EXPLORING AI USE WITH YOUR NONPROFIT'S CASE FOR SUPPORT

Here’s What I’m Learning
About seven out of ten fundraisers have experimented with AI tools in some aspect of their work and interestingly, the nonprofit sector seems to be engaging with these tools at slightly higher rates than the private sector—58% compared to 47%. 

Many leaders have shared that they're not looking to replace the thoughtful process of developing their case, but rather to use a tool that might help overcome writer's block, suggest different topic approaches, or help synthesize input from multiple stakeholders.

Major donors are AI-savvy. A 2024 study on AI and Donor Perceptions found that 80% of donors who gave over $50,000 annually reported being "very familiar” with AI. This suggests that transparency about AI usage may resonate positively with major donors. 

Curious? Here are Some Ideas to Consider 
Some leaders in fundraising have found AI helpful for: 

• Organizing input: When you've collected thoughts from board members, program staff, and community members, AI can help identify common themes and organize disparate ideas 
• Breaking through writer's block: When you know what you want to say but are struggling with how to begin, AI can offer draft language to react to 
• Checking accessibility: When you want to ensure your language is clear and accessible to diverse supporters 
• Identifying gaps: When you want a second perspective on whether your case addresses all the essential elements 

Some have found value in adapting their existing case for different uses such as: 

• Creating abbreviated versions: When you need to adapt your full case into executive summaries or one-pagers 
• Extracting talking points: When preparing for conversations with potential major donors 
• Developing presentation materials: When translating written content into presentation formats 

One Director’s Thoughtful Approach 
A development director I spoke with recently shared her experience with crafting a problem statement for her organization's case for support. Her approach might offer some food for thought:

"I was struggling to articulate the problem we address in a way that conveyed urgency without being alarmist. I had all our statistics, testimonials from program participants, and understood our unique approach—but something wasn't clicking in how I was putting it all together. 

I decided to experiment with AI. I created a detailed prompt that included our key statistics, examples of how people are affected, why current approaches fall short, and our organization's unique solution. 
 
What I got back wasn't perfect—and I certainly wouldn't have used it as-is—but it offered a structure and framing I hadn't considered. It helped me see our issue through a slightly different lens.

I took what resonated, discarded what didn't align with our voice, and then worked with our program director to refine it further. The final product was authentically ours, but the process of getting there was smoother because I had content to react to." 

Hold True to Your Voice 
If you're considering whether AI might have a place in your case development process, here are a few important thoughts to consider: 

• View AI as a resource and inanimate tool, not a knowledgeable authority  
• Trust your instinct about what feels authentic to your organization
• Remember that AI can suggest, but you and your team determine what truly represents your mission
• Consider having community members and those you serve review content to ensure it honors their true experiences
• Remember that the lived experiences of your team and those you serve provide the most authentic emotional guidance 

Maintain Authenticity and Accuracy 
AI users consistently emphasize that fact-checking remains essential: 

• Treat AI-generated content as you would a first draft from a new volunteer
• Be particularly vigilant about privacy and financial information
• Remember that AI tools may confidently present inaccurate information 

Common Concerns:

Will donors think we are impersonal if we use AI?
Donors care about impact and meaningful engagement. If AI helps you communicate more effectively and spend more time on relationship-building, the end result is actually more personal, not less. The key is to use AI as a starting point, not a replacement for your authentic voice. 

Is AI secure for handling sensitive donor information? 
When using AI tools, be mindful of what information you share. Never input confidential donor details like contact information or giving history into public AI tools.

Do I need technical expertise to use AI effectively?
Today's AI tools are increasingly user-friendly, they require no coding or technical background. If you can write an email, you can use most modern AI assistants. Claude and ChatGPT are two easy to use platforms that offer free versions to trial. 

Pull Up a Seat and Keep on Connecting
In closing, AI cannot replace the coffee meeting where you learn about a donor's personal connection to your cause. It won't substitute for the genuine gratitude you express when a supporter makes a significant gift. And it certainly can't replicate the passion that drives your mission forward. 

AI might free some time you spend on tasks, allowing you to focus more fully on maintaining the authentic relationships that form the foundation of successful fundraising.