AI in Nonprofit Fundraising: How to Make Your CRM Work Smarter (Without Losing the Human Touch)

AI is revolutionizing nonprofit fundraising by streamlining processes and helping organizations work more efficiently. 

But in a sector driven by personal connections and heartfelt missions, it's important to strike the right balance between leveraging AI and maintaining those essential human interactions. And with the rise of AI tools like HubSpot's Breeze AI, you can enhance your fundraising strategy without sacrificing the personal touch.

Why AI is Changing the Game for Nonprofits

Nonprofits are under constant pressure to do more with less, and AI is quickly becoming the tool that can help fill those gaps. From automating administrative tasks to helping predict donor behavior, AI can make your work more efficient and effective.

According to HubSpot’s 2023 State of AI Report, 75% of marketers agree that AI helps them spend less time on manual tasks, and 73% say it increases their productivity, allowing them to focus on more strategic, human-driven work. 

For nonprofits, this means AI can free up valuable time to build stronger donor relationships, improve campaign outcomes, and ultimately drive more impact.

But here’s the thing: AI should never replace the personal connections that make your mission resonate with donors. It should enhance them.

Introducing HubSpot's Breeze: AI That Supports, Not Replaces, Your Team

At HubSpot’s INBOUND 2024, the release of Breeze, HubSpot’s new AI assistant, was the spotlight of the event. Breeze helps automate repetitive tasks like email outreach, meeting scheduling, and report generation, making it easier for your team to focus on donor relationships and high-impact work.

1. Automate Tasks, Keep the Human Element

Breeze is designed to take over the tasks that bog down your day, like managing donor emails or generating campaign reports. But rather than letting AI handle all communication, you can use it to set up personalized follow-up emails or thank-you notes that feel authentic. This keeps your outreach timely and relevant, without sacrificing the personalized interactions that make your donors feel valued.

Stat to back it up: HubSpot reports that 60% of organizations using AI in their CRM have seen improved donor engagement through more timely and personalized communications​.

2. Use Data-Driven Insights to Personalize Donor Engagement

AI can provide insights into donor behavior that help you make more informed decisions about campaigns and donor segmentation. Breeze can analyze donor activity, such as past giving history or event attendance, to help you tailor your outreach. However, your team’s knowledge of your donor base adds the human intuition that AI can’t replicate.

For example, AI might tell you that certain donors prefer giving at year-end, but your team might know that a personalized phone call around the holidays could boost engagement. This mix of AI and human touch is key to effective donor relations.

3. Streamlined Tech, Not Disparate Systems

One of the biggest challenges nonprofits face is dealing with multiple tools that don’t talk to each other—leading to fragmented donor data and operational headaches.

With Breeze, there’s no need to add a new system; it integrates directly into your existing HubSpot CRM, ensuring that all your data is centralized.

By avoiding the trap of creating disparate systems (which is just a fancy way of saying systems that don’t work well together), Breeze simplifies your tech stack. This not only makes it easier to manage, but also ensures that your donor communications, reporting, and analytics are all in one place.

Stat to back it up: According to HubSpot’s AI Trends Report, 74% of marketers use AI more frequently because it’s integrated into the tools they’re already using​.

Finding the Balance: AI and Human Connection in Fundraising

Here’s the takeaway: AI is an amazing tool to help you scale your efforts, but the heart of nonprofit fundraising will always be human connection. That’s what turns one-time donors into lifetime supporters.

 So how do you integrate AI into your CRM without losing the personal touch?

1. Use AI to Support, Not Replace, Human Interactions

Automate the tasks that don’t require a personal touch, like scheduling follow-up emails or compiling donor reports. Use the time you save to focus on deeper conversations with your donors—whether that’s through personal emails, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings.

2. Keep Your Team in the Driver’s Seat

While AI can offer data-driven insights, it’s your team that truly understands the motivations and stories of your donors. Use AI as a guide, but let your team apply the human touch to interpret the data and engage donors meaningfully.

3. Streamline Your Tech Stack

Avoid adding unnecessary tools that clutter your operations. Focus on platforms, like HubSpot, that integrate AI seamlessly into your existing systems, allowing you to scale efficiently without creating tech confusion.

The Future of Fundraising: Blending AI and Humanity

AI is here to stay, and nonprofits that embrace it are better positioned to succeed in a competitive fundraising landscape. But the key to maximizing its potential lies in blending technology with the human touch. 

Tools like HubSpot’s Breeze offer nonprofits the opportunity to streamline operations, improve donor engagement, and make data-driven decisions—all while freeing up your team to build authentic, lasting relationships with donors.

At NTS, we’re committed to helping you leverage tech in a way that works for you—without overwhelming your team or losing sight of what matters most: the people behind the data.

Is Your Nonprofit’s Tech Strategy Truly Streamlined for Impact?

Before diving into AI-powered CRMs like HubSpot, take a step back and assess your nonprofit’s unique needs. Ask yourself:

• Are you looking for a system that automates donor outreach while preserving personal relationships?
• Do you need advanced donor segmentation to target communications more effectively?
• Is your tech stack fragmented, or are you seeking a more integrated, user-friendly platform to bring fundraising, communications, and operations together seamlessly?

Answering these questions will guide you toward a CRM that not only scales but also keeps your nonprofit focused on building connections.

To get started, take our Nonprofit Tech Assessment or book a free consultation to see how we can support your mission.