Doing More With Less: How Nonprofits Can Use AI, Collaboration, and Communication to Keep Going
Nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges due to changes in the workforce, the economy, and federal funding. As these pressures mount, many organizations are being asked to do more with fewer resources. This is especially true in marketing, where tight budgets and limited staff make it difficult to keep up with growing demands and increased competition for attention. At CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, we understand the strain nonprofits are under, and we’re here to help.
The good news? There are smart, affordable tools that can help time-strapped nonprofits stretch communications budgets and resources. AI, automation, and strong partnerships can take your marketing and outreach efforts to the next level—without burning out your team. These ideas can help your nonprofit adapt and thrive:
- Understand the Moment
The economic challenges we’re facing aren’t just about dollars. They’re about time, energy, and capacity. Many nonprofits are:
- Seeing increased demand for their services
- Facing potential cuts to public funding, like Medicaid
- Trying to stay visible and relevant in a crowded digital space
Using the tools available to you and your team can help you do more while deterring burnout and staying connected to your donors.
- Use AI & Automation to Save Time and Energy
You don’t need to be a tech expert to use AI or automation. These tools are here to help.
Chatbots can answer basic questions on your website, freeing up your staff to focus on complex needs. Tools like Tidio or Intercom make it easy to set one up.
AI writing tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Grammarly’s AI can help draft:
- Social media posts
- Newsletters
- Blog articles
- Thank-you notes
Email automation through platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Campaign Monitor can keep your donors and partners informed on a regular schedule.
Upskilling Tip: Now is the time to train your staff and volunteers on these tools. Many offer free tutorials or nonprofit discounts. Check out TechSoup for affordable nonprofit tech tools and training.
- Collaborate with Other Nonprofits
We are stronger together. Working with other nonprofits can stretch your reach and your budget.
Joint storytelling campaigns such as partnerships around a cause (e.g., food security, cancer prevention, etc.) let you:
- Share compelling stories from your communities
- Highlight the impact of your work
- Tap into each other’s audiences for greater reach
Other examples could include a “partner corner” in a newsletter or co-hosted webinars or events. Try shared coordinated content calendars, email swaps, or collaborative blogs or op-eds. Free tools like Trello or Google Workspace can help teams coordinate.
- Communicate More Often—and Celebrate Small Wins
Donors and stakeholders want to hear from you, especially during uncertain times.
- Use email to update people on what you’re doing
- Celebrate small victories—they matter more than ever
- Share behind-the-scenes moments and stories of impact
Even a short email or social post can help your supporters feel more connected and inspired. Using automation and targeting your audience in email communications with appropriate storytelling and resources can make your donors more likely to give when you send fundraising appeals.
- Invest in Your People: Upskilling Is Essential
When budgets get tight, training is often the first thing to go. At the rate the new tools and resources become available to nonprofit workers, that could be a mistake.
Upskilling your team helps you:
- Save money by bringing skills in-house
- Boost morale and reduce burnout
- Stay flexible in a fast-changing world
Look for free or low-cost training from:
Final Thoughts
As challenges grow, so does the need for connection, creativity, and clarity. Nonprofits are the heart of so many communities—and now more than ever, your voice, your impact, and your ability to adapt matter.
Embracing AI, automation, and collaborative strategies doesn’t mean losing the personal touch that defines your work. It means working smarter, so you can stay focused on what matters most: serving your community. Prioritize communication, keep learning, and lean into partnerships.
You don’t have to have all the answers right away—but you can take steps to build resilience and momentum. With the right tools and support, your organization can weather this moment—and come out stronger on the other side.
CHC: Creating Healthier Communities is a nonprofit serving nonprofits. We can help you do less with more by increasing your organization’s capacity and helping with compliance and financial needs. Learn more about partnership today.
