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

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

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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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

• Connect with our host, Maria Rio
• Watch this episode on YouTube
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