Maximize Your Year-End Fundraising Campaign with a Boost from AI
Olena Novichenko | ACDN Board Member
Strategies for Engaging Individual Donors with a Boost from AI
As the year comes to a close, non-profit organizations everywhere are gearing up for their biggest fundraising push. The holiday season inspires many to give back, making it an ideal time to reach out to individual donors. To make the most of this season, you’ll want to combine tried-and-true strategies with a few modern twists—including the power of artificial intelligence (AI). With the right approach, you can create a campaign that’s heartfelt, effective, and data-driven.
Just below, we’ll share effective fundraising strategies to engage individual donors and explain how AI can help you make an even bigger impact!
STRATEGY #1: Share Compelling Stories to Inspire Giving
At the heart of any successful campaign is a compelling story. Donors want to feel connected to your mission and understand how their support makes a difference. Share real-life stories that show the tangible impact of their contributions—whether it’s helping unemployed individuals with their clothing and resume needs or, more broadly, creating positive change in the community. Keep your message authentic and focus on the specific individuals or groups who benefit from your work.
Tip: Use visuals and quotes directly from those impacted to make the story even more powerful.
How AI Can Help: Leverage artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT to help you create a compelling story and a robust execution plan. ACDN recommends using this “Plug-and-Play Role Play Prompt” which was created specifically for ChatGPT and provides the necessary structure to obtain best results when prompting ChatGPT with different requests. This tool will help you with storytelling, fundraising plan outline, marketing campaign strategies, etc.
STRATEGY #2: Personalize Your Outreach with Segmentation
Every donor is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it. Divide your donors into segments based on factors like giving history, level of engagement, or preferred communication channel. Personalizing your messages not only shows that you value your donors but also increases the likelihood that they’ll respond positively to your ask.
How AI Can Help: AI-driven tools can analyze your donor data to automatically create segments, offering insights on how to tailor messaging to each group. This ensures that every donor receives a message that feels personal and relevant. ACDN works with Little Green Light which is all-in-one donor management software built specifically for non-profit organizations and allows for different types of donor segmentation.
STRATEGY #3: Highlight Matching Gift Opportunities
Matching gifts are a simple but powerful way to boost donations by doubling (or even tripling) a donor’s impact. Promote any available matching gift programs heavily throughout your campaign, and let donors know their contribution could go even further. Many companies offer matching gifts, but donors may not know if they’re eligible.
Tip: Make sure your non-profit is registered with the third-party donation management companies that are frequently utilized by employers to manage its employees’ donations and volunteer work. These third-party organizations usually support automated employer matching as well. One such provider is Benevity.
How AI Can Help: AI can identify donors who might qualify for matching gifts and send reminders to help them maximize their contributions. This not only increases revenue but also deepens donor engagement.
STRATEGY #4: Create Urgency with Countdown Reminders
As December 31 approaches, create a sense of urgency. Use countdown messages to encourage donors to make their gift before the year ends, emphasizing that this is the last chance to contribute this year. You can share updates on your progress to give donors a sense of accomplishment as you get closer to your goal.
How AI Can Help: AI tools can help identify the best times to send these messages, based on each donor’s past engagement. This way, your reminders arrive when donors are most likely to respond.
STRATEGY #5: Say Thank You Promptly and Personally
Never underestimate the power of a heartfelt thank you. A prompt, personalized thank-you message reassures donors that their gift matters. Share the impact of their support and express genuine gratitude. Showing appreciation goes a long way in building lasting donor relationships.
How AI Can Help: AI-powered donor management platforms can automatically send personalized thank-you messages, helping you respond quickly while adding a personal touch.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Incorporating AI is the Future of Year-End Giving. AI might sound complex, but it’s easier than ever to use and can significantly enhance your fundraising. With tools for segmentation, personalized messaging, and matching gift reminders, AI can help you create a campaign that’s both strategic and heartfelt. This year-end, leverage AI to maximize your outreach and create lasting connections with individual donors.