AI is a transformative tool for organizations with limited resources. But where should you begin? Based on my recent keynote address at the 2025 Jewish Digital Summit conference, I will explain.
The Importance of AI for Nonprofits Now
Nonprofits often lag in adopting technology. With limited budgets, specialized needs, and pressure to fulfill their missions, finding the time to experiment can be challenging.
But here’s the thing: AI has transformed the landscape. These new generative AI tools are accessible even to those without a tech background. You don’t need to hire a data scientist or invest in costly infrastructure to get started.
What’s Happening with AI in Nonprofits
AI adoption is skyrocketing, but nonprofits adapt at different speeds:
- Individual leaders (maybe you?) already use AI tools daily—often experimenting without formal approval or shared best practices.
- Some organizations are integrating AI strategically, enhancing efficiency through team-wide accounts and workflow automation.
- Forward-thinking groups are developing AI Acceptable Use Policies with clear guidelines on what’s encouraged and what’s off-limits.
Key takeaway: AI is here. Whether utilized by individuals or entire teams, a structured approach guarantees it supports your mission without unintended risks.
Let’s Talk About AI Worries
Raise your hand if…
- You’ve wondered if AI might take your job
- You’re concerned about accidentally plagiarizing with AI
- You worry about AI making mistakes
I understand. I had the same worries when I started. However, I’ve found that developing AI skills while acknowledging these concerns is far more beneficial than avoiding this technology altogether.
AI works best when it amplifies your expertise, not replaces it. It’s a thought partner, not a substitute for your judgment.
My Favorite AI Tools for Nonprofits
Start with these reliable tools:
- Chat GPT: This generative AI platform can edit, write, analyze content, merge files, and create images. The phone app has voice capability, so convenient.
- Claude: Competitor to ChatGPT with superior writing and language skills and a good mobile app. I often use this for more nuanced writing tasks.
- Perplexity.ai: My preferred AI search and research tool—it provides citations and links, which is crucial for grant research.
- Grammarly: Improve your writing with this AI editor and spellchecker. Your whole team can benefit from this one.
- Canva: Create gorgeous marketing materials with this workhorse tool, now with AI-assisted design that makes everyone look like a pro.
These are the workhorses that help me get more done in less time. Each one addresses immediate needs without a steep learning curve.
How I Got Started (And How You Can, Too)
Here’s what worked for me:
- Play around first: I experimented with essential AI tools to see what they could and couldn’t do well.
- Look for scaling opportunities: Where are you spending too much time on repetitive tasks? That’s your AI sweet spot.
- Find trusted sources: I learned from nonprofit tech experts rather than general AI hype. Big difference.
- Practice better prompting: The way you ask questions of AI makes all the difference. I got better with practice.
- Try, review, iterate: My first attempts weren’t perfect, so I kept refining my approach based on the results.
I’ve found that the most successful nonprofit leaders start small with non-critical tasks, build confidence, and expand to more important areas.
Your Next Step: Try One Thing This Week
Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Pick ONE task to experiment with:
- Draft social media content for your next event
- Summarize that 30-page report sitting on your desk
- Create an outline for an upcoming grant proposal
- Generate an image for a blog post or newsletter
- Translate a program description into Spanish
Document what works and what doesn’t. This hands-on experience is worth more than reading a dozen articles about AI.
This post is part of a four-part series. See all the posts here:
AI is a transformative tool for organizations with limited resources. But where should you begin? Based on my recent keynote address at the 2025 Jewish Digital Summit conference, I will explain.
The Importance of AI for Nonprofits Now
Nonprofits often lag in adopting technology. With limited budgets, specialized needs, and pressure to fulfill their missions, finding the time to experiment can be challenging.
But here’s the thing: AI has transformed the landscape. These new generative AI tools are accessible even to those without a tech background. You don’t need to hire a data scientist or invest in costly infrastructure to get started.
What’s Happening with AI in Nonprofits
AI adoption is skyrocketing, but nonprofits adapt at different speeds:
- Individual leaders (maybe you?) already use AI tools daily—often experimenting without formal approval or shared best practices.
- Some organizations are integrating AI strategically, enhancing efficiency through team-wide accounts and workflow automation.
- Forward-thinking groups are developing AI Acceptable Use Policies with clear guidelines on what’s encouraged and what’s off-limits.
Key takeaway: AI is here. Whether utilized by individuals or entire teams, a structured approach guarantees it supports your mission without unintended risks.
Let’s Talk About AI Worries
Raise your hand if…
- You’ve wondered if AI might take your job
- You’re concerned about accidentally plagiarizing with AI
- You worry about AI making mistakes
I understand. I had the same worries when I started. However, I’ve found that developing AI skills while acknowledging these concerns is far more beneficial than avoiding this technology altogether.
AI works best when it amplifies your expertise, not replaces it. It’s a thought partner, not a substitute for your judgment.
My Favorite AI Tools for Nonprofits
Start with these reliable tools:
- Chat GPT: This generative AI platform can edit, write, analyze content, merge files, and create images. The phone app has voice capability, so convenient.
- Claude: Competitor to ChatGPT with superior writing and language skills and a good mobile app. I often use this for more nuanced writing tasks.
- Perplexity.ai: My preferred AI search and research tool—it provides citations and links, which is crucial for grant research.
- Grammarly: Improve your writing with this AI editor and spellchecker. Your whole team can benefit from this one.
- Canva: Create gorgeous marketing materials with this workhorse tool, now with AI-assisted design that makes everyone look like a pro.
These are the workhorses that help me get more done in less time. Each one addresses immediate needs without a steep learning curve.
How I Got Started (And How You Can, Too)
Here’s what worked for me:
- Play around first: I experimented with essential AI tools to see what they could and couldn’t do well.
- Look for scaling opportunities: Where are you spending too much time on repetitive tasks? That’s your AI sweet spot.
- Find trusted sources: I learned from nonprofit tech experts rather than general AI hype. Big difference.
- Practice better prompting: The way you ask questions of AI makes all the difference. I got better with practice.
- Try, review, iterate: My first attempts weren’t perfect, so I kept refining my approach based on the results.
I’ve found that the most successful nonprofit leaders start small with non-critical tasks, build confidence, and expand to more important areas.
Your Next Step: Try One Thing This Week
Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Pick ONE task to experiment with:
- Draft social media content for your next event
- Summarize that 30-page report sitting on your desk
- Create an outline for an upcoming grant proposal
- Generate an image for a blog post or newsletter
- Translate a program description into Spanish
Document what works and what doesn’t. This hands-on experience is worth more than reading a dozen articles about AI.
This post is part of a four-part series. See all the posts here: