Welcome back to Ask a Nonprofit Expert, NPQ’s advice column for nonprofit readers, by civic leaders who have built thriving, equitable organizations.
As always, this series offers Leading Edge members the opportunity to submit tough challenges anonymously and get personalized advice. In this column, we’ll publish answers to common questions to strengthen our entire community’s capacity.
In today’s issue, Rochelle M. Jerry, CFRM, answers a reader’s question about how nonprofits—and advancement leaders, in particular—should think about the role of AI with the organization processes.
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Dear Ask a Nonprofit Expert,
Every day we hear more about what artificial intelligence (AI) can do in fundraising.
So, how should I think about this as a development director?
Sincerely,
AI Intrigued
Dear AI Intrigued,
The amount of conversation about artificial intelligence in fundraising can feel overwhelming. Every week there seems to be a new platform promising to write grants, find donors, or automate stewardship. And every tech platform is rolling out a new AI feature that is supposed to help you.
Some larger institutions are even experimenting with virtual fundraising employees, complete with bios. For advancement teams already juggling multiple responsibilities, the question becomes less about what AI can do and more about what is useful.
My advice, based on what I’ve seen in my own line of work: AI should support strategy, not replace it.
Institutional advancement is built on trust, relationships, and mission alignment. AI can accelerate research and streamline workflows, but it cannot replace the professional judgment required to build authentic donor partnerships.
While some companies may promise that AI can help you find donors faster, what they won’t tell you is that it cannot build trust that inspires someone to donate.
AI should support strategy, not replace it.
Instead of chasing individual tools, advancement leaders should focus on four practical use cases where AI can strengthen development operations.
- Prospect Research and Donor Insights
AI tools can analyze public data, philanthropic trends, and donor behavior patterns much faster than traditional manual research. This helps advancement teams identify new prospects, understand giving capacity, and prioritize outreach.
When used responsibly, AI can significantly reduce the time spent compiling prospect lists and allow fundraisers to focus more on relationship building.
- Grant Prospecting and Research
AI can assist with scanning foundation databases, identifying potential funding matches, and summarizing funder priorities. This is particularly helpful for small development teams that do not have dedicated research staff.
Organizations should be cautious about tools that promise fully automated grant writing. Grant proposals require deep alignment with organizational programs, impact data, and the priorities of the funder. That still requires human expertise.
- Content Drafting and Communication Support
One of AI’s most practical uses in advancement is assisting with first drafts of content, such as donor emails, stewardship reports, or event invitations.
Used well, AI functions like a writing assistant. It helps teams move faster while still allowing development professionals to refine language to ensure authenticity and mission alignment.
- Workflow Automation and Data Management
AI can also help development teams automate repetitive administrative tasks such as summarizing donor meetings, organizing notes, or generating draft reports from CRM data.
These efficiencies can free advancement staff to spend more time where it matters most: building relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Successful fundraising will always depend on what technology cannot replicate: trust, storytelling, and meaningful connection.
Do the Tools Help or Hamper?
Before adopting any AI platform, advancement leaders should ask three key questions:
- Does it save time on administrative tasks?
- Does it improve donor insight or strategy?
- Does it protect donor data and confidentiality?
If the answer to those questions is unclear, the tool may be adding complexity rather than value.
AI is not a replacement for advancement professionals. It is a productivity partner. The organizations that will benefit most from AI are those that use it intentionally to strengthen research, streamline operations, and support the human relationships that make philanthropy possible.
Successful fundraising will always depend on what technology cannot replicate: trust, storytelling, and meaningful connection. And as your organization explores new AI tools, do not forget to develop and follow a clear AI policy that protects donor data, guides ethical use, and ensures technology supports your mission rather than distracting from it.
