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AI tools being used in not-for-profits

December 01, 20241 min read

AI tools are rapidly transforming the not-for-profit sector, with recent surveys showing that 69% of Australian NFPs are either using or planning to use AI tools within the next year[12]. Here are the most widely adopted AI solutions:

Communication Tools

ChatGPT and Large Language Models

Nearly one-third of Australian not-for-profits use ChatGPT, making it the most popular AI system in the sector[1]. Other major platforms include:

- Google's Gemini

- Anthropic's Claude

- Microsoft Copilot[9]

Donor Management

Dataro

This Australian-developed platform has shown remarkable success in donor targeting. Greenpeace Australia's implementation resulted in a 5x ROI and helped retain 64 supporters who were likely to lapse[2].

Administrative Solutions

Meeting Assistants

- Zoom AI Companion: Provides automated responses and meeting summaries

- Otter.ai: Offers real-time transcription and note-taking capabilities[3]

Data Analysis

Zia by Zoho

Specialises in predictive analysis and data interpretation, helping organisations make data-driven decisions[4].

Social Media Management

Hootsuite with OwlyWriter AI

Generates social media content and manages posting schedules, with its AI capabilities specifically tailored for not-for-profit communications[3].

Fundraising Tools

DonorSearch Ai

Recognised as the most advanced machine learning tool for fundraising, it helps organisations identify and segment top prospects[5].

Impact Assessment

The Institute of Community Directors Australia reports that not-for-profits are primarily using AI for:

- Data-driven decision making (21%)

- Grant application writing (20%)

- Data analysis (15%)

- Customer engagement (9%)[1]

Implementation Trends

One in four not-for-profit and charity organisations are already using AI, with two-thirds expected to adopt these technologies within the year[12]. This rapid adoption reflects the sector's recognition of AI's potential to enhance operational efficiency while managing limited resources.

Citations:

[1] https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/articles/not-for-profits-getting-smart-about-artificial-intelligence-our-survey

[2] https://eastsidepeople.org/insight/5-ai-tools-for-charities/

[3] https://www.connectingup.org/blog/guide-implementing-ai-tools-not-profit-operations-benefits-and-best-practices

[4] https://www.edzola.com/post/8-game-changing-ai-tools-and-usecases-for-nonprofits-chatgpt-polymath-ai-and-more

[5] https://www.donorsearch.net/resources/ai-tools-for-nonprofits/

[6] https://www.sap.com/resources/how-nonprofits-use-ai-to-find-and-keep-good-donors

[7] https://www.grassrootsit.com.au/blog/how-ai-and-rpa-can-transform-non-profit-operations/

[8] https://www.classy.org/blog/ai-tools-nonprofits/

[9] https://www.nptechforgood.com/2024/06/21/the-best-ai-fundraising-productivity-tools-for-nonprofits/

[10] https://www.funraise.org/blog/best-ai-tools-for-nonprofits

[11] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/case-studies-showcasing-how-nonprofits-utilizing-ai-enhance-phillips

[12] https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/articles/not-for-profits-embracing-ai-reportoxchange-ai-report

[13] https://digitaldefynd.com/IQ/ways-non-profit-organizations-are-using-ai/

[14] https://www.ccsfundraising.com/insights/revolutionizing-fundraising-part-ii-5-nonprofit-sector-ai-application-examples/

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Dante St James

Dante is the Director of Australian Digital Education & Retail Group and Founder of Clickstarter, Speakstarter and Dante St James Consulting.

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