NRH Year-End Fundraising Playbook: AI-Driven Strategies for Nonprofits

As the year comes to a close, many nonprofits face both the challenge and the opportunity of raising the majority of their annual contributions within the last few months. The Nonprofit Resource Hub (NRH) has created this playbook to guide our Nonprofit Partners in harnessing the power of technology, specifically artificial intelligence, to streamline operations, personalize donor engagement, and ultimately maximize fundraising results.

While AI is not a replacement for human connection, it can serve as a valuable support tool to help your team work smarter, save time, and ensure your mission is funded well into the new year.

Phase 1: Planning & Strategy (September–October)

  • Use donor segmentation to identify high, mid, and low-level givers.
  • Develop a content calendar with email, social, and donor touchpoints.
  • Craft messaging that resonates with different donor segments.

Phase 2: Campaign Build (Early–Mid November)

  • Draft compelling email appeals and test subject lines.
  • Create optimized landing pages and donation forms.
  • Set up automated systems to answer FAQs and streamline donor engagement.

Phase 3: Active Campaign (Thanksgiving–Dec 31)

  • Use A/B testing to refine campaign performance in real time.
  • Send communications at the best times for each donor.
  • Leverage social media to amplify your year-end message.
  • Deploy reminders and last-minute nudges to drive urgency.

Phase 4: Stewardship & Retention (January)

  • Send personalized thank-you messages highlighting donor impact.
  • Turn year-end results into compelling visuals and reports.
  • Map donor journeys and identify next steps for retention.

Recommended Tools

Email & CRM: Mailchimp, HubSpot, Salesforce NPSP
Graphics & Storytelling: Canva, Adobe Firefly
Analytics: Google Analytics 4, Fundraising AI

See more tools here.

Sample Timeline

  • September–October: Donor analysis, segmentation, messaging prep
  • Early November: Launch campaign calendar, test appeals
  • Nov 28 (Giving Tuesday): Big push with optimized campaign
  • Dec 15–31: Urgency-driven outreach & reminders
  • January: Thank-yous, impact reports, donor retention strategies
At NRH, our mission is to empower nonprofits with the resources, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive. This playbook pairs proven fundraising strategies with AI-enabled support to help your organization build authentic donor relationships, streamline operations, and maximize year-end impact.

Proven AI Tools Nonprofits Can Trust

During one of our discussions on how AI can support nonprofits with data mining while protecting sensitive information, we explored the question: Is there a proven AI software available right now that nonprofits can use and trust? Below is a curated list of trusted AI platforms, grouped by functionality, with notes on data privacy and security practices.

1. Donor Engagement & Fundraising Intelligence

These platforms use predictive modeling and automation to identify, engage, and retain donors.

ToolFunctionData Privacy Notes
DataroPredictive donor modeling, campaign targetingComplies with GDPR; emphasizes ethical AI use
DonorSearch AIProspect research and donor screeningPromotes responsible AI with transparency and ethical standards
Fundraise UpOptimized donation experiences, fee coverage promptsUses non-PII data; SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR compliant
Donorbox AIDonor segmentation and outreach automationOffers secure donor data handling and customizable AI features
Fundraising.AIDonor behavior insights and campaign optimizationAdvocates for ethical AI and responsible data use

2. Grant Writing & Funding Tools

These tools streamline proposal creation and funder research.

ToolFunctionData Privacy Notes
InstrumentlFull-lifecycle grant management with AI assistant “Apply”Secure cloud-based platform; no third-party data sharing
FundwriterPersonalized donor communicationsOperates within secure environments

3. Productivity & AI Agents

These tools automate workflows, summarize data, and support decision-making.

ToolFunctionData Privacy Notes
Microsoft CopilotIntegrated across Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams; includes autonomous AI agentsBuilt on Microsoft’s enterprise-grade security; supports HIPAA, GDPR, and internal governance frameworks
Claude AIEthical conversational AI for summarization, editing, and grant evaluationBuilt on Constitutional AI principles
ClickUp AITask automation and project managementOffers secure collaboration features
Asana AI / Trello / Monday.com AIWorkflow automation and team coordinationEnterprise-grade security and compliance features

4. Content Creation & Marketing Automation

These tools help nonprofits produce engaging content for outreach and campaigns.

ToolFunctionData Privacy Notes
Opus ClipConverts long videos into short-form content for social mediaNo known data privacy issues; used widely by agencies and nonprofits
Canva Magic StudioAI-powered design and video editingGDPR compliant; secure cloud-based platform
ChatGPT / Claude / JasperGenerative writing for blogs, emails, and proposalsUse with caution; avoid uploading sensitive data unless using enterprise versions

5. Volunteer & Program Management

These tools match volunteers and streamline program delivery.

ToolFunctionData Privacy Notes
StratusLIVE Volunteer CenterAI-powered volunteer matchingIntegrated with nonprofit CRMs; secure data handling

6. Data Privacy & Ethical Considerations

AI tools must be used responsibly. Key concerns include:

  • Shadow AI: Unauthorized use of AI tools can lead to data leaks and compliance violations. Organizations should maintain approved lists and monitor usage.
  • Donor Privacy: Tools should avoid processing personally identifiable information (PII) unless securely contracted. Anonymization and internal deployment are recommended.
  • Transparency: Platforms like Fundraise Up and Microsoft Copilot emphasize transparency in how AI operates and what data is used.