Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere these days. Whether it’s a featured news story or a new platform offering the latest and greatest in AI automations, this technological advancement is changing nearly every facet of business. And that includes how nonprofit organizations manage everything from fundraising to writing job descriptions.
With 58% of nonprofits stating that they are using AI as part of their communications and 68% using it for data analysis, AI has every indication of becoming a standard productivity tool for organizations. Here’s what your nonprofit needs to know about AI: what it is and how to use it safely and effectively.
What Is AI?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is a computer program that gives machines the ability to mimic human thinking. AI-based programs excel at analyzing data, processing information, and drawing conclusions.
Machine learning is a term often coupled with AI. Machine learning refers to the process by which an AI tool incorporates new information or “learns” from the questions, feedback, and information fed into the model. The two terms, AI and machine learning, are not synonymous, but are often used together (AI/ML) to distinguish the newer type of AI, called generative AI, from another model called predictive AI.
GenAI versus Predictive AI
If generative AI uses machine learning to generate new responses, what is predictive AI? As the name suggests, this AI model is often used to analyze data patterns and predict action based on patterns.
A good example of predictive AI is found on large retail websites. This is how websites analyze your search terms and patterns, or previous purchases, and suggest other products you might like. That’s predictive AI in action.
Another example is right at your fingertips – your smartphone. If you’re texting and the phone “suggests” words or phrases, inviting you to tap to fill them into your note, it’s using predictive AI to guess your next word or phrase.
AI Tools for Nonprofits
It may be helpful to think of AI as another coworker, albeit one that doesn’t take the last donut in the break room. AI cannot replace people, but it can perform many tasks. Some programs that incorporate useful AI tools that nonprofits may wish to test include:
- ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Gemini: These tools can draft simple text and offer suggestions to improve existing text. You can use them to help craft social media messages, emails, or reports. (Please note: never use “free” versions of these tools for confidential or proprietary company information. Only the paid versions keep the information ingested into the AI private. Others incorporate the data into their machine learning repository, potentially exposing confidential data.)
- Grammarly: Grammarly is a great tool to help you polish written drafts. It checks grammar and spelling but also offers feedback to improve clarity. It can also be added as an extension to Google Chrome and seamlessly provide feedback when you’re working on Google Docs.
- Canva: Do you do your own graphic design? Canva is an easy-to-use design program that offers templates for everything from flyers to social media posts. You can upload your logo and brand colors to a folder and keep them handy for use. The AI tools within Canva provide a free AI image generator, and its AI suggestion tool can be used to improve designs.
- Donor Search AI: Remember how great AI is at analyzing data to find patterns? Donor Search AI uses this principle to improve your donor outreach efforts. It analyzes response patterns, campaigns, and more to recommend the best time for donation campaigns. Other tools found within the Donor Search suite help with fundraising and channel communications.
Which AI Tools Should You Choose?
The list above only scratches the surface of what’s available. New tools seem to arrive daily, with more and more designed for nonprofits. Select the AI platform that helps your organization achieve its goals. As we said at the start of this article, think of AI as a coworker. If you could hire another person, what would that person do? Graphic design, donor campaigns, or something else? That will help point the way to the best platforms for your organization to invest in to maximize the potential of AI.
Welter Consulting
Welter Consulting bridges people and technology together for effective solutions for nonprofit organizations. We offer software and services that can help you with your accounting needs. Please contact us for more information.
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