AI at Work6 min read

AI for Nonprofits: Do More With a Small Team

Nonprofit teams are often small, busy and stretched thin. AI can take some of the writing and admin load so people can spend more time on the mission.

The Short Answer

Practical uses of AI for nonprofits include drafting grant applications and reports, writing donor thank-you letters and updates, creating social media posts and newsletters, summarizing program data and feedback, preparing board materials, drafting volunteer communications and creating training. Protect donor and client data and have a person review everything before it goes out.

Workers want direction on AI. Gallup found only 25% of U.S. employees say their organization has communicated a clear plan for integrating AI. Small nonprofits can move quickly by agreeing on a few simple uses and rules.

See the five-part prompt for better results.

AI Uses

Eight ways nonprofits use AI

  1. Grant drafts. First drafts and reports.
  2. Donor thank-yous. Personal and timely.
  3. Newsletters. And social posts.
  4. Program summaries. From data and feedback.
  5. Board materials. Clear summaries.
  6. Volunteer communications. Schedules and updates.
  7. Training. For staff and volunteers.
  8. Event planning. Checklists and timelines.

Write grants and reports faster

AI can turn your program notes into a first draft of a grant section or impact report. Your team adds the real stories and numbers.

Thank donors well

Fast, personal thank-yous keep donors giving. AI can help draft them, and a person adds the personal touch.

Protect sensitive data

Never paste donor, client or health information into unapproved tools. See How to Write an AI Policy for a Small Business.

Keep the mission human

AI handles drafts and admin. The relationships with donors, volunteers and the people you serve stay human.

Practical AI for teams is the focus of Take Back Your Time with AI.

Your Takeaway

AI helps nonprofits draft grants, donor thank-yous, newsletters, program summaries, board materials and volunteer communications. Protect sensitive data and keep a person reviewing everything.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How can nonprofits use AI?
Drafting grant applications and reports, donor thank-yous, newsletters, social posts, program summaries, board materials and volunteer communications.
Can AI write grant applications?
It can produce strong first drafts, which your team should edit with real data and stories.
Is AI safe for nonprofits?
Use approved tools, protect donor and client data and review all output.
What is the first AI task a nonprofit should try?
Donor thank-you letters or newsletter drafts are quick, low-risk wins.
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You Are Capable of More

A No-Excuses Guide to Becoming Your Best Self. The bestselling book behind Chris’s keynotes and the 2026 Paris Book Festival winner in the How-To category. Many teams hand a copy to every seller at their kickoff.

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Chris Sund speaks on this in Take Back Your Time with AI, for conferences, leadership teams and company meetings.

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Chris Sund, keynote speaker and author of You Are Capable of More

Chris Sund
President and COO of Uniti Med, GQR Healthcare and Nebula. Bestselling author of You Are Capable of More, winner of the How-To category at the 2026 Paris Book Festival, and a contributor to Inc. and Forbes.

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