AI for Nonprofits

Chapter 13.1Securing Funding for Your AI Upgrades

Based on insights from an interview with Michael Belinsky.

Thanks in part to this book, you've heard about all the amazing things AI can do for your nonprofit—boosting fundraising, enhancing marketing efforts, streamlining operations, and even improving program delivery. But here's the million-dollar question: how do you actually pay for AI upgrades? If you're like most nonprofit leaders, your budget is tight, so new AI projects might seem unaffordable. The good news is, many funders, from the Gates Foundation to Google.org, are funding AI. And all funders are still trying to figure out this new technology, just like you. So, let's dive into some tried-and-true methods to get those AI dollars flowing your way.

Lead with Impact

First things first: start with the impact, not the tool, which often is a means to an end. Funders will want to understand how AI will help increase your organization's impact, not just that you're using a shiny new technology. You are probably already prioritizing projects that are most likely to advance your programmatic goals. So, when you talk to funders, frame the conversation accordingly. For example, instead of saying, “We need funding for AI to improve our back-office operations” (which may be exactly true!), say, “AI can help us reach more beneficiaries on the front end through more efficient operations on the back end.” This will help funders draw the connection between your organization's ...