You’ve likely heard in the news about ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as language processing, problem-solving, and decision-making.

So the question must be asked…

How can you use AI to fundraise?

Catholic non-profits and apostolates have long relied on traditional fundraising methods such as direct mail, phone calls, and events to raise money for their causes. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there are new and innovative ways for Catholic non-profits and apostolates to reach potential donors and increase their fundraising efforts.

One way that Catholic non-profits and apostolates can use AI is through the use of chatbots. Chatbots are computer programs that can simulate conversations with human beings. You can use chatbots to engage with potential donors, answer their questions, and provide them with information about their cause. Chatbots can also be used to collect data on potential donors, such as their interests and giving history, which can be used to personalize future fundraising efforts.

Catholic monks preaching outside an Italian village in the style of a 16th-century painting. Image made with MidJourney AI Engine.

I have a proposal for you: let’s reach your fundraising targets this year.

Even better, let’s exceed your fundraising targets!

You have a mission to spread the Gospel, and you want to boost this mission with donations.

You may have heard that Facebook stopped allowing ads to target groups based on religious interests.

In practical terms, Catholic apostolates could previously tell Facebook to show their ads to anyone who liked topics such as Our Lady, the Rosary, the Divine Liturgy, and the Pope.

Now, it’s not allowed to set your Facebook ads to be shown ads to people based on their religious interests.

Is Facebook censoring Catholics?

What does this mean for your apostolate?

I outline what has changed, how to use Facebook still, or if you should abandon the platform.

Here is what you should know regarding Facebook’s changes to Catholic interests:

When you drive, you see signs on the side of the road indicating dangers up ahead.

“Road Work Ahead”

“Slippery When Wet”

“Railroad Crossing”

When you fundraise, you should also see signs of dangers ahead. These signs usually come in the form of hunches, advice, and experience.

Today, I want to share three warning signs for fundraising. You could say these signs indicate the pitfalls to avoid. Each is extremely important and should not be overlooked:

There are many different ways you can ask people for donations.

Emails.

Appeal letters.

Phone calls.

Events.

Social media.

One-on-one meetings.

But how do you get the courage to ask? Today, I want to share some recommendations for overcoming the fear of asking for donations.

You’ve likely considered using volunteers to help you fundraise.

It seems logical to use the “divide and conquer” strategy, right?

When you fundraise with volunteers, I recommend you listen to Kenny Rogers’ advice:

You got to know when to hold ’em,
Know when to fold ’em,
Know when to walk away,
And know when to run.

Let me explain further:

We are now in the season of Lent. As you know, the three pillars of Lent are:

1) Prayer
2) Fasting
3) Almsgiving

How do you approach fundraising/almsgiving during this holy season?

Here are three recommendations for you and your Catholic apostolate: