Artificial intelligence (AI) has become integral to successful fundraising organizations' development plans and systems. What used to be considered dream capabilities for an organization like the ones I led are now becoming more of a necessity for any organization to become more efficient and successful in communicating its mission and needed support. Even small nonprofits can access AI tools to grow donor bases, craft effective fundraising appeals and cultivate deep relationships with major donors.
AI is being implemented into nonprofit operations at a significant speed. Automation of data analysis, generation of donor messaging and giving behavior analytics are becoming typical for organizations of all sizes.
According to DonorSearch (2024), 58% of nonprofits now use AI in their communications, and 68% rely on it for donor data analysis. These statistics easily surpass AI adoption in many commercial sectors.
The increasing use of AI shows that nonprofits can accomplish more even when other resources are lacking, significantly impacting small nonprofits' bottom line. At Amperage, we make recommendations to nonprofits as to how they can bring their organization up to speed with AI and how these tools can move the needle in development and other areas of their nonprofit.
Virtually all nonprofits focus on accessing and cultivating new donors. Often, efforts like cold mailing or general email blasts aren't so effective in targeting affluent and influential donors. With AI, predictive analytics and automated lead scoring offer an avalanche of new capabilities.
According to ClickUp (2025), many donor platforms now use machine learning to assess current and potential donors via behavioral patterns, philanthropic capacity and engagement history.
At Amperage, we've used these wealth screens to discover capacity for increased giving, even when a donor's giving history has shown much less. I am more informed about appropriate ask amounts using these tools, which translates into confidence in donor relations.
With AI's insights, targeted campaigns are more possible. Organizations employing AI are better qualified to focus on donors most likely to give, thus increasing the return on fundraising investments of time, money and personnel.
AI also enables social media monitoring to identify prospects who post or discuss causes that align with the organization's mission. This real-time data makes outreach strategies and new donor segmenting more effective.
Another way AI can be helpful is by analyzing previous campaign messaging. Sentiment analysis can determine which tones and styles have produced the best results. Future decisions can take this information into consideration, so the organization's upcoming appeals will increase effectiveness.
Additionally, some platforms can automate A/B testing of email subject lines, calls to action and even design, allowing for deeper donor engagement. By automating content personalization, organizations can make stronger connections with supporters based on their giving history, interests and preferences.
What is the ultimate goal of a nonprofit development director? To cultivate long-term donor relationships leading to top-dollar gifts. Most of us know that personalization is the key. AI can help with automated, individualized donor journeys, sending real-time donation updates and creating content relevant to a donor's behavior and giving patterns.
AI also can customize donor reminders, notifying supporters of special events, birthdays and news relating to the donor's interests. And you may not have to start from scratch since AI-compatible CRMs can now infuse a personal touch while managing thousands of donors.
Whether you have an AI-compatible CRM or not, Amperage offers organizational assessments to help determine what capabilities you may need, how they can launch your nonprofit in growing success and assistance in making the right decision.
One simple truth about AI is its risk of privacy abuse and biases. When implementing AI tools into nonprofits, transparent policies and procedures are necessary.
As we implement AI tools, we continually focus on ethical practices internally and externally for our clients. That’s why Amperage believes AI can be a helpful tool, but a human expert still needs to be involved.
I must admit that AI often represents the future in my mind, but the truth is it's here today. I'll admit to some apprehension in adopting AI across the board, but I can't deny the open horizon it offers to nonprofits with limited resources.
I think back to my past organizations and feeling handcuffed by restricted funds, a lack of volunteers and dreams for high-tech solutions. But we should reach out for education in AI capabilities and set protections and guardrails. In that way, many small nonprofits can become powerhouses of donor engagement and have a greater impact, drastically changing the landscape of nonprofit funding.
Amperage is happy to open a conversation with any organization that has additional questions or may want to know how we could help your organization. Visit https://amperagemarketing.com/ or email me at aguardado@amperagefundraising.com. We'll help you balance the need for AI with the cost to your organization to ensure that the ROI is worth it.
Author Amy Guardado, MSL, is a fundraising adviser for Amperage Marketing + Fundraising with expertise in fundraising, development and building cultures of philanthropy.
