RSMUS.comDue to evolving economic conditions and changes in government funding, fundraising has become a significant challenge for nonprofit organizations. As a result, 85% of organizations are adjusting their approaches to include more digital methods and tapping into AI to boost impact.* This post examines how AI can be used in fundraising, outlining potential benefits, key considerations and tools to support nonprofits in achieving their financial objectives.
How is AI being used in fundraising?
Fundraisers can leverage AI to automate repetitive tasks that can otherwise drain precious time and resources. Assigning AI tasks such as data entry, donor segmentation, report generation and routine communications allows nonprofit teams to focus on cultivating personal relationships, crafting compelling campaigns and strategizing for greater impact. This shift not only boosts productivity but empowers staff to focus on value-driven initiatives to advance the mission, rather than getting bogged down by administrative details.
- Data Entry Automation: AI tools can extract, process, and input donor information from emails, digital and paper forms, or event registrations, reducing manual entry errors and freeing up staff time.
- Donor Segmentation: Machine learning algorithms can automatically categorize donors based on giving history, engagement level, or interests, enabling more targeted and effective outreach.
- Next Best Action: AI can suggest steps for reengaging donors and offer tailored engagement strategies for gift officers.
- Automated Thank-You Messages: AI-powered systems can generate and send personalized acknowledgments to donors immediately after a contribution is made, ensuring timely and consistent communication.
- Giving Histories: AI tools can quickly retrieve detailed donation histories at donor request.
- Event Calendar Management: Automated assistants can schedule donor meetings, send reminders, and manage RSVPs for fundraising events or campaigns.
- Reporting and Analytics: AI can produce regular fundraising performance reports, visualizing trends and insights with minimal human intervention.
What are the benefits of using AI in fundraising?
Nonprofits across the sector face a persistent challenge: attracting and retaining talented staff amid widespread burnout and staffing shortages. Much of this strain comes from the repetitive administrative work that often overshadows the meaningful, mission-driven activities staff are eager to pursue. This is precisely where AI can make a transformative difference. By automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows, AI can alleviate the burdens that lead to staff fatigue and help staff do more with less. AI doesn’t replace the human element at the heart of nonprofit work; instead, it empowers teams to focus their talents where they matter most, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.
In addition, AI can rapidly and accurately analyze large volumes of data, providing fundraisers with actionable insights. This enables them to better understand donor behavior, identify trends and prioritize outreach efforts more effectively. By leveraging these powerful analytics, fundraisers can make informed decisions about where to focus their energy for the greatest impact, ultimately driving more successful campaigns and advancing the mission of the organization.
What should nonprofits consider when adopting AI?
Before nonprofits consider adopting AI for fundraising, addressing ethical and privacy concerns is crucial. In particular, protecting donor data through strong security measures and adhering to regulations like GDPR ensures privacy and builds trust. Additionally, ethical AI use also means monitoring for bias, being transparent about data use and keeping donors informed. By prioritizing these principles, organizations can responsibly leverage AI while respecting the dignity and trust of their supporters.
What is Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud and how can it support fundraising with AI?
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud stands out as a sophisticated solution purpose-built for fundraising, with AI woven into its very foundation through a feature called Agentforce. Through intelligent automation and predictive analytics, the platform empowers nonprofit teams to streamline operations, engage donors more personally and drive strategic growth. Fundraisers benefit from AI-powered donor insights, next-best-action recommendations, and seamless integration with campaign management tools, all designed to help teams work smarter, not harder. With robust security protocols and privacy controls underlying the entire platform, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud ensures that sensitive donor information is protected, allowing nonprofit professionals to harness the power of AI confidently as they advance their missions.
RSM’s Approach
For nonprofits looking to unlock the potential of AI in their fundraising efforts, collaborating with a trusted advisor like RSM offers a strategic advantage. RSM brings deep nonprofit industry experience and technical expertise to help organizations assess where AI can drive the greatest impact. More importantly, RSM guides teams through the complexities of implementation, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also secure, ethical and aligned with organizational mission. By partnering with experts who understand the nuances of nonprofit challenges, staff can confidently adopt new technologies while safeguarding sensitive donor data and supporting their teams through thoughtful change management. Working with RSM empowers nonprofits to leverage AI safely and meaningfully, advancing their strategy and amplifying the impact of their fundraising programs.
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References:
* The Seventh Edition of the Nonprofit Trends Report, Salesforce, 2025
Lou Bialon-Crane
Lou is a 16x certified Salesforce architect who provides Salesforce consulting services to public and nonprofit organizations. He has a background in nonprofit operations.
