across various tasks to uncover its potential, even for tasks where its value isn't immediately clear. Try it on for size and practice a beginner's mindset!

Ask for options:

Have AI generate multiple versions of outputs, refreshing as needed to explore a wide range of creative possibilities.

Start with teasers:

Begin with short summaries or outlines to ensure AI is aligned with your vision before diving into longer-form outputs.

Iterate for excellence:

Use follow-up prompts to refine AI's initial outputs, taking them from good to great before finalizing manually.

Be a hero, not a zero:

Guide AI by providing examples of desired outcomes to set clear expectations and achieve better results, also known as “multi-shot prompts.”

Prompt properly:

To generate the most helpful AI outputs, structure prompts to include your AI tool's role, desired outcome, goal, and format, plus examples for context.

Create a culture of experimentation:

Encourage staff to try out AI tools, share successes, and collaborate on challenges through forums, contests, and shared learnings.

Produce a policy:

Develop a clear AI policy outlining acceptable use, approved platforms and those to avoid, and alignment with organizational goals and values.

Dial in your data:

Keep your data accurate and secure, avoiding public tools for sensitive information and considering private LLMs when appropriate.

Human in the loop (HITL):

Always maintain human oversight to verify AI outputs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and appropriateness before taking action or sharing externally.

By following these guidelines and the advice offered in this section, you'll be equipped to embrace AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a tool to amplify your efforts, ensuring your nonprofit thrives in the age of AI.

Chapter 1The Future Is Now: AI 101, the Basics

Based on insights from an interview with Jonathan Waddingham.

Have you ever said, “Hey Siri” and asked a question, searched or texted something that autofilled after you started typing, enjoyed a Netflix recommendation, or scrolled through your social media feed? All these activities and much, much more are powered by AI. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, nonprofits must understand how to harness this technology to enhance impact, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions.

This chapter covers the basics of AI, providing you with the foundational knowledge needed to confidently begin your AI journey. Whether you're seeking ways to save time, tell better stories, or raise more funds, this chapter represents a helpful starting point. If you're keen to spend more time focusing on your mission and less cycles on administrative tasks, this “primer coat” will demystify AI, offering practical guidance on how to integrate it into your nonprofit's operations.

Critical Skills and Competencies

What Is AI, Anyway?

Artificial intelligence encompasses a range of technologies, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and large language models. These, then, encompass natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and much more. When you put it all together, the future we've dreamed of since The Jetsons is suddenly at your nonprofit's fingertips, but it helps to understand the underlying breakthroughs and the role of each. So, let's start from the beginning and break down the cornerstone technologies that underpin all the amazing developments you've seen on ChatGPT and other platforms in recent years:

Artificial intelligence

(AI) is the umbrella term for computer programs that have the ability to reason and learn like humans.

Originally, computers were programmed in a very explicit way, with computer scientists working hard to map out a wide range of “if-then” loops,

telling the program how to respond to a range of different, predetermined scenarios. But now, you can ask, “Hey Siri: What's the temperature outside?” and it can figure out your location, find the forecast, and speak it back to you.

Machine Learning

(ML) is a field of AI that involves training algorithms to recognize patterns in data and make predictions or decisions based on those patterns. This represented a huge shift in the approach to programming, since

computers can now program themselves based on examples, without clear instructions.

Think Amazon or Netflix recommendations, where people who bought or liked what you did frequently enjoyed something similar.

Deep Learning

(DL) is a subset of ML where AI uses neural networks

based on the design of the human brain to ingest and learn from huge datasets.

This makes it especially useful for pattern recognition, in addition to practical applications like understanding and creating human-like text. DL is incredibly versatile and can be used to interpret and produce text, images, video, audio, and more. Think facial recognition in the photos you upload to social media.

NLP

is a branch of AI that enables computers to understand, interpret, and respond to human language in a natural way, whether spoken or written. For nonprofits, NLP can be a game changer by powering tools like chatbots for donor engagement, sentiment analysis to understand community needs, and automated report generation for back-office efficiency.

Large language models

(LLMs) are Deep Learning algorithms that process and generate human-like text. They share ideas and information, and can help summarize, translate, and predict. This is the core technology underpinning ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and the other generative AI (GenAI) platforms. They

vacuum up tons of information and data sources, then use their powerful algorithms to spot patterns within this mountain of inputs, just like people.

That makes them incredibly versatile and well suited for interacting with folks in ways that feel surprisingly natural. Current models predict that after 2027 there will be no more publicly available data sources to feed them, which is why we're increasingly seeing data sharing deals with publishers and content-rich platforms like Reddit.

Generative pre-trained transformers

(GPTs) are LLMs specifically designed for NLP tasks.

GenAI

simply refers to it generating outputs like text or imagery, and “pre-trained” speaks to how they're fed huge amounts of training data to identify patterns. But

“transformer” technology is the big breakthrough—ultimately, all these tools use neural networks to predict the next word in a series,

just like when your texts or Google searches auto-complete based on popular other entries. In short, ChatGPT and all the other tools are simply guessing what next word will make you happiest and using that approach to string together something as long as this book! But, since AI can't currently tell the difference between fact and fiction, this can oftentimes lead to

hallucinations

, false statements your AI will share as confidently as something true. As a result,

keeping a human in the loop (HITL) is critical at this early stage of AI development; meaning, you always need to double-check AI's work.

To get started with AI, familiarize yourself with these core concepts and explore how they can be applied to your nonprofit's needs. For example, ML can help you identify trends in donor behavior and predict future giving patterns. NLP can enhance your communication strategies by analyzing donor feedback and optimizing messaging. Computer vision, a type of AI, can streamline event management by automatically tagging and organizing photos. By understanding the basics of AI, you can make informed decisions about which technologies to adopt and how to integrate them into your operations.

Feed AI the Right Tasks

So, how can it best be leveraged? Think of AI as your digital assistant or savvy intern, who can bolster your capacity and team, but not take things completely off anyone's plate. As a general enabling technology just like the railroad, printing press, or even the internet itself, AI can be deployed in limitless ways. But it helps to start with a simple framework and closely consider the three ways that AI is most likely to support your efforts.

Unlock Efficiencies: Automating Recurring Functions

Most nonprofits suffer through a wide range of repetitive yet important tasks. While it's critical that we quickly acknowledge donations, send out regular impact updates, and submit grant reports, are those really things that need to be handled manually over and over again? Convene your team and create a list of your most common, repetitive tasks, and then consider if and how you can use AI to streamline these. Note this will include tactical activities like sending that standard donor recognition email after customizing a few minor elements, but you should also think about using AI to support recurring creative tasks like brainstorming the subject lines for your email appeals, researching potential funders and identifying why they'd consider supporting your work, and identifying new community engagement strategies. Finally, some of these activities may not be happening at all right now but could expand your work, so consider things like translating materials to reach new audiences, exploring a new voice in your materials, and more.

Data Analysis: Crunch the Numbers and Insights

Most of us have access to huge troves of information, but do you really have the time to pour through that government study, annual report, or check off all the books on your lengthy reading list? Well, fret no more! AI is great at summarizing robust content and top-lining what you really need to know, whether that's comparing and contrasting different sources, clarifying the relationship between two organizations or resources, and sharing insights on what kinds of (fill in the blank here) are best at generating any desired result. Increasingly, AI tools are getting adept at producing not only text outputs but also helpful imagery, graphs, charts, and other visualizations that can help you powerfully convey your story and ideas. Plus, if you ever need help with finding the right formula to complete your spreadsheet, AI tools can help you write them and save hours of banging your head against unknown cell references.

Predictive Analytics

We all wish we had a crystal ball, especially fundraisers! AI is well suited to take a dispassionate view of your past efforts and predict what's likely to happen, when, and how. That means offering educated guesses about which donors are ripe for follow-up this week, which messages and updates would likely be most resonant, how much money to ask for, and much more. Or, applying a programmatic lens, which clients may be struggling and why, who's dropped off your radar and could benefit from a call, and so on.

Shop Around and Sample the Goods

There are a bunch of AI-powered platforms and tools out there, and the list keeps growing. AI is increasingly being integrated into the tools you already use, but as you're looking at the landscape of dedicated AI tools, there are a few types or classes of resources you should explore, get to know, and consider adopting.

GenAI Platforms and GPTs

OpenAI's ChatGPT 3.5 (https://chatgpt.com/) took only two months to reach 100 million users after its release in November 2022, making it the fastest-adopted consumer technology in history. That set off a ton of interest in AI across every industry, including nonprofits. Now there are a wide range of GenAI platforms that can instantly provide you with answers to just about any question or need, and the opportunity to create your own custom chatbot or GPT, including Anthropic's Claude (https://claude.ai/), Microsoft's Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com/), Google's Gemini (https://gemini.google.com/), and Perplexity (https://www.perplexity.ai/).

Writing Assistants

Should that sentence include a comma or a semicolon, and is there a better way to communicate your ideas? Writing tools like Grammarly (https://www.grammarly.com/), Copy.ai (https://www.copy.ai/), and Jasper (https://www.jasper.ai/) are great to help you bang out a first draft or identify helpful edits to your work.

AV (Image, Video, and Audio) Production

There's an entire chapter dedicated to this later in the book, but the key thing to keep in mind as you get started is that you no longer need to hire an expensive designer or agency to translate your idea for that jingle, gala video, or hero image into a reality. AI tools, many of which are free or inexpensive, now enable you to instantly whip up helpful AV content. For images, OpenAI's Dall-E is now integrated into ChatGPT, and Midjourney (https://www.midjourney.com/) is a popular, versatile dedicated imagery resource, while platforms like Lumen5 (https://lumen5.com/), Google Vids (https://workspace.google.com/products/vids/), and Pictory (https://pictory.ai/) can help you make your video dreams manifest!

Trend Analysis

In an ideal world, we would have infinite interns and data analysts to crunch all the data that our nonprofits generate, enabling easy access to data-informed, actionable insights. Luckily, there are many AI tools that can do some of the heavy lifting here. For example, Crayon (https://www.crayon.co) will analyze other organizations' digital footprints to help you benchmark your performance. Tools like Hubspot (https://www.hubspot.com), Dataro (https://dataro.io), and Beacon (https://www.beaconcrm.org/feature/ai) provide AI-powered insights into your CRM data, turning data into knowledge; the latter two are designed specifically with nonprofits in mind.

Dive in, the water's fine! Don't be afraid to play around with a range of tools and try them on for size. See what best fits into your existing workflows and produces the best results. But the landscape is constantly shifting, so don't be fooled into thinking one-time research is all that's needed: plan for quarterly reviews to check out new platforms and functionality and ensure you're using the right AI tools.

Master Prompting

AI is getting exponentially better at speaking “human,” but it's not quite there yet. So, instead of just thinking out loud, take the time to learn how to “speak computer.” This is the increasingly popular field of prompt engineering, to which we've dedicated an entire chapter in this first section. Although this skill may prove less critical over time, taking the time to learn how to interact with AI and optimize outputs is one of the most critical investments of time as you get started.

Pitfalls and Solutions

Ignoring Ethics

AI systems perpetuate biases present in their training data, leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes. To address these ethical issues up front, ensure your AI policy includes guidelines for fairness and bias mitigation. For example, how will you test the AI outputs for inclusivity? Ask yourself, “How will we ensure AI is fair and doesn't cause harm?” And if the AI is involved in any decision-making processes, can you verify this by conducting regular audits of your inputs and its outputs to identify and address any biases? Involve diverse stakeholders in the development and review of AI applications to ensure a broad perspective on ethical considerations. By proactively addressing ethical concerns, you can build trust with your supporters and ensure that your AI initiatives align with your organization's values.

Overreliance on AI

As mentioned, AI systems produce inaccurate results if the underlying data is flawed, and currently, these platforms can't tell the difference. That means while their outputs can be incredibly helpful, you always have to verify AI's work by keeping a HITL, prioritizing data quality, and implementing a robust data governance framework that includes data accuracy checks, validation processes, and ongoing monitoring. Engage domain experts to review AI outputs and provide feedback. By ensuring the accuracy of your data and AI models, you can make more reliable decisions and avoid undermining your credibility.

This is particularly important in areas such as donor communications and sentiment analysis, where understanding subtle cues and nuance is essential. Once again, this is best addressed by complementing AI tools with human oversight. Use AI to identify patterns and trends, but involve human experts in interpreting the results, sending the final version of any communications, and making final decisions. Invest in training your staff to work effectively with AI tools and ensure a more nuanced and accurate understanding of your data. By blending AI with human creativity and empathy, you can create authentic and engaging content that resonates with your supporters.

Data Privacy

Data privacy is a critical concern when implementing AI in your nonprofit, especially if sensitive information is involved. Ensure your AI policy includes strict data privacy guidelines and complies with relevant regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act. Implement robust data security measures to protect against breaches and unauthorized access. Be transparent with your supporters about how their data is used and give them control over their information. By prioritizing data privacy, you can build trust with your supporters and avoid potential legal and reputational risks.

Road Map to the Future

It is often said in the world of AI that the AI you are using today is the worst version you'll ever use, because the only thing we can be sure of is that every model will improve: they will get faster, be able to do more and more things, and cost less. So, expect everything to change again, and again, and again. At the very least, you should understand that making the most of AI is an ongoing process and is not a one-and-done situation. Plan for having to make changes as this technology inevitably and inexorably develops.

Sticking your head in the sand to avoid the rise of AI is not a realistic option, as it will increasingly become a key part of more and more technologies that we use at work and in our daily lives. The operating systems on our laptops and phones, and the applications we use to do our jobs, are only going to have more AI in them in the coming years. In fact, it will be surprising if any of the digital tools we use every day do NOT incorporate some form of AI in the next two to three years. Get your guidance and policies drafted now to prepare and plan, because AI is going to be involved in every part and process of your organization, whether you like it or not.

Dos and Don'ts

Do

Take the time to learn the basics of AI and to play around with a wide range of platforms to identify your favorites

Map out the most common, recurring tasks you plan to use AI to support, identifying not only tactical, rote activities but creative brainstorming as well

Use AI to automate simple, recurring tasks, analyze data, and predict the future

Establish a clear and comprehensive AI policy, including your approach to data security, privacy, and bias

Invest in staff training on data literacy and AI fundamentals

Regularly clean and update your data for accuracy and reliability

Don't

Underestimate the importance of prompt engineering and learning how to ask AI platforms for what you need and generate the best results

Cut corners on AI implementation and resources; invest now for best results over time

Forget to involve various stakeholders in drafting your AI policy, ensuring a diversity of viewpoints

Outsource anything completely to AI: always keep a HITL to ensure you don't spread misinformation and always keep that human touch

Conclusion

AI holds immense potential for transforming the nonprofit sector. By understanding the basics of AI and implementing best practices, your nonprofit will harness this technology and enhance your impact, streamline operations, and unlock powerful, data-driven decision-making. Remember to get your digital house in order, establish a clear and ethical AI policy, prioritize data privacy and security, and invest in staff training. Embrace a proactive approach to AI adoption and encourage a culture of experimentation and innovation within your organization.

As you embark on your AI journey, keep in mind that the goal is not to replace the human touch but to augment your capabilities and amplify your impact. By leveraging AI effectively, you can spend more time focusing on your mission and less time on administrative tasks. The future is now, and with the right approach, AI can help you achieve your nonprofit's goals and create a lasting positive change in the world!

Interviewee Bio

Jonathan Waddingham is a nonprofit technology leader with two decades of experience helping charities embrace digital tools to increase their impact. As Chief Product Officer at Lightful, he oversees the design, development, and delivery of AI-powered solutions and applied learning programs that help nonprofits build digital skills and confidence in strategy, storytelling, and fundraising. Previously, Jonathan spent 12 years at JustGiving, where he helped scale its Crowdfunding product to become the UK’s leading donation-based platform, raising over £100 million in five years. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanwaddingham/

Resource Review

NTEN's Nonprofit Technology Readiness Assessment:

https://www.nten.org/learn/nonprofit-tech-readiness

—A free tool to evaluate your nonprofit's tech capacity, including AI readiness.