AI and Automation for Social Good: Tools & Tips for Organizations
10 Things Social Purpose Organizations Need to Know About AI and Automation
The intersection of social impact and technology is creating exciting opportunities for nonprofits and social enterprises. Sean Pritzkau’s recent session, hosted by The Good Growth Company as part of the 10 Things Series, provided practical insights into how organizations can use AI and automation to enhance their mission-driven work. From streamlining administrative tasks to improving donor engagement, Sean's presentation offered ten actionable tips for leveraging technology while staying true to organizational values.
1. Automate Busy Work to Focus on Big Work
Automation can free up time by taking over repetitive tasks like data entry, file organization, and appointment scheduling. Tools like Zapier make it easy to set up workflows so staff can focus on high-value activities like strategy and relationship building.
2. Scale Without Burnout
Automation helps teams handle growth without overextending resources. For example, setting up workflows for onboarding volunteers or sending project status updates can improve efficiency. Sean emphasized that the goal isn’t to replace people but to increase capacity and reduce stress.
3. Engage Donors as Individuals
AI tools can personalize donor communications by analyzing data and drafting customized thank-you notes or program updates. Tools like ChatGPT and donor databases make it easier to craft messages that resonate on a personal level.
4. Ethical Use of AI is Critical
Organizations must decide how to use AI responsibly. Sean recommended discussing data privacy, access controls, and ethical concerns internally. Bias in AI outputs is another issue to monitor, with regular reviews ensuring alignment with organizational values.
5. Start Simple with No-Code Tools
For organizations without in-house developers, no-code platforms like Zapier and Airtable are excellent for implementing basic automation. Sean highlighted how tools like Make.com can offer affordable alternatives for nonprofits.
6. Manual First, Magic Later
Before automating, ensure workflows are documented and optimized. Starting with a strong manual process reduces errors when transitioning to automated solutions. Sean shared an example of how documenting and refining a volunteer onboarding workflow saved time for a nonprofit client.
7. Protect the Human Touch
AI-generated copy often lacks authenticity. Sean advised editing AI-generated text to preserve a human connection, ensuring communications feel personal and genuine.
8. AI Often Overpromises
Sean cautioned against expecting AI to solve all problems. Instead of delegating entire outcomes, he suggested using AI to generate ideas or drafts and then refining them manually for better results.
9. Let Your Mission Guide Technology Use
AI should amplify your mission, not dilute it. Sean shared an inspiring case study of an organization using AI for real-time translation services to connect refugees with volunteers—an example of technology enabling impact at scale.
10. Stay Curious and Experiment
Start small, learn from mistakes, and refine your approach. Sean encouraged participants to experiment with low-risk tasks, like drafting content or analyzing donor data, to better understand AI's capabilities.
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Q&A Highlights
Q: What are some of the easiest starting points for including more AI and automation in a nonprofit organization?
A: Start with tools you're already using that offer AI or automation features. For example, email platforms that draft responses, or uploading files to tools like ChatGPT for quick analysis. This can save time and expand your understanding of the technology’s potential.
Q: How can small charities use AI for fundraising?
A: Train AI models with past event data to generate new ideas for campaigns or communication timelines. AI can also draft content for social media or email campaigns, giving small teams a head start on outreach efforts.
Q: How do you propose new AI workflows and train people on them without raising resistance?
A: Frame automation as a way to save time and focus on high-value work. Involve team members in identifying tasks that could be automated and highlight how this will empower them to work more efficiently.
Q: What are key considerations for automating donor communications while protecting privacy?
A: Avoid uploading sensitive data to third-party platforms. When possible, use anonymized data or secure, in-house AI tools to analyze trends and draft general communications while maintaining data integrity.
Q: What’s the best way to get started with internal process automation?
A: Document recurring tasks using tools like Scribe to create a clear process map. Once documented, use tools like Zapier or Airtable to automate repetitive steps, freeing up team capacity for strategic work.
Q: What are potential pitfalls of using AI in fundraising?
A: Poorly written or generic AI-generated messages can damage donor trust. It’s crucial to edit and humanize AI outputs to ensure they align with your organization's voice and maintain personal connections with supporters.
What’s next?
Sean’s session demystified the buzz around AI and automation, showing how these tools can empower nonprofits to work smarter and stay mission-focused. Whether you’re a tech novice or an early adopter, his practical tips and insights offer a solid foundation for embracing technology in the social good space.
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