The Future of AI in Fundraising: Amplifying Human Connection

Posted , by Emily Ruble, Associate Consultant. Topic: Donor Acknowledgement, Donor Communication, Fundraising, Making the Ask, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy Research & Events.

Level-Up Your Fundraising with AI

By Emily Ruble, Associate Consultant

“The future of AI is not about replacing humans, it’s about augmenting human capabilities.”

– Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google

AI is rapidly changing the rules in every sector and proving to be a powerful ally. Recently I attended the Fundraising.AI Global Summit, and learned a lot about how AI is specifically impacting nonprofits.

As Mr. Pichai reminds us above, the goal of AI is to augment (not replace) our work as fundraisers. When used thoughtfully, it can free up time, expand our reach and assist us in focusing on what matters most: building meaningful relationships with donors.

So, how can you start using AI in your fundraising work? Here are a few practical ideas:

  • Drafting Communications

    • We’ve all faced that moment: a long to-do list, a blank screen and a looming year-end appeal. AI can help overcome writer’s block by suggesting subject lines, tailoring draft messages for different donor segments, and even helping test variations for stronger engagement.

  • Automating Stewardship

    • AI can support donor stewardship by automating thank-you acknowledgments, milestone messages (like birthdays or donor anniversaries) and program updates for specific donor groups—helping ensure consistency while giving you more capacity for personal outreach.

  • Task Automation

    • In addition to communication, AI is well suited for handling routine administrative tasks. Think donor follow-up reminders, grant reporting deadlines or pledge payment notices. Automating these processes reduces the chance of oversight and keeps your development efforts on track.

As you incorporate AI into your work, keep the following best practices in mind:

  • Data Privacy and Policy

    • Set your organization up for success by establishing clear policies on donor data privacy and AI usage. This builds trust and confidence with your supporters.

  • Data Quality

    • AI is only as effective as the data it’s given. Take time to review and clean your donor and communications database. A well-maintained dataset will lead to stronger, more accurate results.

  • Sustainability

AI is a powerful tool when used thoughtfully and responsibly. By streamlining routine tasks, it gives fundraisers more time to focus on what truly drives philanthropy: building authentic, lasting connections with donors.

PS: If you’re inspired by my takeaways and want to learn more, the entire AI conference I attended can be watched online for free, and Fundraising.AI has incredible resources such as sample governance policy templates, tips for using AI effectively and so much more.

For 36 years, The Curtis Group has consulted with more than 250 nonprofits throughout the country, helping them raise over a billion dollars. The Curtis Group is a member of The Giving Institute, the nation’s research and thought leader on philanthropy. Additionally, CEO and Chairman Keith Curtis is a past chair of Giving USA Foundation, and President and COO Wendy McGrady is current chair of the Foundation. Learn more at www.thecurtisgroup.com.
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