*NEW* We’re Certified in Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising!
We’ve used artificial intelligence (AI) for years now. It’s crazy how quickly time flies as the technology for doing business, managing community outreach and automating complex processes evolves with breakneck speeds. To keep up and better serve our nonprofit clients, I recently completed the Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising certification from Nonprofit Tech for Good.
But this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill AI for efficient content generation (although that’s incredibly valuable to charities and for-profit businesses alike). The power of artificial intelligence allows us now to manage and optimize the entire nonprofit fundraising process.
What does that mean? If used properly, AI can use predictive analytics to:
- Personalize donor communications
- Forecast giving trends
- Segment donor lists on virtually any criteria
- Optimize and automate data collection and workflows
- & Much more!
All of this based on demonstrated actions, preferred media, personal interests, and causes and programs close to their hearts.
What this Certification in AI for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising Means to You
With this certification, we can now serve nonprofits anywhere with the tools to improve fundraising efficiency and outcomes. It’s still vital to invest in case for support development, grant writing, public relations and digital marketing. But this certification in AI for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising allows us to augment those traditional fundraising activities. Grand River Agency is now at the forefront of a rapidly evolving digital fundraising landscape.
We’re prepared to equip nonprofits – anywhere and everywhere – with cutting-edge AI strategies to increase donor engagement and revenue.
Grand River Agency has served nonprofit clients around the globe. We’re also particularly excited to focus more on charities in our hometowns here in rural Western New York, where nonprofit organizations often lag behind technology advancements.
Artificial Intelligence: A New Technological Era for Nonprofit Fundraising
Early adoption of artificial intelligence is key to securing sustainable nonprofit revenue streams. Many small-budget nonprofits in Western New York and beyond have yet to harness AI’s full potential beyond simple applications like generating social media posts and thank-you emails.
Small nonprofits that embrace AI-powered donor intelligence and predictive analytics will significantly outperform those that don’t. Yes, there’s a cost to the most effective brands of AI software – just like there’s a cost associated with any step toward progress. You’re aiming for ROI, so why not use the data-backed approaches at your disposal?
Fundraising Artificial Intelligence: More Than Just a Buzzword
Many nonprofits are hesitant to invest in AI fundraising due to cost concerns or skepticism about its effectiveness. Recent industry insights suggest early adopters will reap the most benefits. According to the 2025 Fundraising Outlook Report, the number of nonprofits using AI to personalize donor outreach grew from 4% in 2023 to 6% in 2024. Projections say 43% of nonprofits will adopt AI for this task in the coming years.
Predictive AI uses machine learning (ML) to analyze donor behavior and forecast giving trends. Needless to say, it’s transforming how nonprofits tailor their community outreach strategies. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all donation form, AI-driven platforms can customize donation appeals based on a donor’s past giving history, content engagement, demographics and even preferred payment method.
Don’t believe me? Let the numbers tell the story.
Key AI fundraising platforms leading this transformation include:
- Classy (by GoFundMe) – Reports an 11% increase in donation revenue for nonprofits using smart fundraising technology.
- Fundraise Up – Uses behavioral AI to optimize donation forms, resulting in a 10-15% revenue boost and more than doubling new donor conversions.
- MAZON – Uses predictive analytics to segment donors, helping nonprofits retain donors and increase print appeal revenue by 23% while sending 10% fewer mailers.
And that barely scratches the surface of what’s out there for AI in nonprofit marketing and fundraising – and what’s soon to come!
The Data is Clear: AI Improves Nonprofit Fundraising Outcomes
Not convinced? Let’s chew over some more numbers:
- 43% of donors say AI use would have a positive or neutral impact on their giving.
- The more generous the donor, the more supportive they are of AI-driven fundraising (30% of major gift donors, 19% of medium-sized donors and 13% of small donors).
- Mobile donors are twice as likely to upgrade a one-time gift to a monthly gift than desktop users.
When it comes to optimizing, the power of artificial intelligence to analyze data and recommend action improves chances for fundraising success. For instance, it’s helpful to respond to the fact that first-time donors in New York give 23% more than those in Nebraska. AI identifies these trends and optimizes fundraising efforts accordingly.
AI gives us the ability to personalize fundraising efforts in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
AI Still Needs the Human Touch
Despite AI’s growing capabilities, it still needs a helping hand from humans who are capable of feeling, nuance and critical thinking. We’ve believed that from the beginning – whether using generative AI to create infographics or predictive AI to optimize a donor database.
Artificial intelligence can’t replace the strategy, storytelling and emotional intelligence required for successful fundraising campaigns. That’s where we come in. Grand River Agency pledges to help nonprofits navigate the world of AI-driven fundraising, ensuring our clients choose the right platforms, leverage predictive analytics effectively, and maintain a balance between automation and human connection.
We’ll provide nonprofits with AI-powered tools, but more importantly we’ll provide expertise in using them ethically, effectively and strategically. At the end of the day, AI is just another tool in your strategic communications toolbelt. It’s up to us to use it wisely to build stronger donor relationships and drive real impact.
Grand River Agency Earns AI for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising Certification.
For nonprofits anywhere struggling to keep up with fundraising demands, the future is clear: AI will define the next era of nonprofit success. Organizations that act now will be better positioned to attract, retain and grow their donor base.
Ready to use our expertise to your advantage? Email me at kelsey@grandriveragency.org.
About Grand River Agency
Grand River Agency is a Western New York-based nonprofit marketing and fundraising firm specializing in AI-powered fundraising strategies, donor engagement and nonprofit growth solutions. Founded by award-winning journalist Kelsey Boudin, Grand River Agency is committed to helping nonprofits embrace modern technology to achieve their missions.
President and Founder, Grand River Agency
With over 17 years of diverse experience in print journalism, digital media marketing, and nonprofit administration, Kelsey Boudin founded Grand River Agency (formerly Southern Tier Communications Strategies) in 2020. The agency specializes in offering contract-based strategic communications, content marketing, grant proposals, website design, and public relations services to small businesses and nonprofits. Kelsey’s career spans roles as an editor, content creator, and grant writer, reflecting his expertise in leading successful digital marketing campaigns, securing funding, and executing various projects.
