Smarter, Not Harder: How Nonprofits Can Use AI to Save Time and Boost Fundraising Results

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein welcomes Capital Campaign Pro’s Director of Engagement, Steven Shattuck, to explore how nonprofit organizations can approach artificial intelligence with confidence, strategy, and purpose. Whether you’re skeptical of AI or eager to experiment, this conversation unpacks what it means to use AI responsibly while staying focused on relationships and results. Steven, author of Robots Make Bad Fundraisers, shares his perspective on how AI fits into modern nonprofit work: not as a replacement for the human element, but as a set of tools that can improve efficiency and free up time for the work that truly matters. Topics Covered in This Episode:How to assess your organization’s needs before adopting any AI toolsWhy nonprofits often lag in tech adoption, and how to overcome those barriersThe importance of having an internal “tech champion” to evaluate and experiment with new toolsReal-world examples of AI helping with campaign planning, meeting prep, donor communication, and volunteer trainingWhy Capital Campaign Pro developed Andie, an AI tool trained specifically for capital campaign strategy, and how clients are using it to save hours of time each weekPractical safety reminders when using AI tools, including data privacy best practicesWhat tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and others are good at (and when to use each) Throughout the conversation, Amy and Steven emphasize that AI should never replace the strategic thinking and relationship-building at the heart of fundraising. Instead, it should support the work of nonprofit leaders, making it faster to draft documents, generate ideas, and prepare for donor interactions. From customizing gift agreements to training new staff or board members, AI is already making a difference for organizations of all sizes. Notable Highlights:“Donors give to outcomes—not organizations. AI can help us communicate those outcomes more clearly and more efficiently.”“You don’t need to jump on every new tech trend, but ignoring AI altogether could cost you valuable time and energy.”“The first step is to check what you already have. Your CRM or other tools may already offer AI-powered features.”“Our clients aren’t replacing advisors with AI—they’re using AI between meetings to move faster and make better decisions.” Steven also reflects on the current moment in nonprofit tech: AI isn’t a passing trend. It’s a shift in how we work. Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders:Start with your goals. Choose tools based on your actual pain points, not the latest trendLook for low-risk opportunities to experiment, like creating first drafts of agendas or donor lettersAssign someone - staff, volunteer, or board member - to lead your internal AI explorationTrain tools with trusted data and frameworks to get relevant, high-quality responsesBe mindful of privacy, especially when using free public AI toolsCollaborate with consultants and vendors who are tech-forward and actively integrating new tools Whether you’re running a $60 million campaign or just beginning to think about how to modernize your systems, this episode offers approachable, practical ideas to help you get started (or go deeper) with AI in your organization. Resources Mentioned:Capital Campaign Pro’s online toolkit and Andie, the AI assistantSteven’s book: Robots Make Bad FundraisersAI tools discussed: ChatGPT, Claude by Anthropic, PerplexityFree blog articles, webinars, and tools available at capitalcampaignpro.com