AI for Nonprofits

A collection of actionable AI tools you can apply immediately to help your nonprofit drive social impact and change

In AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause, a team of leading nonprofit experts and social entrepreneurs delivers a startlingly insightful, strategic “how-to guide” for nonprofit and foundation leaders, board members, and volunteers, as well as higher education professionals and social entrepreneurs looking to deploy and integrate artificial intelligence tailored to their organization's mission and needs. It's the leading reference guide for people who are entirely new to AI, as well as tech-savvy veterans with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence looking for proven, hands-on techniques they can apply immediately to transform their nonprofits.

Each chapter is based on interviews conducted with 57 of the nonprofit industry's most innovative and reputed voices. Together, they provide the latest strategies and tactics for nonprofit generative AI and predictive analytics applications, skills and competencies needed to effectively use this new technology, tips, tools, best practices, resource reviews, and the most common pitfalls to avoid.

AI for Nonprofits walks you through exactly how to strategically customize artificial intelligence to improve your fundraising and resource development efforts, marketing and community engagement, program delivery, and back-office operations. From human resources management to program strategy, social listening, and donor research, the book provides the on-the-ground techniques you need to deploy to transform your nonprofit's operations.

Inside the book:

• Step-by-step frameworks and actionable roadmaps to help you implement AI for content creation, donor engagement, and developing personalized messages at scale
• How to protect your donors' privacy and data with policies and practices that comply with rapidly shifting legal and regulatory landscapes
• Cutting-edge research and practical case studies drawn from real-world situations that illustrate concrete AI applications
• Access to 100+ tools, platforms, and providers focused on helping nonprofits optimize their use of AI

AI for Nonprofits explains how to supercharge your organization's fundraising pipeline, marketing and community engagement, program delivery, back-office operations, and governance policies. It's perfect for nonprofit executives, managers, professionals, and leaders, AI for Nonprofits will also earn a place in the libraries of anyone with an interest in using AI to power social impact and change.

Foreword: Your Future Is NOW xiii
Jonathan Brill

About the Book xvii
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

Acknowledgments xxiii
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

Part I Introduction To AI: Laying The Foundation For Responsible Adoption 1
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

1 The Future Is Now: AI 101, the Basics 5
Jonathan Waddingham

2 Before You Get Started 17
Contributed by Beth Kanter

Understanding the AI Adoption Life Cycle 28
Kate Gage

3 90-Day Blueprint for AI Success 33
Charlene Li

Key Ingredients for AI Adoption Success 43
Gary A. Bolles

4 Adapting and Thriving in the Age of AI 47
danah boyd

Predictive Medical Analytics Case Study: Michael J. Fox Foundation and Sensoria Health 56
Davide Vigano

5 How to Sell AI Upstream and Downstream Within Your Organization 59
Shawn Olds

AI as Your Institutional Memory 72
Astrid J. Scholz, PhD

6 AI and Technology Planning: Figuring Out Your Tech 77
Afua Bruce

Guidelines for AI Vendor Selection 87
Alfredo Ramirez

7 Prompt Engineering: Asking AI the Right Questions 91
George Weiner

Introducing Arnold, the StaffBot: Lung Cancer Foundation of America Case Study 104
Donna Whitney

Part II Fundraising: Strengthening Relationships, Not Replacing Them 107
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

8 Prompting Next Gen Donors to Give 111
Josh Hirsch

9 Donor Research 127
Nathan Chappell

Political Fundraising 137
Mike Nellis

10 The Future of Philanthropy: AI and Donor Engagement 141
Allison Fine

CRM 2.0: The Road Map Ahead 150
Lori Freeman

11 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and Ambassador Engagement 155
Jennifer Ybarra

12 Foundation Prospecting 167
Ann Mei Chang

13 Grant Writing and Reports 177
Susan Mernit

Securing Funding for Your AI Upgrades 186
Michael Belinsky

Part III Marketing And Community Engagement: Building More Meaningful Relationships Through Ai 189
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

14 Audiovisual (AV) Content Creation 191
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

Translation 204
Nicholas Martin

15 Social Listening 209
Julia Campbell

Using Machine Learning to Segment Your Lists 218
Brian Young

Social Media Analysis 222
Robin Sukhadia

Volunteer Recruitment and Management 226
Geng Wang

16 Community Engagement 231
Eli Pariser

17 Lobbying and Advocacy 239
Brian Rubenstein

Part IV Programs: Redefining Mission Delivery With AI 249
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

18 Preparing for AI Integration 251
Kim Ghatalia and Noah Halton

Leveraging Emerging Technology: Save the Children Case Study 261
Ettore Rossetti

19 Strategic Planning 265
Sam Azar

20 Dashboarding: Impact Measurement and Data Visualization 279
Rachel Ward and Rajesh Naik

Program Evaluation 289
Chaitra Vedullapalli

Ensuring Data Quality 293
Nick Hamlin

21 Developing Your Own Custom Large Language Model 297
Craig Johnson

22 Public-Facing Chatbots 305
Jim Fruchterman

23 Dealing with Mis/Disinformation 315
Adam Fivenson

Part V The Invisible Backbone: Transforming Back-Office Operations With AI 325
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

24 Human Resources 329
Tierney Yates

25 Finance and Bookkeeping 341
Justin Muscolino

26 Board Recruitment and Engagement 349
Matt Strain

Recruiting Tech Executives to Your Board 361
Aaron Hurst

27 IT Infrastructure and Software: The Tech Stack Needed to Support AI Integration 365
Tim Lockie

Part VI Policies And Protections: Safeguarding The Mission And Avoiding Trouble In The Age of AI 377
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

28 Cybersecurity in the Age of AI 379
Joshua Peskay

29 Enhancing Legal Operations and Compliance 397
Olga V. Mack and Kassi Burns

30 Data Privacy and Ethical AI Adoption 407
Amy Sample Ward

PART VII AI ACROSS MISSIONS: INNOVATING FOR PHILANTHROPY, SOCIAL ENTERPRISE, AND HIGHER EDUCATION 415
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

31 Foundations and Philanthropy 417
Jean Westrick

Best Practices in Funding Nonprofit Technology 428
Chantal “Coco” Forster

32 Social Enterprises and Mission-Driven Companies 433
Barbara Clarke

33 Higher Education 443
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

Closing Thoughts: The Journey Ahead 453
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

Afterword: The Future of AI in Nonprofits 455
Blaise Agüera y Arcas

Book Underwriters 461

AI for Nonprofits Resource Directory 463
Doug Nelson

About the Editors 477
Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

Glossary of Terms 479
Craig Johnson

Name Index 485

Subject Index 495

Darian Rodriguez Heyman is an accomplished fundraising and philanthropy consultant. He is the bestselling author of Nonprofit Management 101, the former ED of Craigslist Foundation, and a sought-after keynote speaker at social impact events around the world.

Cheryl Contee is a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert. She is the bestselling author of Mechanical Bull: How You Can Achieve Startup Success, a trailblazing startup founder, and a trusted advisor on digital innovation and social impact. She inspires audiences globally as a leading voice on inclusive entrepreneurship and social enterprise.

Praise for AI FOR NONPROFITS

“I’m so thrilled to see the nonprofit sector begin to embrace AI to maximize impact in the world. AI for Nonprofits is the wake-up call we need, providing the actionable insights to leverage this transformative technology now.”

—REID HOFFMAN, Partner at Greylock and Co-Founder of LinkedIn and Manas AI

“AI for Nonprofits isn’t just another tech book — it’s a call to action. It shows us how to use AI to level the playing field, amplify marginalized voices, and build a more equitable world. It’s about power, people, and progress.”
—VAN JONES, Founder of DreamMachine.org and CNN Host

“AI for Nonprofits offers a powerful guide to using technology to strengthen movements and drive meaningful change.”
—JODY WILLIAMS, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1997); Chair, Nobel Women’s Initiative

“A game-changer for organizations ready to embrace AI in a way that aligns with their values and amplifies their mission!”
—BETH KANTER, Nonprofit Technology Thought Leader and Author of The Smart Nonprofit

“AI isn’t coming for the nonprofit world — it’s already here, reshaping everything from fundraising to storytelling to how we rally people for change. Cheryl Contee and Darian Rodriguez Heyman have assembled an all-star squad of experts to demystify AI and show mission-driven organizations how to harness its power without losing their soul.”
—BARATUNDE THURSTON, Emmy-nominated Host of the PBS TV series America Outdoors and Co-Creator and Host of the YouTube podcast Life with Machines

“I'm so thrilled to see the nonprofit sector begin to embrace AI to maximize impact in the world. AI for Nonprofits is the wake-up call we need, providing the actionable insights to leverage this transformative technology now."
—Reid Hoffman, Partner at Greylock, Co-Founder of LinkedIn and Manas AI

"AI for Nonprofits isn't just another tech book – it's a call to action. It shows us how to use AI to level the playing field, amplify marginalized voices, and build a more equitable world. It’s about power, people, and progress."
—Van Jones, Founder of DreamMachine.org & CNN Host

"AI for Nonprofits offers a powerful guide to using technology to strengthen movements and drive meaningful change.”
—Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1997); Chair, Nobel Women’s Initiative

"A game-changer for organizations ready to embrace AI in a way that aligns with their values and amplifies their mission!"
—Beth Kanter, Nonprofit Technology Thought Leader & Author of The Smart Nonprofit

“The world doesn’t need more talk—it needs action, and AI can be a critical tool in the fight for climate justice. This insightful resource provides a roadmap for means to leverage but also manage AI to support climate innovation, enhance sustainability efforts, and empower communities on the frontlines.”
—Daniel Kammen, The Lau Distinguished Professor of Sustainability at University of California Berkeley, Coordinating Lead Author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize

“People keep saying AI is going to change everything—well, nonprofits need to be part of that “everything.” This essential toolkit is a must-read for mission-driven folks who want to harness AI for good and help lead us forward.”
—Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist

"If you have been concerned about how AI may dehumanize fundraising, think again. AI for Nonprofits will show you how to use this miraculous tool to extend and even enhance the deeply personal connections that are at the heart of great fundraising. This practical, inspiring book will show you how to use AI to deepen donor relationships, expand generosity, and fuel transformational giving"
—Lynne Twist, Founder, The Soul of Money Institute

“The right technology can take a local idea and turn it into a worldwide movement. This must-have resource is an essential guide for nonprofits that want to use AI to connect people across borders, unlock generosity, and create lasting change.”
—Premal Shah, founder of Kiva.org

"AI isn’t coming for the nonprofit world—it’s already here, reshaping everything from fundraising to storytelling to how we rally people for change. Cheryl Contee and Darian Rodriguez Heyman have assembled an all-star squad of experts to demystify AI and show mission-driven organizations how to harness its power without losing their soul."
—Baratunde Thurston, Emmy- nominated host of PBS’ America Outdoors and Life with Machines

“Time for a practical guide to AI that's not just informative, but inspiring! This book shows nonprofits ways to harness the power of AI to achieve truly remarkable things."
—Joan Blades, co-founder of MoveOn.org and Living Room Conversations

"AI for Nonprofits brilliantly demystifies the power of artificial intelligence, offering practical insights that empower nonprofit leaders to drive meaningful social change. This book is an essential resource for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to harness the potential of AI to amplify their impact and create a brighter, more inclusive future.”
—Maria Teresa Kumar, Co-founder and President of Voto Latino

"Darian and Cheryl have gathered the best and the brightest to create THE guide for every nonprofit leader to use to be a catalyst for culture change in their organizations - to see AI as a tool for innovation and to imagine what is possible."
—Joan Garry, president of Joan Gary Consulting and author of Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership

"AI for Nonprofits shows you not just how to adopt new tools, but how to integrate them holistically into your mission, preserving the best of what makes your organization human and mission-driven."
—Jonathan Brill, Forbes #1 Futurist in the World

"The challenges facing our world demand innovative solutions. AI for Nonprofits empowers us to leverage AI to accelerate progress on the issues we care most about – urgently."
—Natalie Foster, President and co-founder, Economic Security Project and Senior Fellow, Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative

"Without transparency, AI can deepen bias and inequality instead of solving it. This book gives social impact leaders the tools to ensure AI is used responsibly, advocating for policies that put ethics and fairness first."
—Brandon Silverman, co-founder of CrowdTangle

"This guide goes beyond supporting nonprofits—it’s a game-changer for philanthropists and donors. It reveals how technology can help maximize impact through smarter, data-driven giving decisions, making it an essential resource for anyone who wants their generosity to drive meaningful, lasting change."
—Ashley Thompson, Director of Thought Leadership, Fidelity Charitable

"This insightful book provides a roadmap for nonprofits looking to leverage AI to amplify their missions and serve communities more effectively."
—Evan Segal, The Segal Family Foundation

“AI for Nonprofits is part owner’s manual, part encyclopedia, and 100% essential for any nonprofit executive who has problems to solve—and who of us doesn’t—and wants to use the remarkable power of AI to solve them. Darian and Cheryl have assembled an A-List of AI and nonprofit thinkers and teachers to get you started with this technology and help you slot it into your organization in a way that lightens your workload and supports your mission. If you have any questions about how AI fits into your organization, you’ll find the answers here.”
—Eric Schurenberg, Former Editor, Money, Inc., & FastCo Magazines & Founder, Alliance for Trust in Media