ChatGPT for Nonprofits: Setting up a custom GPT

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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. 

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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. 

3 Actionable Tips FOR setting up your custom gpt:

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

Resources:

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