Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we communicate.
While generative tools like ChatGPT help fundraisers write faster, AI is also changing how donors receive emails and texts. Whether it’s Apple Intelligence rewriting previews or Gmail surfacing messages deemed “important,” what nonprofits send may not be what supporters see.
What does this mean for your fundraising asks? And how can you stay ahead? Let’s unpack the changes and explore practical ways to respond.
How AI is changing email and texting for nonprofits
AI powers inbox summaries
Email and text platforms like Apple Mail and Gmail are using AI to summarize messages before a recipient opens them. That means your carefully crafted subject line or emotional first line could be replaced with something like, “$20,000 match, 1,200 meals served daily.”
Useful? Maybe. But it could also strip your message of the story and emotional connection you worked hard to build.
Priority sorting is shifting what gets seen
Inbox algorithms are getting smarter—ranking messages by perceived relevance or urgency. Keywords like “urgent” or “meeting” can trigger a priority tag, even if that’s not your intent.
For nonprofits, that means timing and subject-line strategy alone may no longer determine engagement. Relevance, trust and recognition matter more.
Donors are skimming faster than ever
AI tools can summarize, sort and “stack rank” emails and texts for users, pushing some messages down the list. This changes how donors consume communications and challenges assumptions about best send times, days of the week or even ideal email length. Old practices like, “Send on Tuesday at 10 a.m.” are obsolete.
What nonprofits can do right now
Embrace authenticity and trust
In a world where AI can fake just about anything, being real is your strongest asset. Focus on message clarity, sincerity and relevance. Avoid clickbait. Build trust over time, and consider ways to make your communications feel more human.
Revisit changes to From Name in email
While it’s interesting and sometimes lucrative to test changing your From Name for emails, recipients are even more likely these days to delete something they don’t immediately recognize. Considering a lower attention span, AI-supported prioritization and a name they don't recognize, be sure you revisit these strategies and tests in the coming months.
Be in the inbox more often, not less
If AI is choosing which messages surface first, a single monthly email may get buried. Increase your frequency—but make it valuable. Send helpful updates, event invites or mission moments that reinforce why donors stay connected to your cause.
Build loyalty between appeals
Not every text needs an ask. Integrate non-appeal texts to build stronger relationships before the next big ask. You can try sharing a video or information about a program. Sometimes, a simple thank you or reminder of an anniversary can help keep your mission on donors’ minds.
Control what you can
Nonprofits can’t control how inboxes are sorted or summarized, but they can control how messages are crafted and delivered. AI-powered tools within platforms help optimize subject lines, personalize content and adapt giving experiences based on donor behavior.
If your current system isn’t keeping up, consider layering in external AI tools or reevaluating your platform. A smart tech stack lets you move faster, personalize more deeply and increase your chances of cutting through AI-shaped inboxes with messages that truly connect.
Final thoughts
AI isn’t a threat—it’s a tool. The real risk is standing still while donor expectations and behavior evolve. By combining smart technology with human authenticity, nonprofits can deepen connection, boost response and future-proof their fundraising.
Check back soon for another installment of our AI Shift series. We’ll dive into the impact on donation forms, websites and more. Revisit our first blog post on SEO and paid search.
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