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In the world of changemakers, campaigners, and front-line organizers, there is always more work than there are people to do it. This post explores how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help us work more efficiently, freeing up time to dream up bold, creative ideas that engage and organize existing communities while also reaching new audiences who might be interested in joining the cause.
New AI-augmented tools are emerging every day, and navigating them all can be confusing and distracting. In this post, we’ll focus on some of the most impactful AI innovations within tools that many organizations already use.
Before we jump into the tools, I think there are some major questions that have to be reconciled before considering how we use AI in campaign work. There are questions around sustainability, as these AI tools and the data centers that power them are one of the only growing sectors when it comes to energy use. A report earlier this year by Morgan Stanley suggests that data center carbon emissions are set to triple by 2030 on account of AI.
There also remain big questions around AI and privacy. AI tools like ChatGPT for example raise significant privacy concerns due to their reliance on vast amounts of user data for training and operation. While these tools can enhance productivity and communication, they often process sensitive information, creating risks of data breaches, unauthorized access, or misuse. Additionally, the lack of transparency in how user data is stored, shared, or used to improve AI models amplifies concerns about compliance with privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA.
One good first step to address privacy concerns would be to start drafting an AI usage policy for your organization. You can see an example of an AI usage policy on Spake’s site here, where we outline how we will use AI in our work.
With all that said, here are some ways you can use AI in your work advocacy work:
1. Chat GPT
This is an obvious starting point given all the recent hype. ChatGPT was the first large-scale AI tool to become widely available without requiring extensive knowledge of programming languages like Python, making it accessible to non-technical users. Many of you have likely already experimented with ChatGPT, and that’s the best way to start getting familiar with what AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) can offer.
AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT can assist nonprofits by answering frequently asked questions from supporters, helping with grant writing, or generating ideas for social media content. These tools save time and ensure consistent communication with donors and volunteers.
There is a lot more to unpack here and we will be going more in-depth on ChatGPT and how it can help nonprofits in upcoming new posts.
2. Hootsuite Insights
Hootsuite Insights is a social media listening tool that uses AI to monitor conversations about your cause, analyze audience sentiment, and identify trends. This can help nonprofits stay ahead of the curve and fine-tune their messaging.
3. Salesforce Einstein for Nonprofits
This AI-powered CRM offers insights into donor behavior, helps predict giving patterns, and automates personalized outreach. Salesforce Einstein can empower nonprofits to build stronger, data-driven donor relationships.
4. Canva Magic Write
Canva’s AI writing assistant Magic Write helps nonprofits create compelling captions, blog posts, and email content. Paired with Canva’s design tools, this feature enables small teams to produce professional-quality marketing materials quickly.
5. Donorbox
Donorbox integrates AI to analyze donor data, predict fundraising trends, and recommend strategies to improve donation campaigns. It’s an essential tool for small to medium-sized nonprofits looking to scale their fundraising efforts.
6. Grammarly
Clear and professional communication is crucial for success when it comes to writing compelling key messaging and other content for your supporters and prospective new members. Grammarly uses AI to proofread and enhance the tone of emails, grant proposals, and other content, ensuring your message resonates with stakeholders.
7. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot’s AI tool Breeze can help nonprofits automate email campaigns, analyze website traffic, and manage donor engagement more effectively. It’s particularly useful for tracking the supporter journey and nurturing relationships.
8. Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
The latest iteration of Google Analytics uses AI to deliver actionable insights into website performance and user behavior. Nonprofits can use these insights to optimize their donation pages and improve overall engagement.
9. Zapier
For the record, I am a big fan of Zapier and I think it is integral to using AI to connect various software tools together. Zapier uses AI to automate workflows between apps, helping nonprofits save time and reduce manual tasks. For example, it can automatically sync donor data from event registrations to a CRM or send follow-up emails after donations.
10. Altruistiq
Altruitiq describes itself as a “sustainability intelligence platform.” I have not had a chance to play around with it much but it looks very interesting. For nonprofits focused on environmental or social impact, Altruistiq uses AI to measure and report on sustainability metrics. This tool helps organizations quantify their impact and communicate their efforts effectively to stakeholders.
These are just a few examples of how we can start to use AI in our work, and this list is far from exhaustive as there seem to be new (and cool) AI tools coming onto the market every day. Like any new software solution, it is best to start small and experiment with the tools I have listed above and any other tools you find. It’s also important to address barriers to use, which for those in the campaigns and advocacy world means having conversations with staff and supporters about important issues like sustainability and privacy.
As AI continues to transform how we work, we must address pressing issues like privacy and sustainability while simultaneously skilling up the movement worldwide. By doing so, we can run better, more impactful campaigns to tackle urgent challenges like climate change and social justice and drive meaningful progress for the causes we care about.