Ripples Story: “My 10 top tips for using AI”

In this article, Dom Honey, Director of Event Results, shares practical insights on using AI to improve engagement and build communities, alongside ten simple, actionable tips to help organisations get started in a thoughtful and ethical way.

I have been deploying AI for over five years to improve attendee networking and increase engagement. I work in events and build communities of practice. AI entered the public’s consciousness with the launch of ChatGPT some two years ago. Since then, there has been an extraordinary avalanche of AI-powered services, as well as AI enhancing the tools we use daily.

Like events, the world of non-profits is constantly evolving. It is driven by the unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. AI has the power to transform how non-profits operate, enabling them to work smarter, reach further, and achieve better results.

For many, the term “AI” might conjure images of complex algorithms or raise job security concerns. However, the reality is that AI encompasses a broad spectrum of tools, many of which are becoming increasingly accessible and user-friendly. From automating mundane tasks to providing deep insights into donor behaviour, AI is allowing non-profits to focus more on their core missions and less on admin.

Of course, the adoption of any new technology comes with considerations. Non-profits must be mindful of data privacy, potential biases in AI models, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in their interactions. AI should augment, not replace, the empathy and personal connection that are at the heart of non-profit work.

My 10 Tips for Using AI:

1. Start Small, Think Big: Don’t try to implement AI everywhere at once. Identify one specific challenge (e.g. donor retention, volunteer recruitment) and explore an AI solution for that.

2. Prioritise Ethical AI Use: Always consider data privacy, transparency, and potential biases. Ensure human oversight of AI-driven decisions. Always test and check results.

3. Focus on Data Quality: AI thrives on good data. Invest in cleaning and organising your existing data before feeding it into AI tools.

4. Leverage Existing Tools: Many CRM systems and marketing platforms are integrating AI features. Explore what you already have before seeking new solutions.

5. Embrace Chatbots for FAQs: Deploy a chatbot on your website to handle common inquiries from donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries, freeing up staff time.

6. Personalise Fundraising: Use AI to segment donors and tailor your outreach messages. Small personal touches can make a big difference.

7. Automate Repetitive Tasks: Identify administrative tasks like data entry, email responses, or report generation that AI can automate.

8. Explore Content Generation: Experiment with generative AI tools to assist in drafting social media posts, creating podcasts, blog outlines, or even initial drafts of grant narratives.

9. Invest in Training: Provide your staff with basic training on AI concepts and how to use AI tools effectively.

10. Measure and Iterate: Continuously monitor the performance of your AI solutions. Analyse the results and be prepared to adjust and refine your approach.

Bonus tip! AI-powered platforms I use regularly include Gemini, Swapcard, Castmagic and NotebookLM.

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