Generative AI is everywhere in nonprofit work. In 2024, 78% of organizations used generative AI in their marketing, fundraising, or advocacy programs. Yet despite this widespread adoption, only 42% reported having policies, procedures, or guidelines in place around AI use.
This gap could be risky. Without clear guidelines, staff across your organization are making individual decisions about when and how to use AI tools, creating inconsistent quality, potential brand risks, and possible ethical or legal issues. Your donors' data, your mission's messaging, and your organization's reputation are all potentially at stake.
Why it matters
AI isn't going away, and ignoring it won't protect you. The tools are already embedded in platforms your team uses daily, from email systems to social media schedulers to donor databases. Without policies, you're not preventing AI use — you're just preventing thoughtful AI use.
Organizations with clear AI guidelines can move faster and with more confidence. They establish guardrails around data privacy, donor information, and brand voice while empowering teams to leverage AI where it genuinely improves efficiency. The majority of nonprofits already using AI without policies are creating organizational risk with every unguided decision.
Do this
Start simple with four core policies:
- Never input donor data or personally identifiable information into AI tools.
- Always review and edit AI-generated content before publishing.
- Require human approval for any AI-assisted communications.
- Document which AI tools are approved for which purposes, and schedule quarterly reviews as the technology evolves.
You don't need a perfect policy — you need a starting point that protects your mission while your team learns.
Learn how Fundraise Up uses predictive AI for nonprofit fundraising.