Custom GPTs for Nonprofits A Step-by-Step Guide by Maria Rio

Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

Content provided by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

22d ago 16:54

MP3•Episode home

About The Episode

AI is here to stay, and many nonprofits are already embracing it. In this episode, we break down how you can set up your own custom GPT to save time, boost donor engagement, and make your team’s life a whole lot easier. Whether you're writing thank-you emails, managing volunteers, or brainstorming fundraising ideas, your nonprofit can benefit from an AI assistant that actually knows your mission.

Nonprofit AI Use: The Highlights

Get Clear on Your Goals
Before you dive into setup, know what you're solving for. Want to write better donor emails? Streamline volunteer comms? Automate FAQs? Clarity upfront makes everything smoother.
Feed It the Right Info
Your GPT learns from what you give it. Upload samples you love; anything that reflects your tone and programs. This is how it learns to sound like you.
Start with Prompt Templates
Give your GPT some direction! Write examples like: “Draft a warm thank-you to a new monthly donor that mentions their impact on our youth programs.” These templates are the building blocks.
Test Early, Adjust Often
Don’t expect perfection right away. Run some test prompts, tweak wording, and refine your data. It’s a loop: test, tweak, repeat.
Plan for Team Use
Set boundaries. Train your team on what AI can (and can’t) do.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!

✨ Key Quote:
“It’s not about replacing people—it’s about making their work easier and faster.”

Nonprofit AI Use: 3 Actionable Tips

Pick One Use Case to Start
Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on a high-impact area, like drafting a case for support, and build from there.
Use Existing Materials
No need to start from scratch. Upload your current docs—scripts, handbooks, past emails. The more relevant info you include, the better the GPT performs.
Involve Your Team Early
Let staff test it and share feedback. They’ll spot things you miss and feel more comfortable using it in real work.

This episode is made for small nonprofits, fundraisers, and busy teams looking to get more done with less. Give it a listen, and if you’re curious about setting up your own custom GPT, you’re in the right place.

Resources and Links

Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

Support the show

293 episodes

#Non-Profit #Business #Fundraising #Community-centric Fundraising #Science #Careers #Social Sciences #Charity #Nonprofit