According to CBIZ’s 2024 Not-For-Profit Pulse Survey Report, more than half of respondents said they’re confident using financial and operational technology, showing increasing adoption and understanding throughout the sector. Not-for-profits have a unique opportunity to harness generative artificial intelligence (AI) to support their communications and marketing, strategic frameworks, research, exception analysis and summary drafting functions, producing high-quality content quickly and cost-effectively as a result.
The Rise of AI
AI traces its origin to the large-scale computing efforts of the late 1950s and 1960s when large room-sized computing systems analyzed information. These systems were limited by their processing capacity, skillsets and maintenance expense. In the decades that followed, the ability to scale up computing through cloud computing and advanced chips sets has enabled the AI platforms available to us today.
What Do Not-For-Profits Need to Use AI Effectively?
Every sector can leverage AI to become more productive, especially no-for-profits. AI helps provide efficient access to insights in operational and financial activities of the organization, as well as identify patterns and potential investment paths to continue its mission. maximize the potential of AI, organizations should focus on these areas:
- Relevant information that has been tagged and indexed. AI is most effective when you can feed it organized data to work with.
- Adequate computing power and cloud density to support AI’s energy requirements. Most organizations already have some form of cloud capabilities in place today. To find the right fit, look for AI-enabled features within the current cloud platform in use by the organization.
- Tech-savvy employees who specialize in AI. Whether these are in-house, full-time employees or consultants, you’ll need trained staff to program and interpret AI’s output.
How to Utilize AI Like a Teammate
Despite a seemingly never-ending workload, 44% of not-for-profits say they plan to maintain staff levels this year, according to our 2024 Not-For-Profit Pulse Survey Report. As the sector continues to battle the ongoing U.S. labor shortage, many organizations have reported prioritizing the implementation of AI to improve their efficiency in 2024.
By utilizing AI in a productivity-focused manner, you can reduce labor that may be repetitive or require deep data analysis, which an AI can evaluate in seconds. The generative AI platforms in place today can assist in social media, marketing, communications and strategic frameworks, accelerating communications and engagement of the donor audience, which is key to the survival and growth of not-for-profit organizations.
Below are some key ways not-for-profits have successfully implemented AI to streamline their operations, freeing up crucial time for employees in the process.
- Website Chatbots — Visitors to your organization’s website can be greeted by trained AI chatbots, which are ready and available 24/7 to answer questions and point them in the right direction.
- Producing First Drafts of Written Communications — Use tools like Open AI ChatGPT to take the first stab at drafting emails, communications plans and more. By doing so, you can more efficiently use your time to review and edit the copy. These tools are also efficient at brainstorming when fed with helpful prompts, such as “Generate five theme ideas for an outdoor summertime fundraiser benefitting an animal shelter.”
- Assisting in Graphic Design — Several AI tools designed to automate steps of the graphic design process have become popular in the last few years. For example, Designers can quickly resize images, check for style consistency and test accessibility with AI tools like Uizard, Adobe Firefly or Khroma, freeing up more of their time for new creative work.
- Detecting Fraud — Across all industries, AI’s ability to detect fraud is invaluable. For not-for-profits especially, AI fraud detection can help protect your resources and reputation. AI’s use of algorithms means it can scan expense reports, donations, grants and other transactions, flagging anything it deems fraudulent for your team to double check.
- Data Management — One of AI’s biggest strengths is its ability to analyze and manage data sets. Utilizing AI, you can leverage your analytic resources more effectively allowing the AI platform to surface key insights in the operations of the association.
Connect With Us
At CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs, our team of experts is dedicated to supporting your not-for-profit organization’s unique needs. Our professionals are equipped to offer tailored assistance that enhances your organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Connect with one of our not-for-profit practice leaders today to explore how we can assist you in prioritizing your mission.
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