The possibilities seemed endless, I was sure it could empower my work, but how do I get started, everyday felt like I was getting left behind. Was I technical enough, did I have what it took? How are others in my job role *actually* using it? What are the implications of using it?
AI is being touted as a game changer (and it may be). But, for many, it doesn’t feel that way. We asked it for a recipe and it messed up. We tried to write a donor letter and it sounded awful. Am I just not using it right or am I missing something? There is so much buzz it is hard to grab a footing. Here is your foundation:
AI in Nonprofit Work: A New Frontier
Artificial Intelligence, at its core, is a set of technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. For nonprofits, AI represents an opportunity to augment human capabilities, automate routine tasks, and save you time and energy, allowing you and your team to do what you do best (I’ll let you tell me what that is!).
My journey into AI began with healthy skepticism. As the founder of Krueger Consulting (KC), a consulting firm specializing in program evaluation, I initially viewed AI as a complex, potentially risky technology better left to Silicon Valley. My work has always focused on helping organizations define success and develop systems that match the uniqueness of their programs, particularly in supporting disenfranchised communities through effective data collection and presentation. I was cautious about introducing new technologies that might complicate our equity-focused approach.
However, as AI tools became more accessible and user-friendly, I realized their potential to enhance our work in program evaluation and data analysis. As a result, we’ve spent the better part of the last year trialing dozens of tools, spending 100s of hours learning and experimenting, even having the opportunity to present at the upcoming American Public Health Conference on our work. Our journey from skeptic to advocate has transformed both my personal approach to evaluation and the services we offer at KC (providing AI assisted evaluation and AI training), allowing us to stay at the forefront of innovation in our field while maintaining our commitment to equity and effective program measurement.
Key AI Models and Tools for Nonprofits
You likely have been told, shown, or prodded to try at least 10 different tools. One website attempts to catalog AI tools and at last check it had over 5,000 ( https://www.futurepedia.io/ai-tools , 07/2024).
What they don’t tell you is that most of these tools are built on the same 3-4 models, meaning, they have the same underlying engine, just with a different look. So, for almost all tasks I do with AI, I suggest one of the main models. They are easiest to use, do the broadest set of tasks, and are improving daily rather than becoming obsolete. They are, in no particular order:
| AI Tool | Price | Key Features | Internet Access | Creates Images | Score (1-5) | Score Rationale | |
| ChatGPT (OpenAI) | -Free -ChatGPT Plus: $20 per month | -Conversational AI -Code assistance-Content creation -Can upload documents | Yes | Yes | 5 | Offers a wide range of features highly relevant to nonprofit professionals, including content creation and code assistance. User-friendly with excellent support. | |
| Gemini (Google) | -Free-Gemini Business: $20 per month | -Multimodal AI-Search integration -Personalized responses-Integrated with Google Suite | Yes | Yes | 4 | Provides robust search integration and personalized responses, making it highly useful for information gathering and communication. Slightly less intuitive. | |
| Copilot (Microsoft) | -$20 per month with Microsoft 365 account | -Integrated with Office 365-Code suggestions-Documentation assistance | Yes | Yes | 4 | Perfect for those already using Microsoft 365, offering integration and practical features. Requires some familiarity with the Microsoft ecosystem. | |
| Claude (Anthropic) | -Free -Claude Pro: $20 per month | -Ethical AI -Contextual understanding-Safety-Oriented-Limited file upload | No | No | 3 | Focuses on ethical AI and safety, which is excellent, but it has fewer direct integrations and might be less versatile for a beginner’s diverse needs. | |
| Meta (Facebook) | Free | -Social Media Integration -Conversational AI-Content moderation-Integrated with Facebook and Instagram | Yes | Yes | 2 | Good for social media-related tasks but less comprehensive in other areas like content creation and document handling, which are crucial for nonprofit professionals. | |
Practical Applications of AI in Nonprofit Operations
People often struggle with getting started. I first suggest looking at your to-do list and picking something and committing to ‘chatting’ with the tool for 15 minutes, seeing what kind of results you can get. And remember, you are learning how to use a new technology, give yourself some grace. Here are a few helpful hints, then we’ll get to some suggested use cases:
TIPS: Break tasks into steps, make sure to include the objective and parameters (blog that is 300 words), ask for 5 versions of your output, provide feedback (too professional, too snarky, focus on X instead) and ask for 5 more revisions.
1. AI as a Thought Partner
Imagine having a tireless brainstorming companion available at any hour. AI can help generate ideas for fundraising campaigns, draft outlines for strategic plans, and even assist in writing and editing content. It is like having a co-pilot: it can navigate and provide guidance, but you’re still in control of the journey.
2. Streamlining Program Management
AI can significantly streamline program management tasks. From developing logic models to summarizing lengthy RFPs, AI tools can save valuable time and resources. They can also assist in planning outreach strategies and participant engagement initiatives, allowing program managers to focus on high-level strategy and direct community interaction.
3. Data Management and Collection
Data analysis is where AI can truly shine. It can provide key insights and takeaways from large datasets, create tailored summaries for different audiences, and generate reports and visualizations. Oh – and if you are worried about data privacy, you can do much of this without uploading data, just describe the dataset and ask for help with formulas or analysis to run. This capability allows nonprofits to make data-driven decisions more efficiently and communicate their impact more effectively.
Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption in Nonprofits
Despite its potential, AI adoption in the nonprofit sector faces several challenges. Let’s address these head-on:
- Data Privacy Concerns: Many AI tools offer options to use their capabilities without uploading sensitive data. Developing clear guidelines for AI use within your organization is crucial. It is likely you have staff using tools internally already, opening the discussion and implementing organizational guidance is essential.
- Cost and Resource Allocation: While some AI tools come with a price tag, many offer free or discounted options for nonprofits. Moreover, the efficiency gains often outweigh the initial investment.
- Training and Learning Curve: The barrier is often more psychological than technical. Embracing a learning mindset and seeking out resources can help overcome this hurdle. While we hear and see AI discussions constantly, few of us have spent 1-2 hours of dedicated learning time.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Nonprofits
As we look to the future, it’s clear that AI will play an increasingly important role in the nonprofit sector. However, it’s crucial to remember that AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, human capabilities. AI allows professionals to focus on what they do best – listening to and engaging with clients, providing empathetic services, and fostering relationships – while handling routine and monotonous tasks more efficiently.
From my conversations and experiences with AI today, I believe it will become a daily tool for nonprofits, akin to Excel or Photoshop, for most. I see it being leveraged across various positions within nonprofit organizations, in the short term by data specialists and grant writers and many others as the tools and our skills advance. As nonprofit professionals gain proficiency with AI tools (and ability to build custom tools), they’ll be able to amplify their impact, much like how spreadsheet and design software have become indispensable in their respective domains.
To fully leverage AI’s potential, nonprofits should focus on implementing clear policies for its use within their organizations and training staff to benefit appropriately from this new technology (you wouldn’t roll out a new timekeeping software without guidance). This includes establishing standards for safe and secure AI and ensuring staff are aware and trained on these standards.
As you embark on your AI journey, remember that it’s okay to start small. Experiment, learn, and gradually expand your use of AI tools. The future of nonprofit work is here, and it’s augmented by AI. But at its heart, it remains powered by the passion, dedication, and human touch that have always defined our sector.