AI Can Boost Relational Fundraising: Four Quick Ways to Utilize Free Resources
In the past year, AI discussion has seemingly exploded across news outlets, social media, conferences and more. It presents itself as an ideal solution to two of our biggest challenges today – limited time and resources. Ask anyone in the nonprofit sector and they’ll likely agree that perceived limitations on finances, availability, systems and software impedes work on necessary things like database management, technology research, and social media marketing.
That is where AI’s popularity comes in. However, it can be difficult to cut through the noise, especially when you’re in the day-to-day time crunch many of our nonprofits find themselves in. You need straight answers and tools, and you needed them yesterday.
Below, I have listed several free AI tools, along with one paid option. With these tools, I have explained their purpose and how you can employ them in your organization.
1. ChatGPT, Bard or Bing: Most likely, you have already used one of these resources before; their functions are some of the most popular forms of AI for employees.
If you’re looking for quick answers, copy, brainstorming, or general assistance, one of these platforms will be your best resource. They are free and simple to use. Type in your question or request, and within seconds, they have answers and solutions.
Examples:
Brainstorm ways to get my board more involved in fundraising
Draft an email requesting a donor’s attendance at a fundraising event
Draft an email inviting a potential donor to tour your organization
Draft a Case for Support
Draft a Planned Giving request
Social Media Captions for Nonprofits
2. Canva: Canva has many AI resources available to users with free accounts (although I recommend a paid account if you are using Canva often). This includes:
Text to Image: This is a great free resource for creating photos needed for flyers, a Case for Support, social media, websites, emails, and more. Type in a description of the image you want, including as much detail as possible.
Examples:
Golden Retriever running through a field:
Person riding a bike through a park:
Mojo AI: This function serves as a way to convert text into artistic images. Similar to Text to Image, but in the form of art. Again, this would be an excellent way to add artistic elements to your marketing materials, or any forms of communication.
AiVoov: This is a voice generator, where you can type in a phrase and convert it to a professional voiceover in over 125+ languages. AiVoov would be an excellent solution for marketing to different audiences on social media, or perhaps for the narrative of a YouTube video introducing your new capital campaign.
Soundraw: If you are creating a video to say thank you to your donors, or maybe one to introduce the next speaker at your fundraising event, this resource can create background or transition music for your presentation. You do have to have a Soundraw account, but they provide 14-day free trials.
3. Grammarly: Grammarly offers free editing on any copy you have. With a free account, you can set the audience’s knowledge level, the formality you are attempting, and the intent you want to convey. All you need to do is copy and paste your text or upload your document. Be aware that at first, Grammarly will suggest edits that require a subscription; simply click “Back to All Suggestions” to see the edits you have access to.
4. Paid Resource: Donor Search AI: Here at M. Gale, we are excited to dive into Donor Search’s newest introduction, Donor Search AI. This resource analyzes your data to make specific predictions about individual prospects, such as:
Who is going to donate in the next 12 months?
Who is likely going to make their first donations
Who is likely to make a recurring gift
Who is likely to give over $250
Who is likely to give the most over their lifetime
From here, Donor Search can make tailored suggestions for how to build your relationship with the potential donor.
I hope these solutions will help you in your important work helping to improve our communities.
Natalie Warrick graduated from Texas A&M University in May of 2022 with a degree in journalism and a double minor in communications and business. She wrote for several publications during her time in college, including the online magazine Her Campus. However, while she enjoyed her education in journalism, she found her passion in nonprofit work. Natalie interned for several philanthropic organizations, including a year-long commitment to Catholic Charities of Dallas as the Team Lead Intern for Parish and Community Relations. Additionally, she was heavily involved in several campus organizations, taking on leadership roles such as Director of Alumnae Relations for Delta Gamma and Committee Member for the Big Event.
