Best Practices for AI in Nonprofits:How to Leverage Free Tools for Maximum Impact

By Korrin Wheeler, Marketing Coordinator, RoundTable Technology
*RoundTable Technology is a trusted TPF Partner. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the nonprofit sector, helping organizations streamline operations, enhance donor engagement, and maximize impact. However, with limited budgets and resources, nonprofits must be strategic about adopting AI solutions.

At RoundTable Technology, we specialize in helping nonprofits harness the power of AI and technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, and outreach. Our team works closely with mission-driven organizations to implement cost-effective and impactful tech solutions tailored to their needs. In this blog, we’ll cover best practices for using AI in the nonprofit sector and highlight free tools and resources that can help your organization get started!

1. Start with a Clear Goal

Before diving into AI tools, identify the specific challenges AI can help address. Common use cases for nonprofits include:

• Automating administrative tasks to save time
• Enhancing giving efforts with predictive analytics
• Improving donor and volunteer engagement with personalized outreach
• Streamlining content creation for social media and newsletters

2. Prioritize Ethical AI Use

Nonprofits have a responsibility to ensure AI is used ethically. Keep in mind:

• Transparency: Be clear about how AI is used and ensure stakeholders understand its role.
• Data Privacy: Protect donor, volunteer, and beneficiary data by following best security practices.
• Bias Mitigation: AI can sometimes reflect biases in the data it’s trained on—regularly review and refine AI-driven decisions.

3. Utilize Free AI Tools 

Leverage free and low-cost tools to test AI’s effectiveness. Many nonprofits successfully integrate AI into their operations without a big budget, especially in the beginning. 

4. Train Your Team

Your team should feel comfortable using AI tools. Provide training and resources to help staff understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations.

5. Monitor and Optimize

AI isn’t a “set it and forget it” solution. Regularly review AI-generated insights, track key performance indicators, and adjust your strategy as needed.

6. Work with an Expert

While free AI tools and internal strategies can go a long way, partnering with experts can help nonprofits get the most out of AI and technology. A knowledgeable partner can:

• Recommend AI solutions tailored to your organization’s unique needs
• Provide training to ensure staff can confidently use AI tools
• Help implement AI-driven automation, donor insights, and data security best practices
• Ensure ethical and responsible AI adoption

That’s where RoundTable Technology can step in! Whether you need guidance on selecting the right AI tools, training for your team, or full-scale implementation support, we’re here to help.

Free AI Tools & Resources for Nonprofits

AI for Productivity & Workflow Automation

• Zapier (Free Tier) – Automate repetitive tasks by connecting different apps (e.g., sync donations from PayPal to a Google Sheet).
• Google’s Vertex AI (Free Tier) – Build custom AI models with Google Cloud’s free credits.
• Trello with Butler AI (Free Features) – Automate task management workflows.

AI for Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• ChatGPT (Free Version) – Generate personalized donor emails, grant proposals, and social media content.
• Dataro (Free for Small Nonprofits) – AI-powered donor predictions to help optimize fundraising strategies.
• Hootsuite’s OwlyWriter AI (Free Plan) – Automate and improve nonprofit social media content.

AI for Content Creation & Marketing

• Canva’s Magic Write (Free Plan) – Generate social media captions, blog ideas, and marketing copy.
• Grammarly (Free Plan) – AI-powered grammar and tone improvement for donor communications.
• Lumen5 (Free Plan) – Convert blog posts and reports into engaging videos using AI.

AI for Data & Impact Analysis

• Google Looker Studio (Free) – Create AI-powered dashboards and visualizations of impact data.
• Tableau Public (Free Version) – AI-driven data visualization for nonprofit storytelling.
• MonkeyLearn (Free Tier) – AI-powered text analysis to gain insights from donor feedback and surveys.

AI for Chatbots & Support

• Tidio (Free Plan) – AI chatbot for nonprofit websites to answer FAQs and engage visitors.
• Intercom (Free Plan for Small Teams) – AI-powered customer support for nonprofits.
• BotPress (Free Tier) – Open-source AI chatbot builder for nonprofits.

The Future of AI in Nonprofits

AI is no longer just for tech giants—it’s an accessible tool for nonprofits of all sizes. By using AI strategically and leveraging free tools, nonprofits can reduce operational burdens, engage stakeholders more effectively, and maximize their social impact.

Want to learn more about implementing AI in your nonprofit? Visit https://www.roundtabletechnology.com/ to speak with an expert!