Artificial Intelligence in Fundraising
Artificial Intelligence (AI) sounds like a tactic that would be part of a sci-fi movie, but since the beginning of the decade many nonprofits have been using AI to increase productivity and strengthen relationships with their constituents. In fact, in 2020 report, the AI in Advancement Advisory Council reported that 82% of fundraisers think artificial intelligence in fundraising is the future.
Save Time Using Artificial Intelligence in Fundraising
Why does it make sense to use AI in our nonprofit organizations? Organizations that have incorporated AI in their operations have reduced administrative tasks and time spent doing data entry and research to determine who to ask for gifts, when to make a gift ask and at what amount. This allows executive directors and fundraisers to spend more time on specific engagement activities for their most likely prospects and donors.
Some nonprofits may already have resources that incorporate AI technology in their services such as a CRM that provides a wealth screen of a donor database or Google Analytics to help understand the demographics of people viewing your website. Other services such as Gravyty or Dataro can assist in further segmenting your audiences, provide customized communications to your constituents and prioritize donors for outreach and stewardship activities. Some AI services can also provide ongoing data cleansing: updating donor records with mailing addresses, phone numbers and email. These processes save staff and volunteer time from manually updating records, giving more time to dedicate to community outreach and sharing your organization’s mission and needs.
Incorporating AI technology in your organization has the potential to increase your staff productivity and create more efficiencies in your nonprofit. To learn about ways to implement AI in your operations, contact AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising at jrubel@amperagefundraising.com or 319-268-9151.
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Written by: Melissa Pence, CFRE
Melissa provides fundraising counsel for AMPERAGE’s nonprofit clients, leading feasibility studies and providing solutions that drive successful fundraising campaign results.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), she uses her experience and extensive skill set to continually advance her fundraising practices and develop campaign-specific strategies, materials and training to help clients reach their campaign goals and advance their mission.
Melissa has vast experience working in the nonprofit sector, having served in development and leadership roles with Sisters of Mercy and the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, she has served as a volunteer and board member with local nonprofits, such as the Catherine McAuley Center. Faith-based organizations and causes are of particular interest to Melissa.
Melissa moves the needle by always looking for new opportunities and ways to improve professionally. She is currently president of the Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council and a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Eastern Iowa Chapter.
Melissa holds a Master of Strategic Leadership degree from Mount Mercy University.
This busy professional, wife and mother enjoys sports and live music in her free time. A fan of Cubs baseball and Iowa Hawkeye football, Melissa and family enjoy football tailgating, where she’s known for her breakfast burritos. She enjoys the local band scene but says a Foo Fighters concert is her all-time favorite.