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Storytelling is the heartbeat of nonprofit fundraising - and now, AI is giving organizations new ways to capture and share those stories while still keeping a human touch at the center.

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Gustavo Zylberberg, Co-founder and CEO of Vitalcy, an AI-powered alumni engagement platform helping nonprofits reconnect with their communities, strengthen relationships, and unlock new donor support.

AI Storytelling in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

Bandwidth is the biggest barrier
Most nonprofits are not resisting AI - they are just stretched too thin to explore it. Lack of time and staff capacity is the real challenge.
AI strengthens community ties
When used well, AI can capture and amplify personal stories that reconnect alumni or past participants with a mission, turning memories into renewed engagement and donor support.
Fear is normal, but not permanent
Nonprofits may hesitate because AI feels overwhelming or too big. Starting small and experimenting is the best way to push past fear and discover practical value.
Ethical storytelling still matters most
AI can make processes faster, but human review and dignity safeguards are critical. Technology should enhance authenticity, not replace it.
AI is an enabler, not a replacement
Just like the internet transformed nonprofit work, AI is becoming part of daily operations. But the human relationships at the heart of fundraising will always remain.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!

✨ Key Quote

“Fundraising is human work at its core. AI should never erase that – it should help nonprofits do it more authentically, more efficiently, and at greater scale.” – Gustavo Zylberberg

Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders to Harness AI Effectively:

Start small with curiosity
Go into tools like ChatGPT and ask simple questions about how they might make your job easier. You don’t need to overhaul everything, just dip your toes.
Train AI on your organization’s own messaging
Whether it is appeals, alumni stories, or newsletters, the more you feed AI about your nonprofit, the more useful and accurate it becomes.
Pair efficiency with authenticity
Use AI for first drafts or systems support, but keep a human voice and review in your storytelling. The goal is not speed for its own sake, but deeper connection with your community.

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