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Think using ChatGPT for fundraising seems far-fetched? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a science fiction fantasy. It’s in our everyday lives, and it’s revolutionizing the way we work.
Nonprofits should sit up and take notice.
AI tools like ChatGPT can save you time, improve efficiency, and boost day-to-day productivity while conserving energy that you can use towards your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy and mission.
The best part? AI technologies like ChatGPT are incredibly accessible and easy-to-use.
But before we get started, let’s learn a little bit about this tool by OpenAI.
What is ChatGPT
Launched by OpenAI in November 2022, ChatGPT is an advanced chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to create stunningly human-like responses to questions users ask.
It should come as no surprise, then, that ChatGPT is the fastest-growing app of all time, with over 100 million active users only two months after its launch.
While understanding how artificial intelligence works can get complicated, using it is simple.
To start using ChatGPT for fundraising, all you have to do is create an account with OpenAI, type in a prompt, and within a few seconds the chatbot will generate a response for you.
10 Ways to Use ChatGPT for Fundraising
#1: Generate Nonprofit Fundraising Letters
You can use ChatGPT for fundraising to easily generate customized letters for donor outreach and online fundraising. You can even ask the bot to change the message according to your donor segments. This will save you a ton of time, while still making your donors feel special!
ChatGPT can even help customize donation pages for you. If you use a donation management or fundraising software, you can integrate donor data to create separate landing pages for donors, based on various factors such as previous fundraising activities, giving programs they’ve participated in, the fundraising method they prefer to use, and more!
Fundraising Appeal Prompt:
Here are example instructions (or prompt) to give ChatGPT:
Act as a fundraising copywriting expert and help to prepare a successful fundraising appeal for Houses for the Homeless (H4H).
H4H’s mission is to advocate for the right to safe housing for everyone. The letter should urge new donors to donate for a new housing shelter that’s being built in Detroit.
The message should have an urgent tone as the campaign will end in two months.
All donations will support people who have lost their homes in the current housing crisis. The message should be in the form of an email. It should be about 400 words long and begin with an attention-grabbing subject line.
ChatGPT’s Donation Request Letter Template:
Subject: Urgent Appeal: Join the Fight for Safe Housing in Detroit!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
Imagine a city where everyone has a safe place to call home. A city where the specter of homelessness is banished, and compassion triumphs over crisis. That vision is within our reach, but we need your help to make it a reality. Today, I reach out to you with an urgent plea to join us in our mission to provide safe housing for the homeless in Detroit.
As you may know, Houses for the Homeless (H4H) is dedicated to advocating for the fundamental right to safe housing for every individual. We believe that no one should have to endure the heart-wrenching uncertainty of not having a place to lay their head at night. With the current housing crisis gripping our nation, the need for action has never been more pressing.
That is why I write to you today, to extend a heartfelt invitation to become a part of our mission. With your support, we are in the process of constructing a brand-new housing shelter right here in the heart of Detroit. This shelter will provide a safe haven for those who have lost their homes, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair.
But, dear friend, time is of the essence. Our fundraising campaign for this critical shelter will conclude in just two short months. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Lives hang in the balance, and with your generous contribution, we can provide a lifeline to those who desperately need it.
By donating to our cause, you are not only providing shelter, but you are also offering a chance at a fresh start. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of individuals and families who have fallen victim to the harsh realities of the housing crisis. Together, we can help them find their way back to stability, security, and the dignity they deserve.
Every dollar counts. With your support, we can provide a warm bed, nourishing meals, and access to vital resources that will empower individuals to rebuild their lives. Your donation will also enable us to offer critical support services, including job training, counseling, and healthcare assistance. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness and pave the way for a brighter future.
Please don’t wait. Join us today in the fight for safe housing in Detroit. Your generosity will bring hope to those who have lost it, and it will make a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.
To donate, simply click on the link below or visit our website at www.h4h.org/donate. Remember, the clock is ticking, and every moment counts. Together, we can build a Detroit where no one is left behind.
[Insert donation link]
Thank you for your unwavering compassion and commitment to our cause. Together, we can transform the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful for your support.
With heartfelt gratitude,
[Your Name]
Fundraising Copywriter
Houses for the Homeless (H4H)
Try our AI Fundraising Letter Generator:
Want to quickly generate fundraising letters like the one above? Try out our AI Donation Request Letter Generator.
Remember: ChatGPT creates great first drafts – not final copy! Make sure you edit the response and make changes to the text as needed.
Personalized appeals are a core part of any robust nonprofit fundraising strategy.
Donors that receive personal letters and thank you notes from charitable organizations are much more likely to stay engaged with your nonprofit in the long-term.
Generic donation request letters might make donors feel under-appreciated or like their gift was not valuable enough to make an impact – making it less likely that they’ll continue to give to you in the future.
To create a successful nonprofit fundraising letter include details like:
- The type of fundraising appeal and the theme or occasion (new fundraising events, an appeal to board members, Giving Tuesday campaign, etc.)
- Important background about your nonprofit organization.
- A brief outline of your nonprofit fundraising plan or fundraising opportunities you are currently exploring
- What is the writing style that suits this appeal?
- Who are the donors? What donor segments will you be reaching out to?
- What is the output format – would it be an email or newsletter?
- Is this a one-time appeal or a time-limited opportunity? Or is this the first in a series of emails you will be sending out?
#2: Create Targeted Messaging for Social Media Posts
ChatGPT can also help you create social media messaging tailored to improve your donor relationships. Well-designed social media campaigns can highlight your needs to existing and potential donors and start conversations with the wider community about your mission.
Let’s say your nonprofit wants to create a social media marketing campaign to encourage online donations from its donor base. If you’re creating social media posts for a specific campaign, you’ll want to create a sense of urgency and align your messaging to the overall nonprofit fundraising strategy to encourage donations.
Using ChatGPT for fundraising can help you craft a compelling and targeted message to help you turn your nonprofit fundraising plan into action.
Social Media Post Prompt:
Draft a donation request template for social media posts that can be shared during our nonprofit’s day of giving. We are an Animal Shelter who would like to use donations to build a new animal shelter. Create an Instagram and a Facebook post asking for donations.
Use the following guidelines to write the message:
- The post text should be approximately 150 words in length.
- Write for an audience between 35-50
- Include a strong call-to-action
- Include hashtags related to the message content
ChatGPT’s Social Media Post Templates:
Instagram Post:
🐾 Help Us Build a New Home for Our Furry Friends! 🏡🐶🐱
Dear Friends and Animal Lovers, we need your support! Our beloved Animal Shelter is bursting at the seams, and we’re on a mission to provide a new, spacious sanctuary for our furry companions. 🐾❤️
With your donation, we can create a safe haven for abandoned and neglected animals, offering them comfort, care, and a second chance at finding their forever homes. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal! 🙏🐾
Join us in making a difference! Together, we can build a new animal shelter where countless lives will be transformed. Tap the link in our bio to contribute and share the love! 🐾💕
#AnimalShelter #NewHomeForFurryFriends #DonateForACause #HelpUsBuildAShelter
Facebook Post:
🐾 Help Us Build a New Home for Our Furry Friends! 🏡🐶🐱
Dear Friends and Animal Lovers, we need your support! Our beloved Animal Shelter is bursting at the seams, and we’re on a mission to provide a new, spacious sanctuary for our furry companions. 🐾❤️
With your donation, we can create a safe haven for abandoned and neglected animals, offering them comfort, care, and a second chance at finding their forever homes. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal! 🙏🐾
Join us in making a difference! Together, we can build a new animal shelter where countless lives will be transformed. Click the link below to contribute and share the love! 🐾💕
🔗 Donate here: [Insert donation link]
#AnimalShelter #NewHomeForFurryFriends #DonateForACause #HelpUsBuildAShelter
#3: Rewrite Existing Content for Better Audience Alignment
Whether it’s for a fundraising plan for nonprofits, blog, email or social media post, the tone of your content is critical. While content might remain the same, you can’t reuse the same tone or style for different types of content.
For example, a direct mail sponsorship letter to your older donor base requires a very different tone and style of writing when compared to asking local businesses to sponsor items for your silent auction.
This is where ChatGPT for fundraising can be extremely helpful. Besides changing the tone of your content, it can also repurpose the content. For example, the AI chatbot can easily convert your church fundraising letters into concise social media posts.
Post Prompt:
Rewrite the following text into an email of 200 words. Make it easier to read and more informal. Include a clear call to action.
“Our animal shelter [Organization Name] needs your help, please make a generous donation. We accept online donations, auction items and your donation will be tax-deductible.”
ChatGPT’s Response:
Hey there!
I hope this email finds you in high spirits! I have some fantastic news to share with you. Our beloved animal shelter, [Organization Name], is in urgent need of your support, and we were hoping you could lend a helping hand!
At [Organization Name], we are deeply committed to providing a safe and loving environment for our furry companions. However, we can’t do it alone, and that’s where you come in. Your generosity can make an enormous difference in the lives of these adorable creatures.
We happily accept online donations, and even auction items that could contribute to our cause. The best part? Your donation will be tax-deductible, so not only will you be helping the animals, but you’ll also enjoy some benefits for yourself!
Whether your donation is big or small, every penny counts and will directly support the care and well-being of our shelter animals. From providing nourishing meals and cozy shelter to essential medical treatments, we strive to give these innocent souls the love and care they truly deserve.
Would you consider making a donation today? It’s super easy! Simply click on the link below to access our secure online donation portal. It will guide you through the process smoothly:
[Insert Donation Link]
Your kindness and support will mean the world to us and the animals we cherish. Together, we can create a brighter future for these incredible beings and make a lasting impact on their lives.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering our request. We genuinely appreciate your help. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Organization Name]
[Contact Information]
Note how even though the initial text was minimal, ChatGPT was still able to create a much longer email. You can use this method and paste in longer sections of text you want rewritten for an even more targeted response.
#4: Generate Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign Ideas
Coming up with new fundraising ideas every year can be a difficult task. While you definitely want to repeat the fundraising events that worked, your nonprofit fundraising strategies should also include new ideas that aim to expand your donor base.
Using ChatGPT for fundraising can provide a great kick-off point for you to begin brainstorming.
The prompt below asks for school fundraising ideas. But don’t forget to include a few details about your organization as well to generate a more targeted fundraising plan for nonprofits.
Fundraising Event Ideas Prompt:
Provide 5 ideas for a digital fundraising strategy for school fundraising. Suggest target audiences for the activities you list. We are an education organization that supports children in minority communities. We want to bring in new and potential donors. We have a corporate sponsor who is willing to provide matching gifts for contributions made.
ChatGPT’s Response:
1. Online Crowdfunding Campaign: Launch a digital crowdfunding campaign targeting socially conscious individuals and philanthropic organizations. Highlight your organization’s mission to support children in minority communities and emphasize the impact their donations can have. Utilize compelling storytelling, images, and videos to engage potential donors emotionally and encourage them to contribute. Leverage the corporate sponsor’s matching gift program to incentivize donations.
2. Social Media Awareness Campaign: Create a social media campaign to raise awareness about your organization and its fundraising efforts. Target both existing supporters and potential donors by sharing impactful stories, testimonials, and success stories of children who have benefited from your programs. Encourage followers to share your posts, use dedicated hashtags, and tag friends who may be interested in supporting your cause. Promote the corporate sponsor’s matching gift program as an added incentive to donate.
3. Virtual Fundraising Event: Organize a virtual fundraising event, such as a gala, auction, or talent show, to engage donors and create a sense of community. Leverage live streaming platforms and interactive features to host the event online. Target local businesses, community members, and philanthropic organizations to participate as sponsors, donors, or attendees. Promote the corporate sponsor’s matching gift program to encourage increased participation and donations during the event.
4. Email Marketing Campaign: Develop a targeted email marketing campaign to reach out to potential donors and introduce them to your organization’s work. Segment your email list based on demographics, interests, or previous interactions with your organization. Personalize the emails with compelling stories, statistics, and updates on the impact of your programs. Clearly highlight the corporate sponsor’s matching gift program and encourage recipients to donate to double the impact of their contributions.
5. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign where existing supporters, parents, volunteers, and staff can create individual fundraising pages on your organization’s website. They can then reach out to their personal networks, including friends, family, colleagues, and social media contacts, to seek donations. Provide participants with resources like sample emails, social media posts, and fundraising tips. Emphasize the corporate sponsor’s matching gift program to motivate participants and potential donors to maximize their contributions.
Target Audiences:
1. Socially conscious individuals interested in supporting education and children in minority communities.
2. Philanthropic organizations focused on empowering underprivileged children.
3. Local businesses looking to invest in community development and educational initiatives.
4. Parents and family members of children in your organization’s programs.
5. Previous donors or supporters who may be interested in increasing their contributions with the help of the corporate sponsor’s matching gift program.
#5: Write Speeches
ChatGPT can be an excellent resource for coming up with ideas for an in person speech for upcoming events like fundraisers, galas or even volunteer orientations.
When creating a speech prompt, make sure you include the type of event, theme and purpose (whether you want to get more charitable donations, corporate donation sponsors, or simply raise awareness about your mission).
You should also include a few key points you want to cover during the speech. For the most effective response, include a short outline of key points (aligned with your nonprofit fundraising strategy), you’d like to present during the speech.
Tip: Use a ‘get in character’ prompt, and ask ChatGPT to assume your role and perspective while writing the speech.
ChatGPT can also offer suggestions on how to arrange the content, create smooth transitions between sections, and maintain a logical flow throughout the speech. You can make these suggestions to the AI if you want to fine-tune your speech further.
Speech Writing Prompt
Act as program director for a foodbank. Write a welcome speech for a fundraising event that aims to raise money for a new foodbank in the area.
- The theme of the event is Food for All
- The purpose of the event is to get people to pledge their support with donations from $30-$100. Every $30 supports one family for one week
- There’s a lucky draw. Winners receive a free meal at a local restaurant, a visit to a winery or a gift hamper
- We serve minority communities and low-income families across Southern California
- Special focus is on children who don’t receive healthy or nutritious meals. We tie up with schools in the area to provide healthy school meals
- Target new and potential donors in the audience
- Make the speech informal and include a few jokes
ChatGPT’s Response:
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow food enthusiasts,
Good evening and a warm welcome to our Food for All fundraising event! I am thrilled to see so many compassionate souls gathered here tonight, all with the common goal of making a positive impact on our community. As the program director of our beloved foodbank, it brings me immense joy to stand before you and share our vision for a new foodbank in our area.
First and foremost, let’s give a big round of applause to all the amazing individuals and organizations who have already contributed their time, resources, and culinary skills to help us feed those in need. Your dedication has inspired us to dream bigger and better, and today, we embark on a journey to provide even more families with a lifeline of sustenance.
Now, I know you’re all here to lend your support, and I must say, we’ve made it super easy for you! Our donation range is from $30 to $100, and every single dollar counts. In fact, just $30 can support one family for an entire week. Imagine that! You’ll be bringing smiles to the faces of children, parents, and grandparents alike, knowing that they have a warm meal on their table when they need it the most.
But wait, there’s more! Tonight, we have a lucky draw where some lucky winners will walk away with incredible prizes. Who doesn’t love free stuff, right? We’ve got it all covered, from a mouthwatering meal at a local restaurant, to an unforgettable visit to a winery, or even a delightful gift hamper. It’s our way of saying thank you for your generosity, and a little incentive never hurts, right?
Speaking of incentives, let me tell you a bit about the incredible work we do here at our foodbank. We serve the vibrant and diverse communities of Southern California, with a special focus on supporting our minority communities and low-income families. Our hearts go out to those children who don’t have access to healthy and nutritious meals, and that’s why we’ve partnered with schools in the area. Together, we’re working to ensure that these young minds are fueled with the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and conquer the world. And let me tell you, they have some big dreams!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. How can you make a difference tonight? Well, my friends, the answer is simple: become a donor. We have a fantastic opportunity for new and potential donors like yourselves to be part of our foodbank family. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of those in need, and trust me, it’s the best feeling in the world to know that you’re making positive change.
But let’s not get too serious here. We’re here to celebrate and have a good time, right? So, without further ado, let the festivities begin! Enjoy the delectable delights we have prepared for you. Indulge in conversations with your fellow food enthusiasts, and, of course, don’t forget to try your luck in our fabulous lucky draw.
Thank you once again for joining us tonight, and for opening your hearts and wallets to support our mission of ensuring Food for All. Together, we can make a difference, one meal at a time. Let’s have an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, joy, and the knowledge that we’re changing lives for the better.
Bon appétit and cheers to a bright future for our new foodbank!
Speeches are an important part of fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Use ChatGPT to make sure that your speech delivers all key information and keeps your audience engaged – since it can help draw in major gifts during fundraising events!
#6: Write Scripts for Calls
While time-consuming, phone calls are a great way to start fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Since calls require more time, this type of nonprofit fundraising is usually reserved for major donors or a few key champions of your organization.
You could also contact potential donors that you have been primed to support your mission, but are yet to make a contribution – especially if there’s an upcoming event or new campaign launch to talk about.
One of the most important things you’ll need for a phone campaign is a tight script that everyone in your fundraising team can stick to. This gives everyone clear guidance and makes sure they’re all on the same page.
While this is a fictional conversation with hypothetical responses from the donor, you can edit this template as necessary, and use it as a starting point to train your staff.
Phone Script Prompt:
Write a phone script asking major donors for large gifts to support a capital campaign to build a new school. Incentives to get them to donate include supporting children in an area with overcrowded schools, our free school books program, and better school infrastructure.
Remind donors that they can choose between a monetary donation or a sponsorship program and that their donation is tax-deductible.
ChatGPT’s Response:
[Your Name]: Good morning/afternoon, [Donor’s Name]. This is [Your Name] calling from [ Organization Name]. How are you today?
[Donor’s Name]: Hello, [Your Name]. I’m doing well, thank you. How can I help you?
[Your Name]: I’m calling today to share an exciting opportunity with you. As one of our valued supporters and major donors, we wanted to inform you about our upcoming capital campaign to build a new school in [Your Area]. We believe this project is of great significance as it addresses the issue of overcrowded schools in our community and will greatly benefit the education of our children.
[Donor’s Name]: That sounds interesting. Tell me more about the campaign.
[Your Name]: Absolutely! Our capital campaign aims to raise funds to construct a modern, state-of-the-art school facility that can accommodate the growing number of students in our area. We are reaching out to our most generous supporters to invite them to contribute towards this noble cause. By donating to this campaign, you’ll be directly supporting the education and future of the children in our community.
[Donor’s Name]: I see. How will my donation be utilized?
[Your Name]: Your contribution will go towards various aspects of the project. Firstly, it will help alleviate the issue of overcrowding by providing additional classrooms and resources to our students. Secondly, we run a free school books program, and your donation will ensure that every child has access to the necessary educational materials. Lastly, your support will help improve the overall school infrastructure, creating a conducive environment for learning and fostering academic excellence.
[Donor’s Name]: That’s commendable. How can I contribute?
[Your Name]: We offer two options for your generous support. You can make a monetary donation, which will allow us to allocate the funds where they are most needed. Alternatively, we have a sponsorship program available where you can choose a specific area of the school that you would like to support, such as a classroom, library, or science lab. Both options have their own merits, and we would be grateful for your contribution in any form.
[Donor’s Name]: That sounds good. Is my donation tax-deductible?
[Your Name]: Absolutely! Your donation to our capital campaign is fully tax-deductible in accordance with the applicable laws. We will provide you with all the necessary documentation to ensure you receive the proper tax benefits for your generosity.
[Donor’s Name]: That’s great to know. I would like to contribute. How do I proceed?
[Your Name]: Thank you so much for your willingness to support our cause! We have various giving levels available, and I can provide you with more information based on your desired contribution. Would it be possible to set up a meeting at your convenience to discuss the different giving options in detail?
[Donor’s Name]: Yes, let’s set up a meeting. When are you available?
[Your Name]: Fantastic! I appreciate your eagerness. Let’s find a time that works for both of us. I will reach out to you by email to suggest a few possible meeting times. In the meantime, if you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
[Donor’s Name]: Sounds good. I look forward to hearing from you.
[Your Name]: Thank you once again for your generosity and support, [Donor’s Name]. We deeply value your commitment to improving the lives of children in our community. I’ll be in touch soon with the meeting details. Have a wonderful day!
[Donor’s Name]: You’re welcome, [Your Name]. Take care and have a great day too. Goodbye!
[Your Name]: Goodbye, [Donor]
Note: Fundraising tools like a nonprofit CRM database are incredibly useful to store important donor information, so your reference to donors’ personal information during the call is accurate and up to date.
#7: Write Donor Thank You Letters
Compelling donor thank you letters are a key component in your donor relationships as it contributes to your overall nonprofit fundraising strategy.
Whether sent via direct mail or emails, personalized thank you notes make donors feel valued, showcase how they have made an impact, and nurture a long-term relationship with your organization. So don’t forget to include them in your nonprofit fundraising toolkit!
Since these letters are so important, you shouldn’t just reuse the same thank you notes that were part of your nonprofit fundraising plan last year.
ChatGPT can help you create effective thank-you letters, personalized for individual donors without being too time-consuming. You can even ask it to share success stories along with the letter to illustrate the impact of your work.
Note: You can then add these templates to your donation management software or nonprofit CRM to quickly send out thank you emails with customized fields like donor’s name, donation amount and even the campaign they supported!
Prompt:
Write a heartfelt letter thanking the participants of a walk-a-thon supporting breast cancer research. Write from the perspective of the Executive Director of Breast Cancer Research.
Additional Guidelines:
- Do not start the letter with “I wanted to take a moment”. Instead, use a sentence that makes the reader feel important.
- Include a space to enter the amount they raised through pledges
- Mention that we exceeded our funding goal of $10,000
- The funds raised will provide funds for cancer patients who couldn’t work while undergoing treatment
- Make donors feel appreciated
ChatGPT’s Response:
Dear Valued Supporters,
With profound gratitude and admiration, I write to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who took part in our recent walk-a-thon supporting breast cancer research. Your incredible dedication and unwavering commitment to this cause have left an indelible mark on our organization and, most importantly, on the lives of countless individuals battling breast cancer.
Your generosity and passion have propelled us beyond our wildest expectations. I am thrilled to share that, together, we have raised a remarkable amount of [Enter Amount Raised Through Pledges]. It is through your tireless efforts and boundless compassion that we have surpassed our funding goal of $10,000. This achievement is a testament to the incredible power of unity and showcases what can be accomplished when we join forces for a common cause.
The funds raised through your remarkable endeavors will have a profound impact on the lives of breast cancer patients who find themselves unable to work while undergoing treatment. These funds will provide essential support and financial assistance, easing the burden on individuals and families as they navigate the challenging journey of recovery. Your kindness will help ensure that they can focus on healing and rebuilding their lives without the added stress of financial hardship.
More than the sum of money, though, your participation in the walk-a-thon signifies something truly extraordinary. It symbolizes the triumph of hope, love, and solidarity in the face of adversity. By dedicating your time, energy, and resources to this cause, you have demonstrated the power of compassion and the ability to create meaningful change in the lives of others.
I want you to know that your contribution has not gone unnoticed. Your unwavering support and belief in our mission have deeply touched our hearts and those of the individuals we strive to serve. Your commitment to making a difference has inspired us to continue our tireless pursuit of a world without breast cancer.
On behalf of the entire Breast Cancer Research team, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Your compassion, dedication, and generosity have made a lasting impact, and we are forever grateful for your partnership in the fight against breast cancer. Together, we are changing lives and shaping a future filled with hope.
With deepest gratitude,
[Your Name]
Executive Director of Breast Cancer Research
During a busy campaign season, personalized automated thank you notes from ChatGPT for fundraising can save you and your team a ton of time and energy!
We’ve got lots more examples of donor thank-you letters and emails to help you get started and a donor thank-you letter guide.
#8: Create Grant Proposals
While search engines are a great way to search for potential grants to apply for and research information about funders. Using ChatGPT for fundraising can help with the grant writing process – an important part of your nonprofit fundraising strategy.
Write a LOI for a grant from the MacArthur Foundation. The grant is for Little Candles, a nonprofit focused on educating children in East Africa. Our mission is to spread the light of education to every child in Africa.
- We are located in Nairobi Kenya, but serve all the East Africa countries
- State that our cause is urgent because lack of education has long-term consequences on health, earning potential and quality of life
- Include statistics on illiteracy rates among children in Africa
- Include space for our nonprofit’s phone number, email and other contact information
Using the details above briefly outline these six sections of a grant proposal: Introduction, Purpose, Project Goals, Budget, Timeline, and Conclusion, with one minimal paragraph for each section.
ChatGPT’s Response:
MacArthur Foundation
Grant Selection Committee
[Foundation Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Dear MacArthur Foundation,
I am writing to submit a Letter of Inquiry on behalf of Little Candles, a nonprofit organization committed to providing quality education to children in East Africa. With a vision to spread the light of education to every child in Africa, our organization recognizes the urgent need to address the profound consequences of inadequate education, such as compromised health, limited earning potential, and diminished quality of life. We firmly believe that empowering children through education is the key to unlocking their potential and creating a brighter future for the entire continent.
The purpose of this grant proposal is to seek support from the MacArthur Foundation to expand our educational initiatives and reach more children in East Africa. Despite significant progress in recent years, the illiteracy rates among children in Africa remain alarmingly high. According to recent statistics, approximately [include relevant statistics on illiteracy rates here]. These figures emphasize the critical need for immediate action to bridge the educational gap and ensure that every child in Africa has access to quality education.
Our project goals align with our mission of providing comprehensive education to children in East Africa. Through this grant, we aim to strengthen our existing programs and establish new initiatives that will enhance learning opportunities for underprivileged children. Specifically, we plan to develop innovative curriculum materials, provide teacher training workshops, establish community libraries, and leverage technology to facilitate remote learning. These efforts will enable us to reach a larger number of children and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed academically and in life.
The proposed budget for this project includes expenses related to curriculum development, teacher training, infrastructure improvement, educational resources, and operational costs. We estimate that a grant in the amount of [provide specific funding request here] will enable us to achieve our goals effectively and maximize the impact of our educational programs. Additionally, we remain committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of grant funds, providing regular progress reports and financial statements as required.
In terms of the timeline, we anticipate that the project implementation will span over [indicate the projected timeline for the project]. We have carefully developed a detailed action plan, taking into consideration the complexities and unique challenges associated with providing education in diverse communities across East Africa. This timeline will allow us to initiate the necessary groundwork, implement targeted interventions, and continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of our programs.
In conclusion, the need for improved access to quality education in East Africa is both urgent and undeniable. By supporting Little Candles, the MacArthur Foundation can play a vital role in empowering children, transforming communities, and fostering sustainable development. We are confident that with your generous support, we can continue to spread the light of education, opening doors of opportunity for countless children in Africa.
Thank you for considering our request. For further information or to discuss our proposal in more detail, please contact us at the following:
Phone: [Your Contact Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Website: [Your Organization’s Website]
We look forward to the opportunity of working together to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in East Africa.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Organization Name]
- How to write a 2-page grant proposal
- How to write a grant report
#9: Automate Donor Communications
Integrating ChatGPT as a Chatbot into your website presents multiple opportunities for you to interact with donors and provide them with timely up-to-date information. One important way it can help is by automating your donor communications.
You can use the AI to follow up with donors at key points during a donor’s journey. Keeping donors in the loop with regular follow ups and communication can improve retention rates and convert first-time donors into long-term supporters of your mission.
ChatGPT can send messages at the following key points:
- Welcome and Acknowledgement: After a first-time donor fills in the donation form, ChatGPT can send a personalized message, welcoming donors into your community of givers and expressing gratitude for their contribution. It can highlight the impact of their donation by sharing success stories, and provide any necessary tax or receipt information. This creates an initial positive interaction, which is especially important for donor retention.
- Progress Updates: Once donors are in your CRM system, ChatGPT can send periodic progress updates to donors, informing them about the impact of their contributions. For example, it can share individual success stories, talk about how their donations are making a difference. Provide statistics on the number of beneficiaries, or showcase specific projects that their donation has supported. These updates keep donors engaged, informed, and connected to your mission.
- Milestone Celebrations: ChatGPT can automatically send personalized messages to donors on special occasions. This could include the anniversary of their first-time donation or when they’ve reached a milestone like five years of giving or $1,000. These messages can express gratitude for their continued support and highlight their impact so far. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase future plans and initiatives. Gestures such as milestone celebrations can reinforce the donor’s sense of belonging and appreciation for your organization and its cause(s).
How to integrate ChatGPT as a chatbot on your website
Here is a quick guide to integrating ChatGPT as a Chatbot on your website. While integrating a chatbot on your website, make sure you also use an effective nonprofit website builder, so that your plug-ins, security, and integrations are always up-to-date.
Note: This integration is only available with ChatGPT-4, which currently requires a paid subscription of $20/month. If you’re using the free version, GPT-3.5, you won’t be able to use this feature.
Source: Forbes
#10: Answer FAQs
If you are a large nonprofit with a high traffic volume or you often receive emails asking for basic information, the ChatGPT chatbot can help! Including a simple chat integration on your website can help new visitors navigate the site and easily locate the information they are looking for.
Chatbots are especially useful if you already have a chat service, but don’t have the resources to staff it 24/7.
Potential donors or visitors who need information quickly but are located in different time zones or require help during holidays, weekends, and non-working hours can use ChatGPT to resolve their queries instead.
The chatbot can be trained to use machine learning algorithms to improve its responses over time by learning from previous conversations. While this might be a time-consuming exercise, it will pay off in the long run.
For example, if the chatbot receives a lot of inquiries about a specific fundraising campaign, it can proactively provide information about the campaign to donors who visit your website.
The chatbot can also serve as a resource hub, providing users with instant access to relevant information, such as program details, impact reports, or success stories.
It can also share links to articles, videos, or downloadable resources (like your nonprofit fundraising strategy) to further educate and engage donors and visitors.
Site visitors are likely to appreciate the personal touch a chatbot provides, especially if your website is resource heavy and includes many tabs that new visitors might find confusing.
Tips on Writing Effective Prompts
While AI advancements in tech are significant, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to put in some work. The quality of the responses you receive is dependent on the quality of your questions.
Here are a few tips on how to write effective prompts that will help further your nonprofit fundraising goals:
- Be specific, and provide as much context as possible. The more detailed your prompts, the better your answers are likely to be.
- Clearly state how many words or how long you’d like the response to be. If you are creating a social media post for Twitter mention this (so the bot will stick to the Twitter character count), or ask for a 500-word LinkedIn blog
- Use step-by-step or bullet-point instructions as this will make it easier for you to remember key points
- Upload examples of previous copywriting you’ve created to give the chatbot a sense of your writing tone.
- Ask ChatGPT to adopt a persona or write from a certain perspective – nonprofit professionals, peer fundraisers or a digital marketing lead
- Ask follow up questions to get more details or generate a response in a different tone
- In case you’re unsure whether you’ve covered everything, ask if ChatGPT would like any further details before coming up with a response.
- Experiment with different prompts! Sometimes changing the structure of a sentence or a few words can significantly alter ChatGPT’s response. By experimenting with different types of questions, you’ll learn what gets you the answers you need!
- Edit all the answers you receive – don’t expect the AI to produce final drafts, the language might need tweaking and you will need to fact-check all details before you publish or share anything produced by ChatGPT.
Limitations of Artificial Intelligence Tools like ChatGPT
ChatGPT is still at a research stage, which means the tool is still learning. It’s important that nonprofits are aware of certain key limitations when using AI for their nonprofit fundraising strategies.
- AI can’t replace a human entirely. All responses you generate should be carefully checked and edited. You might also want to rewrite certain sections to suit your nonprofit’s tone and style.
- The free version of ChatGPT (3.5) has information stored within it until September 2021, which means it won’t provide accurate information for statistics, research or any events that occurred after this time. GPT-4 can connect to the internet and provide you with more up-to-date information.
- Using ChatGPT for fundraising sometimes delivers factually incorrect information or vague answers. It also provides sources for its results. Make sure you carefully fact-check all the content it produces for you.
- Nonprofits should review responses generated by AI systems thoroughly to ensure they’re aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
- ChatGPT doesn’t perform well with pieces of content over 1500 words. Despite being technically able to produce long responses, after the initial 5–800 words, responses become repetitive, excessively verbose, or sometimes stop making sense. If you would like to create long-form content, break up your prompts, asking 3–5 questions instead of just one.
Conclusion
Using ChatGPT for fundraising can help nonprofits with content creation, sponsorship letters, nonprofit fundraising plans, research, and more.
AI can save you a lot of time creating appeals, donor outreach letters, and emails and help improve donor relationships with fewer resources. It’s a great assistant that can handle repetitive tasks, make work faster and easier, and give you more time to focus on furthering your mission. It can even help come up with ideas for your nonprofit fundraising plans.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with prompts – the more you play around with words or different phrasing the better responses you’re likely to receive, which will make the AI even more effective and help realize your nonprofit’s fundraising goals!
Fundraising for nonprofit organizations can get tough. A Donor Management Software like Sumac’s can help you easily upload the donation letter template and customize the donation letter for each recipient with their first name, previous donation amount, and other targeted information.
