A year ago, I decided to really learn how to use AI. Not just dabble with it or use it once in a while, but actually know it. I explored the many tools available, tested different approaches, and tried prompts suggested by experts to better understand it. I figured out what actually helped my work versus what was just noise.
Today, I use Claude and ChatGPT regularly. I even pay for the pro versions. And I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s transformed how I work with nonprofit leaders.
But here’s what I want you to understand: I’m not using AI to replace my expertise. I’m using it to enhance how I deliver that expertise. And as a nonprofit founder or leader, you can do the same thing. And bonus: it saves me a lot of time and headache. I’ll tell you my best tip in a minute.
What AI Actually Does for My Nonprofit Work
Let me be specific about how I use these tools:
Fleshing out ideas. When I have a concept for a workshop, a blog post, or a program design, I use AI to help me think it through. I’ll explain my idea, and then ask, “What am I missing? What angles haven’t I considered?” It’s like having a thought partner available 24/7.
Checking my outlines. Before I create content or curriculum, I’ll share my outline and ask for feedback. Does the flow make sense? Are there gaps in the logic? What might my audience need that I haven’t included? This catches issues before I invest hours in development.
Finding creative starting points. Social media is not my favorite task. But when I need to create posts, I can describe what I want to communicate and get several creative angles to start from. I always rewrite in my own voice, but having that starting point removes the “blank page” paralysis.
Drafting and refining. When I’m working on a proposal, blog post, or a client’s framework, AI helps me get my thoughts out quickly and then refine them. It’s especially helpful when I know what I want to say but struggle with how to structure it.
What AI Is NOT Doing
Let me be equally clear about what AI doesn’t do:
It doesn’t replace my expertise. I bring years of nonprofit experience, knowledge of the sector, and understanding of what actually works. AI can help me articulate that expertise, but it can’t create it.
It doesn’t understand your specific situation. AI can give you general advice, but it doesn’t know your community, your stakeholders, or the nuances of your mission. You still need human judgment.
It doesn’t make decisions for you. AI can offer options, show possibilities, and help you think through scenarios. But you’re still the one who knows what’s right for your organization.
It’s not a shortcut to skip learning. If you don’t understand nonprofit fundamentals, AI can’t fix that. It’s a tool that amplifies what you know—it doesn’t replace what you need to learn.
Why Nonprofit Leaders Should Learn About AI
Here’s why I think this matters for you:
Time is your scarcest resource. Most nonprofit leaders are wearing multiple hats, working with limited staff, and trying to do more with less. AI can handle time-consuming tasks like drafting, brainstorming, and organizing information—freeing you up for the work only you can do.
You need to stay current. Funders are using AI. Other nonprofits are using AI. The sector is evolving. Understanding these tools helps you stay competitive and relevant.
It democratizes access to support. Not every nonprofit can afford a full-time communications person, a grant writer, or a strategic planning consultant. AI tools can provide some of that support at a fraction of the cost. Not as a replacement for human expertise when you really need it, but as a supplement when you’re working on your own.
It can help you think bigger. When you’re stuck in the day-to-day, AI can help you zoom out. It can help you explore “what if” scenarios, consider alternative approaches, and see possibilities you might not have considered.
How to Start Learning About AI
You don’t need to become an expert overnight. Here’s how to begin:
Start with free versions. Both Claude and ChatGPT have free versions. Try them out. Ask them to help you with something you’re already working on—a draft email, a social media post, an outline for a presentation.
Learn what good prompts look like. The better you are at explaining what you need, the better results you’ll get. Be specific. Give context. Tell the AI what you’re trying to accomplish and who your audience is.
Experiment with different tasks. Try using AI for brainstorming. For editing. For organizing your thoughts. For researching best practices. See what feels helpful and what doesn’t.
Know when NOT to use it. Don’t use AI for anything that requires personal judgment, deep community knowledge, or confidential information. Don’t use it to make strategic decisions without human input. Don’t use it as a substitute for building real relationships.
Decide if paid versions are worth it. I pay for pro versions because I use these tools daily and need faster responses and more advanced features. You might not need that. Start free and upgrade only if you find yourself limited by the free version.
Recap: What You Should and Shouldn’t Use AI For
Good uses for nonprofit leaders:
- Drafting and editing content
- Brainstorming program ideas or fundraising approaches
- Creating outlines and frameworks
- Organizing information
- Learning about topics you’re unfamiliar with
- Getting feedback on ideas before you share them with your board or team
- Generating multiple options so you can choose the best fit
Not good uses:
- Making final decisions about strategy or programming
- Replacing human connection with donors, volunteers, or community members
- Creating content that needs your authentic voice and personal experience
- Handling confidential or sensitive information
- Replacing the need to learn nonprofit fundamentals
- Substituting for professional advice when you really need expert guidance
The Bottom Line
AI is a tool. Like email, spreadsheets, or databases—it’s something that can make your work easier and more efficient, but only if you learn how to use it well.
I encourage you to take the time to explore these tools. Not because they’re trendy or because everyone else is doing it, but because they can genuinely help you do your nonprofit work more effectively.
Start small. Experiment. Figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. And remember: AI is here to support your expertise and your mission, not replace them.
My Best Tips for You:
Here is what I’ve learned and can share with you.
- Use the voice option to talk to your AI.
- “Feed” your AI. Give it background documents, details, and even scenarios so it can learn from you.
- Put it on your phone. I find some of my ideas come when I’m not in a position to write them down. Having the app on my phone helps me not lose these ideas.
Your nonprofit work is too important not to use every tool available to make it successful. AI is one of those tools. Learn it. Use it strategically. And watch how it amplifies what you’re already doing well.
What questions do you have about using AI in your nonprofit work? Let’s talk about how these tools can support your specific situation.
