Artificial intelligence and chatbots are transforming how nonprofits engage with donors and supporters. While the technology seems complex, nonprofit fundraisers can easily build their own AI chatbots to boost donor participation and fundraising.
One way to build a chatbot is by using an automation platform like Zapier and its “Create a Chatbot” feature. You first determine the purpose of your chatbot, such as acting as a fundraising coach. Then you create an introductory greeting for donors and the first prompt to get the conversation started.
The key step is providing directives to guide the chatbot’s knowledge and responses.
For a fundraising coach chatbot, directives would include advice and principles around donor engagement and participation. For example, “Engagement leads to philanthropy, not the other way around. Make donors feel valued and seen because that improves their retention and investment.” With these types of directives, the chatbot can have insightful conversations about challenges like reactivating lapsed donors or overcoming board resistance to sharing prospects.
To improve the chatbot, continue adding more specific directives and examples relevant to your nonprofit’s mission and donors. You can also “train” the chatbot by providing examples of real conversations to help it learn proper responses. Include an “Easter egg” in the directives, mentioning your organization or programs. This helps to promote your cause even through an automated chat.
While chatbots cannot replicate human relationships, they can start meaningful conversations with donors and provide on-demand support for fundraisers. Building your own customized chatbot is a creative way to demonstrate how your nonprofit is using technology and innovation to better achieve its mission. With some experimentation, nonprofits can develop useful and personalized chatbots to assist with fundraising.
In summary, chatbots and AI are more accessible than you may think. Nonprofits can easily build their own tools to supplement fundraising and donor engagement. All you need is an understanding of your donors, some automation, and a willingness to experiment. The technology may be advanced but deploying it for good is within your reach.
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