Nonprofit Adviser

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Many nonprofits are already using A.I. or experimenting with the technology in different ways, but few have stopped to think about how using this technology could hurt their relationships with donors — and their fundraising.

A new study on donors and artificial intelligence suggests this is a risky mistake.

Nearly a third of supporters who responded to the August survey said they would be less likely to donate to charities that used A.I. The authors — Nathan Chappell, senior vice president of DonorSearchAI, and Cherian Koshy, vice president of Kindsight — say the findings show there is some apprehension toward the technology’s adoption.

“A third of people are questioning if this is good or bad,” Chappell says. “It’s an easy takeaway to say, ‘Look, we need to safeguard and promote transparency and trust.’”

It’s crucial for nonprofits to get A.I. use right, he says, because “the nonprofit sector operates in the currency of trust.”

The report offers several considerations charities should assess when adopting A.I. tools, including creating and communicating strong strategies to protect data privacy, sharing clear guidelines with donors on how the technology is being used, and allowing users to opt out of A.I. usage when possible.

Read How Do Donors Feel About A.I.? This New Study Asks for more insights and advice.

Have a great week,
Lisa Schohl
Senior Editor, Advice

When seeking general operating support, take an “asset-based approach.” Share your organization’s current priorities and past results, and invite the grant maker to join you in your next step, says John Simpkins, CEO of MDC, a nonprofit that promotes equity and economic mobility in the South. It’s the same as if you were running a startup and looking for venture capital, he says. “You’re selling people on a vision and an idea. If you’ve got some proof of competency and results prior to that, I think it becomes an even stronger case.” Don’t think of asking for overhead support as a sign of weakness, he adds. Instead, focus on your organization’s strengths. Learn more in 10 Insider Tips to Raise General Operating Support.

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