How Nonprofits Can Put AI to Work Safely and Effectively
How thoughtful use of AI tools can extend staff capabilities without sacrificing organizational judgment and control.
In my career, I've served in a variety of nonprofit positions: as a volunteer, as a contractor doing project work, and as an advisor to other volunteers. While I realize there is a real groundswell of anti-AI sentiment these days, I think it makes great sense for nonprofits to look closely at whether they might be able to use AI productively to support their work while maintaining ethical and moral clarity.
As an independent consultant, I have made no bones about the benefits of using a variety of AI tools in my work. Much of what I have learned is applicable not to "automating" the work that nonprofits do, but to helping existing staff do more in the areas of writing, research, analysis, communication, and planning—tasks that would otherwise consume more time (and money) or require outside assistance (and money). I think of these AI-aided activities as “force multipliers” that can enable nonprofits to do more with the same level of resources.
Let's consider the task that is near and dear to the heart of every small nonprofit: fundraising. There are at least five ways nonprofits can use AI to assist with fundraising. These are directly related to more general market research and sales activities. The list also includes generic “conversation starters” that suggest how to begin working with an AI tool, with checks along the way for accuracy and interpretation:
Identifying potential donors and funding opportunities. Conversation starter: "What organizations within [a particular geographic area] have a history of supporting nonprofits like ours?"
Researching and qualifying prospects. Conversation starter: "Which organizations publicly indicate that they share our goals or support the same populations we serve?"
Developing personalized outreach. Conversation starter: "For our list of prospective donors, identify appropriate contact individuals or explain how we can find them, and suggest how we might tailor our introductory messages."
Preparing grant proposals and fundraising materials. Conversation starter: "Please draft a one-page description of our fundraising campaign that we can use in promotional and fundraising materials."
Planning and managing fundraising campaigns. Conversation starter: "Prepare a six-week project plan outlining the tasks needed to contact our prospective donors and secure commitments to discuss fundraising with our management."
Are there risks? Absolutely. How AI tools are used must be managed by the nonprofit in ways that align with its mission, goals, and values. One basic example is the need to protect donor privacy. Just as I have found that I can't depend on AI to write the way I do, nonprofit management cannot simply assume that AI will produce appropriate or reliable results. That means being explicit about how tasks and goals are defined, using tools that can retain relevant context from task to task, and carrying on a “conversation” that allows AI to incorporate informed feedback as it works through a problem.
AI may assist with the work, but the nonprofit remains responsible for the accuracy, appropriateness, and consequences of what it produces. That's why the process needs to be managed by those who understand the organization's values and how it operates.
Author's note: I've long been interested in how Operations Research emerged during World War II, when scientists and mathematicians developed analytical methods for making more effective use of existing military resources. The concept of a "force multiplier" is relevant here: an organization can increase its effectiveness without necessarily increasing its resources. I think AI offers a similar opportunity for nonprofits.
Copyright © 2026 by Dennis D. McDonald.
