Will AI replace Fundraisers?

AI can do 73% of the work Fundraisers do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 28 tasks, while 18 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 7 still need a person.

AI is already doing this2 · 8% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.Mostly automated6% of time
  • Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds.Mostly assisted2% of time

AI could do this next18 · 65% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Identify and build relationships with potential donors.12% of time
  • Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.8% of time
  • Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.6% of time
  • Create or update donor databases.5% of time
  • Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.5% of time
  • Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.4% of time
  • Write and send letters of thanks to donors.4% of time
  • Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data.4% of time
  • Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.2% of time
  • Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events.2% of time
  • Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.2% of time
  • Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data for fundraising organizations.2% of time
  • Monitor progress of fundraising drives.2% of time
  • Develop corporate fundraising programs, such as employer gift-matching.1% of time
  • Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods.1% of time
  • Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors.1% of time
  • Develop and maintain media contact lists.1% of time
  • Secure speakers for charitable events, community meetings, or conferences to increase awareness of charitable, nonprofit, or political causes.1% of time

Robots can technically do this1 · 1% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Prepare materials such as fundraising envelopes, bid sheets, or gift bags for charitable events.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person7 · 25% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships.5% of time
  • Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.5% of time
  • Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.5% of time
  • Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.4% of time
  • Recruit sponsors, participants, or volunteers for fundraising events.4% of time
  • Direct or coordinate Web-based fundraising activities, such as online auctions or donation Web sites.2% of time
  • Coordinate transportation or delivery of materials, supplies, or donations for fundraising events.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 6 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 18 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 7 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage73%Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers73%Labor Relations Specialists74%Security Management Specialists74%Business Continuity Planners75%Logisticians76%

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