Park Bank
Maximizing efficiency and fundraising success with artificial intelligence tools
Nonprofit organizations are discovering powerful new ways to save time, raise more funds, and better serve their communities through artificial intelligence. During a recent Park Bank webinar, Ashley Storck, CEO and founder of Marketini Media, shared practical insights on how nonprofits can leverage AI tools to enhance their operations and increase their impact.
Understanding AI's Role in Nonprofit Work
AI is already part of many aspects of our daily lives, from Netflix recommendations to personalized email marketing. For nonprofits, AI creates opportunities to operate more efficiently and effectively.
"If you're not looking at ways to utilize AI, you're going to get run over by your competitor," Storck noted, a quote from Rep. Doyle. While nonprofits may not view themselves as having competitors, organizations using AI tools are becoming more efficient and effective in their missions.
Getting Started: Three Essential AI Tools
For nonprofits ready to embrace AI, Storck recommends starting with three accessible platforms:
ChatGPT
Perfect for everyday content creation including social media posts, emails, grant drafts, and donor letters. The free version offers robust capabilities for most nonprofit needs, with a pro version available for advanced features.
Microsoft Copilot
An excellent add-on for organizations already using Microsoft 365, integrating seamlessly with Word, Excel, and Outlook to boost efficiency without switching platforms.
Google Gemini
Ideal for nonprofits using Google Workspace, offering free integration with Google Docs, Gmail, and Sheets for most nonprofit users.
The Foundation: Effective Prompt Engineering
The key to successful AI implementation lies in prompt engineering—crafting clear, specific instructions that generate useful responses. Marketini Media's proven framework includes three essential components:
Action: An action verb to direct the AI's response
Framework: A familiar structure for the AI to follow
Specifications: Additional details to personalize outputs
For example: "Write a blog post intro paragraph about the benefits of giving to local nonprofits."
Five Practical AI Use Cases for Nonprofits
Hint: Watch the webinar for real-life example prompts!
- Fundraising Communications
Create compelling donor letters and annual appeals that resonate with supporters while maintaining your organization's authentic voice. - Grant Writing Support
Develop strong responses to grant questions and align project descriptions with your organization's mission more effectively. - Content Planning and Creation
Generate social media content calendars, email newsletters, and marketing materials that engage your audience consistently. - Event Logistics
Organize detailed run-of-show documents, timelines, and coordination materials for fundraising events and programs. - Impact Storytelling
Craft compelling narratives that highlight client success stories and demonstrate your organization's tangible community impact.
Addressing Important Considerations
Security and Ethics
Successful AI implementation requires transparency and responsible use. Organizations should establish AI policies ensuring team members use these tools appropriately while protecting sensitive information. Never input confidential data into AI platforms, and always maintain human oversight of AI-generated content.
Environmental Impact
While AI does consume energy and resources, individual usage has minimal environmental impact compared to everyday activities. The key is using AI intentionally rather than excessively, focusing on replacing high-energy or high-waste tasks in your organization.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The future of nonprofit work includes AI as a standard tool for efficiency and impact. Rather than fearing job displacement, nonprofit professionals should focus on learning to leverage these tools effectively. As Storck emphasized, "You shouldn't be concerned about AI taking your job, you should be concerned about someone who knows how to leverage AI taking your job."
Getting started doesn't require extensive technical knowledge. Begin with ChatGPT, experiment with the basic prompt framework, and gradually incorporate more sophisticated techniques as your comfort level grows.
Ready to Transform Your Nonprofit's Operations?
Park Bank remains committed to supporting nonprofits through innovative solutions and expert guidance. Our Treasury Services team understands the unique financial and operational challenges facing nonprofit organizations and can help you explore how emerging technologies like AI fit into your broader organizational strategy.
For more insights on nonprofit management and innovative solutions, connect with Park Bank's Treasury Services team. Together, we'll help your organization operate more efficiently and achieve greater impact in the communities we serve.
Want to learn more about implementing AI in your nonprofit? Watch the complete webinar presentation below and discover specific strategies you can implement today.
About the Presenter: Ashley Storck is CEO and founder of Marketini Media, a remote marketing firm specializing in digital marketing for businesses and nonprofits. A UW-Madison graduate, Storck has worked with organizations including the White House, PBS Wisconsin, and dozens of local nonprofits.