Streamowrks Blog
AI and ChatGPT, in particular, have been causing quite a bit of commotion in the nonprofit space recently.
In fact, at the Amplified Bridge Conference in Washington, D.C., there were at least ten classes on the topic for nonprofit organizations.
Let's go over some of the best practices for ChatGPT use as it relates to your nonprofit organization.
Best Nonprofit Practices for ChatGPT
Suppose you plan to use ChatGPT to help generate content for your nonprofit organization. In that case, there are a few proprietary things you will want to take care of first.
ChatGPT works via web scraping, which is a process in which it "scrapes" data from various sources on the Internet, looking for relevant information that it can, in turn, store in its database.
Before putting ANY data about your specific nonprofit into ChatGPT, you will want to do the following:
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Click on "Settings & Beta"
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Select "Data Controls"
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Toggle off "Chat history & training."
You may be wondering why, but let me explain: your chat searches get added to the ChatGPT system, becoming part of that "web scraped" data. Suppose you allow ChatGPT to keep that data (by not turning off "Chat history & training"). In that case, you are potentially putting all your proprietary information out there for anyone (aka ChatGPT) to access and use as they see fit.
Once you've saved your settings, you can work on developing your unique language and tone.
Priming for Nonprofits
Before asking ChatGPT whatever you like, it helps to prime it with information about your nonprofit, specifically, to narrow the scope. This process will make it a more effective tool for a number of not for profit organizations, such as religious organizations, charitable organizations, social welfare organizations, private foundations, political organizations, national charities and others.
As Joanne Toller notes in her article on "Top 10 ChatGPT Prompts for Nonprofits," here is an example:
"ChatGPT, I need your help crafting a compelling funding request for [nonprofit organization's name]. Our organization focuses on [mission or cause] and has a proven track record of [achievements or impact]. We seek financial support for [specific purpose or project], enabling us to [describe the intended outcomes or benefits]. What other information do you require?"
Once you've primed ChatGPT with more information about your specific nonprofit, you can utilize it with clear and concise prompts.
ChatGPT and Fundraising
There are many ways that AI can make copywriting easier for those who work in the nonprofit sector as long as you continue to proof and edit the final copy that sources like ChatGPT generate.
Here are just a few examples of what ChatGPT can help you with when it comes to your fundraising efforts:
- Drafting custom Donation Appeal letters
- Crafting social media copy to promote a fundraising event
- Suggest ways to segment your donors for various campaigns
- Assist in writing custom messaging for different donor segments
- Writing copy for landing pages or marketing emails
- Come up with new and fun ideas on how to encourage volunteer
- and donor efforts to raise money
ChatGPT Limitations
It's important to remember that ChatGPT is still an AI tool: it doesn't have thoughts, feelings, or emotions. It doesn't have the emotional intelligence to adjust language for tone or context.
It also, spoiler alert, doesn't generate new content, which means you have to fact-check anything and everything it generates.
Whenever using ChatGPT to craft appeal letters, asks, and social media content—any donor-facing copy—you want to double and triple-check it for anything that could be considered biased (gender or race) or culturally insensitive.
Nonprofit organizations should never use ChatGPT to assist in writing anything regarding tax exempt status, internal revenue code, federal income taxes, etc.
Final Thoughts
Many people worry that AI will cost people their jobs, and we're here to tell you that's not true.
- Who knows your nonprofit better than you?
- Who has formed relationships with your donors?
- Who knows your mission and vision better than you?
AI technology like ChatGPT is another tool for nonprofit organizations to simplify their already busy and stressful jobs: not replace them.
To stay up-to-date on digital marketing tactics for your organization, we encourage you to follow The Buzz: a LinkedIn page that focuses exclusively on nonprofit education, best practices, and tips.
