AI is everywhere right now—writing emails, analysing data, even helping us decide what to watch on Netflix. But if you’re running a small charity, you might be wondering: Is AI something we should be using? And if so, how do we do it without losing the personal touch that makes us, well… us?
The good news? AI isn’t here to replace humans—it’s here to help. Think of it as an extra pair of hands (or a really smart assistant) that can take care of repetitive tasks, spot patterns in donor behavior, and even draft content. The trick is using it wisely.
Where AI can make a difference
Imagine this: You send out a thank-you email every time someone donates. What if AI could handle that for you—instantly, and with a personal touch? Or maybe you’re drowning in spreadsheets, trying to figure out which fundraising campaign worked best last year. AI can crunch those numbers in seconds, giving you insights that might have taken days to uncover.
Here are a few simple ways charities are already using AI:
- Writing first drafts of social media posts and newsletters (you’ll still want to tweak them, of course!)
- Analysing donor trends—who gives regularly, who’s at risk of disengaging, and when’s the best time to reach out
- Automating simple tasks like email acknowledgments and scheduling social media posts
But what about the risks?
AI isn’t perfect. It can make mistakes, and it doesn’t “understand” emotions the way humans do. That’s why it’s important to keep humans in the loop—double-check AI-generated content, watch out for biases in data, and never let automation take over where a real conversation is needed.
So, should your charity use AI?
If AI can save your team time and help you connect better with your supporters, it’s worth exploring. Start small—maybe with an AI-powered email assistant or an analytics tool—and see what works for you. Just remember: AI is a tool, not a replacement for the human connection that makes charities so powerful.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of AI for practical advice on using AI responsibly. And if you’re looking for the best AI tools to help with fundraising, communications, and admin tasks, don’t miss our AI Tools for your charity guide.
