# AI Tools for Nonprofits AI tools can save time on writing, design, research, and meeting follow-up. The best choice depends on your existing tools, budget, and comfort with sharing data. {% hint style="warning" %} Do not paste donor data, HR records, legal documents, or other sensitive information into a consumer AI tool unless your organization has approved it. {% endhint %} ### Start here If you want a simple place to begin, these are the strongest options for most nonprofits: * **Microsoft Copilot** if your team already uses Microsoft 365. * **Google Gemini** if your team already uses Google Workspace. * **Claude** if you want strong writing, summarizing, and long-document analysis. * **Canva** or **Adobe Express** if you need AI help with graphics and marketing content. ### AI assistants for writing, planning, and research #### Microsoft Copilot [Microsoft Copilot](https://copilot.microsoft.com/) is a practical starting point for drafting emails, rewriting text, summarizing content, and answering everyday questions. * **Best for:** Microsoft 365 organizations * **Cost:** Free web version available * **Start here:** [Open Copilot with your Microsoft 365 account](https://m365.cloud.microsoft/chat/?auth=2) #### Google Gemini [Google Gemini](https://gemini.google.com/app) works well for brainstorming, writing, research, and organizing information. It is a natural fit for teams already working in Google Workspace. * **Best for:** Google Workspace organizations * **Cost:** Varies by account and plan * **Start here:** [Open Gemini](https://gemini.google.com/app) #### Claude for Nonprofits [Claude for Nonprofits](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12893767-getting-started-with-claude-for-nonprofits) is especially strong for drafting, editing, summarizing long documents, and helping staff think through complex ideas in plain language. * **Best for:** Writing-heavy teams and long-form analysis * **Pricing:** Claude for organizations is paid. Eligible nonprofits can apply for discounted pricing. * **Free option:** There is no free nonprofit organization plan. Individuals can still use Claude’s personal version. * **Learn more:** [Get started with Claude for Nonprofits](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12893767-getting-started-with-claude-for-nonprofits) ### AI design tools for nonprofit communications #### Canva [Canva](https://www.canva.com/) remains one of the best design platforms for nonprofits. It is easy to learn and works well for social posts, flyers, presentations, event graphics, and basic brand materials. * **Nonprofit access:** Eligible nonprofits can get Canva premium benefits * **AI features:** Magic Write, Magic Design, and image generation tools * **Best for:** Fast graphics and content creation for small teams * **Related guide:** [Design & Creative Tools for Nonprofits](/tech-recommendations/software/design-and-creative-tools-for-nonprofits.md) #### Adobe Express for Nonprofits [Adobe Express](https://www.adobe.com/express/) offers a strong free option for eligible nonprofits. It includes Adobe Express Premium and built-in Firefly generative AI features. * **Nonprofit access:** Free Adobe Express Premium for eligible nonprofits * **AI features:** Firefly text-to-image and design generation tools * **Why it matters:** It is one of the strongest free options for nonprofits that want more ethically positioned AI content generation * **Best for:** Branded marketing content, social graphics, and quick design work ### AI meeting notes and summaries AI meeting assistants can record, transcribe, summarize, and pull out action items. They help small teams keep momentum without relying on one person’s notes. #### Fathom [Fathom](https://fathomvideo.typeform.com/nonprofits) records meetings, creates transcripts, and highlights action items and key moments. * **Nonprofit benefit:** Nonprofits can apply for 10 free paid seats * **Best for:** Small teams that want better notes without a large budget * **Cost:** Free for approved nonprofit seats #### tl;dv [tl;dv](https://tldv.io/app/pricing/?cta=navbar-pricing) offers unlimited meeting recordings and transcripts on its free tier, plus support for many languages. * **Nonprofit benefit:** Strong free plan for volunteer-heavy or budget-limited teams * **Best for:** Organizations that need meeting recordings at no cost * **Cost:** Free plan available, with paid upgrades #### Otter.ai [Otter.ai](https://otter.ai/) provides live transcription, speaker identification, summaries, and collaboration features. Nonprofits can also access a discount through TechSoup. * **Nonprofit benefit:** 40% discount via TechSoup * **Best for:** Teams that want polished transcripts and collaboration features * **Cost:** Paid plans available, with nonprofit discount * **Discount details:** [Otter x TechSoup nonprofit discount](https://help.otter.ai/hc/en-us/articles/15871360236951-Otter-x-TechSoup-Nonprofit-discount) ### Other AI tools with free plans {% hint style="info" %} Free AI tools are easy to test. Review privacy settings and output quality before adopting them across your team. {% endhint %} #### ChatGPT [ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/) is a flexible general-purpose AI assistant. It is useful for drafting, brainstorming, and quick first-pass editing. #### Google NotebookLM [Google NotebookLM](https://notebooklm.google/) helps you work with your own source materials. It can summarize documents, organize notes, and generate audio-style overviews. #### Suno [Suno](https://www.suno.ai/) focuses on AI-generated music and audio. It is more niche, but it can help with creative campaigns and simple audio experiments. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://learn.goodhearttech.org/tech-recommendations/software/ai-tools-for-nonprofits.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. 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