The Daily Prompt

CV Giving Day is 222 days away but the work of updating websites, reaching out to desert nonprofits, sponsors and donors, creating training materials, crafting new presentations and all that operational and admin stuff begins today (actually, it’s been ever ongoing since this year’s CV Giving Day ended). And while it’s challenging and rewarding work, it’s still… work.

So naturally I turned to AI to help me with some of these tasks and thought I’d share them with my fellow do-gooders in the nonprofit world. These AI tools are transforming challenges into manageable tasks and amplifying social impact, providing nonprofits with unprecedented opportunities. I hope some of these tools and services come in handy, feel free to reach out if you need assistance or just want to chat about AI.

Transformative AI Tools for Nonprofits

The AI Paradigm Shift

Generative AI has disrupted the traditional power imbalance between well-resourced for-profit entities and nonprofits. With tools now more affordable and accessible, nonprofits can leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance their operational efficiency and impact. The democratization of AI tools enables mission-driven organizations to compete and thrive in ways previously unimaginable.

1. Grants, Reports, and External Communications

Nonprofits can use AI chatbots and large language models (LLMs) to generate and refine written content such as grant proposals, reports, and marketing materials. Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and Meta’s Meta AI offer robust capabilities for text generation and editing.

Useful Tools:

• OpenAI ChatGPT

• Anthropic Claude

• Google Gemini

• Microsoft Copilot

• Meta AI

Additionally, platforms like Lex, Quillbot, Grammarly, and fundwriter.ai offer specialized writing assistance, while Perplexity and PDF GPT provide advanced research and document analysis capabilities.

Action Steps:

1. Start with free versions of AI writing tools to get comfortable with their capabilities.

2. Use AI to draft grant proposals and reports, then refine them with human oversight.

3. Leverage AI tools for social media and marketing content to maintain a consistent and professional online presence.

2. Data Analysis and Visualization

AI tools such as Ajelix, Formula Bot, and MonkeyLearn simplify data analysis and visualization. These tools help generate insights, create visual dashboards, and transform qualitative data into analyzable formats. They enable nonprofits to present data effectively, fostering understanding and accelerating decision-making.

Useful Tools:

• Ajelix

• Formula Bot

• MonkeyLearn

For creating professional presentations, AI tools like Gamma and Beautiful.ai can quickly generate sleek slide decks that impress stakeholders. I’m looking forward to trying out the data tools.

Action Steps:

1. Utilize AI tools to automate data collection and analysis, freeing up staff time.

2. Create visual dashboards for board meetings and donor presentations.

3. Experiment with AI tools for real-time data insights and reporting.

3. Storytelling and Training (Content Creation)

AI multimedia tools like Canva’s Magic Studio, OpenAI’s DALL·E 3, Google’s ImageFX, and Meta’s Imagine empower nonprofits to produce high-quality visual content. These tools facilitate the creation of images, videos, presentations, and social media posts, enhancing storytelling and audience engagement.

Useful Tools:

• Canva Magic Studio

• DALL·E 3

• Google ImageFX

• Meta Imagine

For more creative AI art options, MidJourney, Leonardo.Ai, and DreamStudio are recommended. AI video creation tools like invideo AI, Pictory, and Fliki offer text-to-video generation, while platforms like HeyGen and Synthesia provide AI video avatars for personalized content.

Action Steps:

1. Use Canva’s Magic Studio for creating visually appealing marketing materials.

2. Generate custom images with DALL·E 3 or Google’s ImageFX to enhance your storytelling.

3. Develop engaging video content with invideo AI or Pictory for training and outreach.

4. Translation and Audio

Text-to-speech and translation AI tools, such as ElevenLabs, Speechify, Revoicer, Wordly, and DeepL, enable nonprofits to communicate effectively with diverse, multilingual audiences. These tools enhance inclusivity and accessibility, allowing broader community participation at reduced costs.

Useful Tools:

• ElevenLabs

• Speechify

• Revoicer

• Wordly

• DeepL

Action Steps:

1. Implement text-to-speech tools to make content accessible to visually impaired individuals.

2. Use translation tools for multilingual communications and event materials.

3. Offer translated resources to engage non-English speaking community members.

5. Fundraising

AI-powered fundraising tools like DonorSearch Ai, AppealAI, and Gravyty help nonprofits identify top donor prospects, personalize fundraising appeals, and manage donor relationships. These tools optimize fundraising strategies and enhance donor engagement.

Useful Tools:

• DonorSearch Ai

• AppealAI

• Gravyty

For learning resources on AI in fundraising, consider the Giving Tuesday's Generosity AI Working Group and Fundraising.AI.

Action Steps:

1. Use AI tools to analyze donor data and identify potential major donors.

2. Personalize fundraising appeals with AI to increase donor engagement.

3. Track and manage donor relationships using AI-powered CRM tools.

Conclusion

Generative AI offers groundbreaking possibilities for nonprofits, enabling them to leverage new technologies for greater social impact. By embracing these tools, nonprofits can enhance their operations, storytelling, and fundraising efforts, ultimately making significant strides in their missions to create positive social change.

Cheat Sheet: Action Steps for Nonprofits

1. AI Writing Tools: Start with free versions to draft and refine grant proposals, reports, and social media content.

2. Data Analysis Tools: Automate data collection and create visual dashboards for effective presentations.

3. Content Creation Tools: Use AI for high-quality images, videos, and presentations to enhance storytelling.

4. Translation Tools: Implement text-to-speech and translation tools for accessible and inclusive communications.

5. Fundraising Tools: Analyze donor data, personalize appeals, and manage relationships with AI-powered tools.

By integrating these AI tools into their daily operations, nonprofits can unlock new efficiencies and opportunities, empowering them to achieve their goals and amplify their social impact.

Big Shout Out

Thanks to Maria Zambrano Viggiano, Head of Customer Success at Daffy.org, for sharing most of these tools and services, I used AI to summarize her content and added some action steps to make things easier.

💍 Get Engaged

Is an AI Coworking Space in our future? 🤔 Well, if you’ve got the space, gear, or drive, let’s talk! Are you experimenting with ChatGPT or Claude or Gemini or Copilot or MidJourney? Let’s talk! How are you using AI in your business or personal life? Let’s talk!

And finally, if you need professional assistance in integrating AI into your workflow, marketing, or general brand strategy - Let’s Talk!

Stay tuned to Sunshine.fm for more stories, takes, observations, learnings and the latest AI news and updates. And remember, human creativity is irreplaceable—even if a robot tells you otherwise! 🧐