New tools are emerging at a rapid pace. Vendors are making ambitious promises. Boards are asking about AI strategy. And nonprofit leaders are left sorting through a mix of excitement, pressure, and uncertainty about what to do next.

It is easy to get swept up in the energy. But nonprofit organizations do not need more hype. They need clarity.

In fundraising, the central question is not whether AI is powerful. The real question is whether it is trustworthy. Because in a sector built on relationships, stewardship, and accountability, trust is the foundation that determines whether innovation strengthens a mission or quietly undermines it.

As AI becomes more embedded in nonprofit operations, leaders should know what to look for and what to avoid.

The AI red flags nonprofit leaders should not ignore

Not all AI is created equal. As adoption accelerates, certain patterns are beginning to surface in the nonprofit sector. These red flags are not technical nuances. They are signals about whether a solution was built with nonprofit stewardship in mind.

1. “Our AI can do everything.”

When a vendor claims their AI can do everything, nonprofit leaders should dig deeper.

Fundraising is not a single discipline. Major gift strategy requires a different level of nuance than donor retention modeling. Campaign planning draws from different expertise than data hygiene or reporting. If a model claims to excel at every task, it is fair to ask how that expertise was actually developed.

At a technical level, AI systems are probabilistic—they identify patterns and generate responses based on what is most likely to be helpful. That makes them strong at surfacing insights, drafting communications, and suggesting next steps. But fundraising operations also require deterministic systems—processes where the same inputs must produce the same outputs every time, especially in donor records, financial reporting, receipting, permissions, and compliance.

If an AI tool claims universal mastery, leaders should ask:  What real nonprofit engagements informed this system? What proven fundraising playbooks shaped its recommendations? And how has it been intentionally designed to remain deterministic for questions that require answers grounded in more than probabilities?

2. Answers that sound impressive but feel generic

Many AI tools generate responses that appear polished at first glance. But if the guidance could apply to any organization, it is not truly contextual.

Generic outputs are not grounded in your donor history, your campaign performance, or your unique fundraising metrics. Because this advice is generic, it’s inherently limited and cannot account for unique instances within your nonprofit. 

Fundraising depends on personalization and precision. Advice that lacks context can lead teams to make decisions that feel directionally right but are disconnected from the realities of their own data. Over time, that disconnect erodes confidence in both the tool and the strategy behind it.

3. AI bolted onto disconnected systems

Architecture matters more than many leaders realize.

AI can only provide advice based on the information it has access to. If donor records live in one system, volunteer activity in another, event engagement somewhere else, and the most recent donation history in yet another platform,  AI never sees the full picture.

Fundraising expertise is built on patterns across the full donor journey. Without unified data, AI cannot recognize those patterns with depth or accuracy.

Instead of layering AI on top of disconnected tools, look for solutions built on a unified data foundation. When donor history, engagement activity, campaign performance, and fundraising metrics live in one platform, AI can provide recommendations grounded in the full context of your organization. That is when insight becomes meaningful rather than partial.

4. No clear explanation of where answers come from

If an AI tool cannot explain why it generated a recommendation, nonprofit leaders are being asked to trust a black box.

That is not a position most organizations can afford to take. Boards require transparency. Donors expect responsible stewardship. Staff members need confidence that the tools they rely on are aligned with proven fundraising practices.

Explainable answers are more than a technical feature. It is a governance requirement. Leaders should be able to understand what data informed a recommendation, what logic was applied, and how that guidance connects to established best practices.

Instead of accepting opaque outputs, look for AI solutions that clearly explain their reasoning and make recommendations traceable and auditable. Transparency builds confidence and supports responsible decision making.

5. A focus on novelty instead of outcomes

Some AI tools prioritize what looks innovative over what drives measurable results.

A conversational interface may be engaging. A creative draft may feel impressive. But nonprofit leaders should continually return to a more grounded question: does this help us build stronger donor relationships and increase sustainable revenue?

AI should not exist to entertain us. It should help us act.

For example, can it help build a targeted campaign strategy that identifies which donors are most likely to respond — and why? Can it recommend meaningful segmentation that increases outreach activity and personalizes communication at scale? Can it surface at-risk donors early enough for a fundraiser to intervene, or identify upgrade opportunities that lead to more qualified major gift conversations?

An AI tool that can answer those questions will drive meaningful outcomes for your organization. You will be able to move past using generative AI for small tasks and instead utilize AI as a strategic partner, unlocking significant wins for your organization.

How we think about this at Bloomerang

When we built Penny, our AI fundraising partner, we approached the work with these principles in mind.

Penny is not a generic AI agent layered on top of a CRM. She is a strategic partner built directly into the Bloomerang Giving Platform, operating within a secure and unified environment. Her intelligence is informed by proven fundraising playbooks, thousands of real world engagements, decades of nonprofit expertise, and unified platform data .

Rather than attempting to do everything, Penny focuses on a small number of high value jobs. She identifies at-risk donors early, surfaces high potential opportunities, improves data quality, prepares fundraisers for meetings, and clearly explains why she makes a recommendation.

She is designed to drive action, not just generate answers. And she operates within a closed ecosystem built for nonprofit stewardship.

This is what purpose built AI looks like.

Final thoughts

AI will continue to evolve, and the nonprofit sector will continue to adapt alongside it. The goal is not to move fast. It is to move thoughtfully.

When you understand the signals to watch for, the red flags to avoid, and the principles that matter most, you can evaluate new technology with confidence. Secure architecture, real nonprofit expertise, unified data, and explainable recommendations are not luxuries. They are the foundation of responsible AI in fundraising.

When those elements are in place, AI becomes what it should be: a trusted partner that strengthens stewardship, supports your team, and helps you focus on what matters most — building meaningful donor relationships.

Trust remains the foundation. Technology should honor that, not compete with it.

The post Beyond the AI Hype: What Nonprofit Leaders Should Actually Pay Attention To appeared first on Bloomerang.

As someone who has spent more than 15 years building secure, scalable technology across fintech and mission-driven software, I believe one thing unequivocally: you cannot have AI-powered fundraising without rock-solid AI security. Trust is not a feature—it’s a foundation.

Below, I outline the essential security musts every nonprofit needs to understand before using AI in their year-end fundraising workflows.

1. Know what you can—and can’t—share with AI tools

Many nonprofits are already experimenting with AI for brainstorming, summarizing, or drafting content—but they can also introduce risk if teams aren’t clear on what their AI tool is contractually allowed to do with the information they input.

Without a strong agreement in place, you should never enter names, emails, gift histories, payment information, or personal donor notes into an AI tool. Many standard, readily available AI tools allow providers to store or learn from what you type, while enterprise contracts—like the ones Bloomerang uses—specifically prevent that. The bottom line: before sharing any sensitive data, make sure your AI tool is covered by an agreement that protects it.

What is safe to use includes anonymized data, donor segment descriptions, high-level trends, and copy drafts. Mastering this distinction is vital—especially when December’s giving sprint leaves little room for error. Your supporters trust you with their personal information; your tools should honor that trust with the same care.

2. Review AI privacy policies before you type a single word

No two AI models handle data the same way. Some log inputs indefinitely. Some train on them. Some share data across systems. Before your team types a single sentence into any AI tool, make sure you understand:

• How long data is stored
• Whether it’s used for training
• Whether it’s shared with third parties
• How (or if) it can be deleted

At Bloomerang, our AI capabilities are grounded in a Privacy by Design approach: donor data stays inside a secure, closed ecosystem—not used to train public models and not available to outside parties. Your mission deserves technology built for your realities, not retrofitted from someone else’s.

3. Choose “walled garden AI” built for nonprofit privacy

The safest, strongest approach is to use AI inside your giving platform or CRM—where access controls, encryption, and role permissions already protect sensitive information. These “walled-garden” systems keep data contained and use proven nonprofit expertise as context when engaging AI models.

Public AI may be powerful, but it isn’t grounded in donor confidentiality, fundraising ethics, or the relationship-driven nature of nonprofit work. Secure AI rooted in certified fundraising expertise and thousands of real coaching lessons—like the systems we build at Bloomerang—keeps your data in bounds and makes every recommendation traceable. That transparency is essential for a sector built on trust.

Penny, Bloomerang’s AI fundraising partner—an AI assistant that operates inside a secure, closed ecosystem and is grounded in certified fundraising expertise rather than generic model outputs. Penny keeps donor data in bounds and provides recommendations that are transparent, contextual, and aligned with fundraising best practices.

4. Adopt a safe, phased approach to AI integration

You don’t need to leap into full-scale AI adoption to benefit from it. Start with anonymized datasets or sample donor profiles to see how AI identifies trends or drafts content. From there, organizations can explore utilizing an LLM in which they have a commercial agreement that guarantees security and the privacy of their data.

For most nonprofits, the simplest and safest path is to use AI that’s already built into your CRM or giving platform. When your software provider handles the commercial agreement, permissions, integrations, and data protection, your team can focus on insights and impact—not infrastructure.

That said, always review the provider’s AI policy. Even built-in AI should never train on your donor data without explicit, transparent consent.

5. Create an AI governance policy for your nonprofit

Great AI adoption starts with great guardrails. Every nonprofit—large or small—should have an AI usage policy that outlines:

• Which tools are approved
• What data staff may (and may not) enter
• How to anonymize information
• How AI outputs should be reviewed
• Whom to contact when unsure

Establishing guardrails protects donors, protects staff, and ensures smooth, responsible adoption across the organization.

6. Keep humans in the loop for donor communications

AI can draft messages, summarize donor interactions, and recommend the next best step, but humans must stay involved—especially in emotionally sensitive or stewardship-focused communications.

AI can draft messages, summarize donor interactions, and recommend next steps—and the best AI models should be trained to understand your organization’s mission, values, and tone of voice. That grounding helps ensure the guidance and drafts they produce feel aligned with who you are.

Even so, humans still need to stay involved, especially for emotionally sensitive or stewardship-focused communication. Fundraising depends on empathy and trust, and a human review ensures every message reflects your organization’s intent, honors the donor relationship, and carries the authenticity only people can provide.

7. Use right-sized AI to reduce environmental impact and improve speed

Nonprofits are increasingly aware of AI’s environmental cost. Large general-purpose models consume significant computing power—far more than most fundraising tasks require.

Bloomerang’s right-sized AI approach uses lightweight, efficient models for everyday tasks (like drafting acknowledgments or identifying strong upgrade prospects), reserving heavier models only for the tasks that truly need them. The result? Faster performance, lower environmental impact, and tools that scale responsibly with your organization.

Final thoughts

December concentrates donor activity, generosity, outreach, and reporting into a few intense weeks. It’s a moment when AI can deliver extraordinary value—and a moment when lapses in security carry the greatest risk.

Purpose-built AI—like Penny inside the Bloomerang Giving Platform—helps fundraisers move faster and with more clarity, while keeping sensitive data fully protected. When AI is secure, explainable, and grounded in real fundraising strategy, it becomes an amplifier of generosity rather than a risk.

As AI becomes more woven into nonprofit operations, the organizations that thrive will be the ones that use explainable, secure, values-aligned technology built for stewardship. With the right guardrails, AI becomes more than a tool—it becomes a force multiplier for good.

Your mission is powerful. Your supporters are generous. And when your data is protected, your impact can keep pushing higher.

The post AI Security Musts for Fundraisers: How to Protect Nonprofit Data in an AI-Powered Giving Season appeared first on Bloomerang.

But for nonprofits, the future of fundraising AI won’t be defined by automation or even time saved. It will be defined by trust.

Because fundraising, at its core, is human work. It’s built on empathy, relationships, and credibility. And in a sector where trust is deeply interconnected with giving and tech adoption, the question isn’t how much we can automate, it’s how deeply we can be trusted to use AI responsibly.

Because in a sector built on relationships, trust is the true currency of generosity.

The real barrier to AI adoption: fear, not function

Across the nonprofit sector, we’re seeing a familiar pattern: high curiosity about AI, but high hesitation.

In Bloomerang’s most recent AI survey, over 60% of nonprofit professionals said they view AI in their CRM positively—primarily for efficiency and automation. Yet nearly a third expressed reservations about data privacy, accuracy, and the fear of losing human connection. I believe this skepticism is rooted in something deeper than the technology’s ability to perform—it was about whether the technology could be trusted to serve the mission faithfully.

This mirrors national sentiment. Gallup’s Reward, Risk, and Regulation report found that while nearly all Americans have been exposed to AI, only 8% describe themselves as “very knowledgeable,” and a full 60% say they don’t trust AI to make fair or unbiased decisions.

In other words, nonprofits aren’t afraid of what AI can do; they’re afraid of what it might do to them—to their data, their donors, and their integrity.

Responsible AI starts with stewardship

Building trust in AI requires building it with integrity. For nonprofit software providers, this starts with responsible data stewardship and explainable systems–not technology that hides its reasoning, but tools that are open and accountable, reflecting the same transparency nonprofits promise to their donors.

At Bloomerang, ethics aren’t an afterthought; they’re embedded by design. Our AI fundraising partner, Penny, lives within the secure walls of the Bloomerang Giving Platform, not as a third-party add-on. That means:

• Donor data stays private. It’s never shared, sold, or used to train external models.
• Every layer is governed. We maintain audit trails, anonymized data testing, and strict compliance across our infrastructure.
• Sustainability is part of the blueprint. Our goal is to use the most efficient energy and compute model for the complexity of the task that we’re performing to ensure Penny only processes what’s needed, when it’s needed.

Because ethical AI isn’t a checkbox. It’s a reflection of nonprofit values—transparency, stewardship, and trust. If our customers can’t look at our technology and see their own integrity in it, we’ve missed the mark.

Built by humans, for humans

When we started building Penny, we approached it differently than most. We didn’t start with technology and ask, “How can we fit this into fundraising?”

We started with fundraising itself—with the hundreds of hours of strategy sessions and playbooks created by Bloomerang’s own nonprofit consultants. Those real-world insights became Penny’s foundation.

That means when Penny makes a recommendation, it’s not just pulling from a generic model; it’s reflecting the expertise of people who’ve been in the trenches. And when you ask why she made that recommendation, she can tell you—showing the logic and sources behind every suggestion.

That transparency matters. It’s how trust is earned—and how technology stays accountable to the humans it’s meant to serve.

Overcoming the “trough of disillusionment”

We’re entering a new chapter in the AI journey—one where the early hype is giving way to real, grounded work. If the early hype around AI was defined by novelty, 2025 is about accountability.

Many organizations tried first-generation AI tools, only to be disappointed by inaccuracies, privacy risks, or “robotic” experiences. That’s the trough of disillusionment—when enthusiasm gives way to scrutiny.

But this is also where the real opportunity lies. Gallup found that people who use AI regularly are twice as likely to trust it as those who don’t. That means exposure, transparency, and clear communication about how AI works can rebuild confidence over time. The goal isn’t blind trust—it’s earned trust, reinforced by real-world performance and ethical transparency.

At Bloomerang, we’ve built Penny to do just that: to bridge expertise and execution, combining human insight with the efficiency of technology. Not as a replacement for people—but as a partner in purpose.

From automation to augmentation

AI’s greatest promise isn’t automation—it’s augmentation. It’s not about replacing fundraisers; it’s about amplifying their brilliance.

Automation focuses on efficiency — completing repetitive tasks faster and at scale. It’s useful for processing data, generating reports, or sending reminders. But if left unchecked, it can also make fundraising feel mechanical—more about transactions than relationships.

Augmentation, by contrast, keeps the human at the center. It’s about using AI to enhance human judgment, not replace it. When fundraisers can spend less time managing data and more time engaging people, activity goes up—more campaigns, more outreach, more events. And higher activity leads to stronger relationships and, ultimately, more giving. That’s the real promise of AI in fundraising: not fewer human touches, but more meaningful ones.

According to Bloomerang’s 2025 AI User Research, the top nonprofit use cases for AI are data analysis (70%), writing donor emails (68%), and campaign brainstorming—all tasks that amplify creativity and strategy rather than remove the human touch.

When built responsibly, AI gives fundraisers more time to do what only humans can:

• Build authentic relationships with donors.
• Tell compelling stories that move people to action.
• Focus on strategy instead of spreadsheets.

Automation might make things faster. Trust and transparency are what turn automation into augmentation. When AI shows its work and respects donor privacy, fundraisers can engage with it as a true partner— not a black box simply automating tasks.

The future of fundraising is human

In the next 18 months, we’ll see nonprofits move from fear to fluency—from asking, “Can I use AI?” to asking, “How can I use it to deepen generosity?”

And the answer will always come back to trust. Donors give to people they believe in. Teams adopt tools they feel safe using. And missions thrive when integrity guides innovation.

That’s why at Bloomerang, we’re not just building AI for fundraising. We’re building AI fundraisers can believe in—secure, explainable, and grounded in the same human values and experience that power generosity itself. Because the future of fundraising AI isn’t about replacing the human element; it’s about amplifying it.

The post Why the future of fundraising AI is about human trust, not automation appeared first on Bloomerang.

That changed when I got access to our AI fundraising partner—an assistant we’ve been quietly building called Penny.

Within minutes of using it, I found myself grinning. Not because she was clever, but because she was useful.

When I asked Penny to help me prepare for a board meeting, she gave me solid, practical input. Then I pushed further—“Help me build a scorecard with the most important metrics.”

Five minutes later, I had a sharp, thoughtful framework ready to guide the conversation.

It wasn’t a gimmick. It was magic that made sense.

Why we’re building Penny this way

Everyone’s rushing to launch “AI copilots.” Every week, it seems a new “co-pilot” promises to change everything overnight.

Most sound the same: they summarize, they draft, they rephrase what’s already online.

They’re impressive—but not helpful.

At Bloomerang, we’ve decided to take a different path. We’re not chasing the hype cycle. We’re building something we’d actually want to use ourselves rooted in human expertise and empathy. And yes, AI can be rooted in the best parts of what makes us human, but more on that later.

Penny’s goal isn’t to automate your work. It’s to think with you—to help you plan, prioritize, and make better decisions without needing to become an AI expert first.

That’s what makes her special. She’s not another shiny new tool. She’s the assistant you wish you already had.

Built on real nonprofit know-how

Here’s Penny’s edge: she’s grounded in real nonprofit experience.

She doesn’t just scrape the internet or mimic what’s been done before. She draws on:

• The field-tested expertise of Bloomerang’s fundraising consultants, and
• Each organization’s own data within the Giving Platform.

So when Penny offers advice, it’s not a random guess—it’s guidance rooted in what actually works. You get tried-and-true advice grounded in real success, not advice based on a mix of good and bad campaigns.

We’ve woven our consultant’s  insights—and the rich, real-world methodology for success we coach our own clients on—directly into Penny’s foundation. That’s why she feels less like software and more like a trusted partner.

That’s AI in true partnership with people.

Practical, not performative

Nonprofit leaders tell me the same thing over and over: “AI sounds powerful—but I don’t have time to figure it out.”

Penny is being built for exactly that. You don’t need perfect prompts. You don’t need to know how she works under the hood. You just need a question, a challenge, or a goal.

Penny meets you there—with clarity, not complexity.

She’s being shaped by fundraisers, not just engineers. Because generosity is human, and AI should be too.

The real purpose of AI

For all the hype, AI finally has a purpose worth building toward: helping people who help others.

That’s our North Star at Bloomerang. Every design choice, every line of data, every prototype exists to make Penny genuinely helpful to the people doing the world’s most important work.

We’ll continue to share more about Penny over the coming weeks—proof that AI can amplify the human element instead of replacing it. Because the best technology doesn’t make us less human—it helps us show up as our best selves.

That’s Penny’s purpose.

And that’s why we’re building her right. Because when we build with purpose, technology doesn’t replace people. It empowers them.

The post Meet Penny: the AI partner that’s actually helpful appeared first on Bloomerang.

Introducing Mobile Video Acknowledgements from Bloomerang. We’ve built a new way for you to effortlessly spark richer, more meaningful donor connections by sending personalized thank-you videos directly from your mobile device. This feature is designed to make every supporter feel seen, valued, and deeply connected to your cause, turning your expressions of gratitude into your next wave of impact.

Mobile Video Acknowledgements bring your message to life, conveying emotion and sincerity in a way that text alone never can!

Create deeper, more meaningful connections

Imagine a donor receives a donation receipt for a gift they just made. A few moments later, they receive an email with a personal video from you. You greet them by name, thank them for their specific gift, and perhaps even show them exactly how their contribution is making a difference—a new book for the library, a happy animal at the shelter, a smiling face at your community center.

This is the kind of memorable, standout experience that inspires a true sense of shared purpose. With Mobile Video Acknowledgements, you can:

• Record videos up to 90 seconds long: Perfect for a short, heartfelt message.
• Send directly via email: The video lands right in your donor’s inbox, ready to make their day.
• Acknowledge donors from anywhere: See a special donation come in while you’re at an event? Thank them on the spot.

Effortlessly communicate your impact

As a nonprofit professional, your time is your most precious resource. You’re constantly balancing fundraising, program management, and community outreach. We designed Mobile Video Acknowledgements to be as efficient as it is effective.

The entire process happens within the Bloomerang mobile app, built right into the Bloomerang Giving Platform.

1. See a donation: When you see a new gift in your activity feed, you’ll have an option to respond.
2. Tap to record: Select “+ Video” to open your camera and record your message.
3. Personalize and send: Review your video, make any edits to the email, and send it on its way.

That’s it. There’s no need to export lists, switch between apps, or manage complex third-party integrations. If you have Bloomerang’s Journey Automation you can even schedule reminder tasks for your team to create thank-you videos after a donation is made! It’s a seamless part of your workflow, empowering you to create impactful messages that transform every interaction into a meaningful gesture of appreciation.

Inspire lasting donor loyalty

Timely, personal thank-yous are a cornerstone of donor retention. When a supporter feels genuinely appreciated, they are far more likely to give again. In fact, donors are 4x more likely to give to your organization again if you thank them within 48 hours of receiving their gift. Mobile Video Acknowledgements helps you build this cycle of generosity.

Every video you send is automatically logged as an acknowledgement interaction on the constituent’s timeline in Bloomerang. This ensures your team has a complete view of every touchpoint, allowing you to build smarter, more personalized engagement strategies over time to boost your donor retention. You’ll have a clear record of your personal outreach, helping you understand what resonates most with your supporters and keep them coming back to give time and time again.

This feature is included in all Bloomerang Giving Platform bundles, with no limit on the number of videos you can create or send. We want to empower every organization to make personal connection a central part of their fundraising strategy.

Start fostering deeper connections today

Change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens on purpose, fueled by the relationships you build with those who share your vision. Mobile Video Acknowledgements provides a simple yet powerful way to celebrate generosity, deepen those connections, and inspire the kind of loyalty that will accelerate your impact for years to come.

The post Turn gratitude into impact with Mobile Video Acknowledgments appeared first on Bloomerang.

“Nonprofits need smart, sustained engagement—from first touch to long-term commitment—to inspire giving through deepened relationships,” said Tammy Hammond, chief product officer at Bloomerang. “Bloomerang’s Journey Automation will transform how teams fundraise and connect with supporters. It isn’t just automation—it’s part of something bigger, the Bloomerang Giving Platform, which enables organizations to raise more with personalized experiences combining dynamic, advanced segmentation with digital and high-touch interactions at scale, driven by data from all touchpoints across the Giving Platform.”

Recent findings from the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) highlight financial and staffing pressures across the sector, underscoring the need for tools that improve efficiency and strengthen donor relationships. Bloomerang’s Giving Platform helps nonprofits meet this need with Journey Automation, offering personalized, automated outreach that drives results.

The Bloomerang Giving Platform latest innovation enables nonprofits to:

• Scale fundraising with confidence. Smart automation grows with an organization’s donor base, deepening supporter relationships and increasing giving without the need for additional staff.
• Connect with donors in new ways. Fundraising professionals can easily build best-practice engagement workflows in minutes, no technical expertise required. Purpose-built for nonprofits, Journey Automation eliminates complexity so nonprofit teams can focus more on their mission.
• Strengthen donor relationships at every stage. Journey Automation can be used to automatically deliver personalized, meaningful messages that build trust, boost engagement, and turn donors into lifelong supporters.

Journey Automation enables users to build multi-step communications—email, phone calls, letters, meetings—triggered by donation activity, events, or group membership. Teams can set time delays, assign tasks, and combine digital and personal outreach, all within a single platform and in a few clicks.

Fundraising professionals can build personalized supporter journeys with:

• Easy to use journey builder
• Donor behavior-based triggers and segmentation
• Fully unified Giving Platform data to drive automation
• Tasks for different types of interactions (meetings, phone calls, letters, gifts, etc.)
• Real-time, built in analytics to measure performance and impact

“It’s exciting to demystify automation, which can often feel overwhelming for nonprofit fundraisers,” said Rachel Muir, fundraising consultant and founder of Girlstart. “Donors don’t want more mass communications from you. They want the right things from you—like hearing personalized messages from you when it matters most—right after a gift, a visit, attending an event, or volunteering. Bloomerang’s Journey Automation helps you deliver that at scale.”

“Like a lot of nonprofits, we’re a very small development shop with just four staff members. So having something like Journey Automation to automate communication with donors is immensely helpful in scaling our operations and cultivation strategies,” said Lucas Land, director of development for the Delores Project. “Having this automation within the Bloomerang Giving Platform makes the solution even more powerful—multiple people within my team can rely on Bloomerang to do their jobs and automate their workflows—ultimately resulting in stronger relationships with our supporters.”

Journey Automation helps nonprofits turn every touchpoint into an opportunity to build loyalty and increase giving. From first-time gifts to long-term partnership, Bloomerang’s Giving Platform makes it easy to deliver timely, personalized communication that inspires generosity through every stage of the donor journey.

Learn more about Bloomerang’s Giving Platform and explore the latest product innovations here.

The post Bloomerang Launches Journey Automation To Help Nonprofits Raise More—Without Doing More appeared first on Bloomerang.

That’s where Bloomerang’s intelligent donation conversion tools come in, these tools empower organizations to maximize every donation opportunity, transforming supporter passion into action seamlessly. Whether you’re a small grassroots cause or a large nonprofit managing tens of millions in donations, this technology raises the bar for next-level fundraising.

Why do conversion tools matter?

In today’s fast-paced digital world, attention is the scarcest resource. Did you know that a staggering 57% of nonprofit website traffic comes from mobile users, yet only 8% of them convert to donors? That’s a huge gap between interest and action. The path from “I want to help” to “I’ve donated” needs to be as smooth and intuitive as possible.

This is where intelligent tools step in. They remove the friction that so often causes potential donors to abandon their gifts. By streamlining the giving process and personalizing the experience, you can dramatically boost your conversion rates. In fact, Bloomerang customers using these solutions have seen conversions skyrocket by up to 55%!

Meet the features that fuel your fundraising

Bloomerang’s intelligent donation conversion tools are a collection of thoughtfully designed features that work together to maximize every single gift. Let’s dive into what makes them so powerful:

1. One-Click Giving & Express Donate: Express Donate empowers your supporters to give instantly, without fumbling for their credit card. With Express Donate, donors can give with a single click using their preferred digital wallet (Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal) creating a seamless experience that honors their generosity and their time. This is about removing barriers and making it incredibly easy to say “yes” to your cause.
2. Personalized Giving Suggestions & Smart Amounts: Generic donation amounts are a thing of the past! These tools use AI and data-driven insights to suggest personalized donation amounts that inspire greater generosity. By tailoring the ask, you’re not just asking for a donation—you’re showing your supporters you understand their capacity and value their contribution. The best part? Tailoring the ask requires no work on your part. Bloomerang’s intelligent tools fully automate this research so you don’t have to lift a finger.
3. Abandoned Gift Recovery: Life happens. A supporter might start to make a donation and get interrupted. Instead of losing that gift forever, Abandoned Cart Reminders and Text-to-Donate reminders gently nudge them to complete their contribution. This simple, automated follow-up can recover significant revenue that would otherwise be lost.
4. Flexible Giving Plans: Every supporter’s financial situation is unique. Flexible Giving Plans allow donors to contribute in a way that works for them, whether it’s a one-time gift, a recurring donation, or a pledge fulfilled over time. This flexibility empowers donors and builds long-term, sustainable support for your mission.

The proof is in the impact

The results speak for themselves. Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia, for example, saw a 36% year-over-year increase in donations, raising over $20,000 in a single quarter with the help of these tools. This is what happens when you combine your passion with technology that truly understands the heart of giving.

It’s time to think bigger

Your work is too important to be hampered by outdated tools and missed opportunities. You deserve technology that not only understands the unique challenges of the nonprofit world but is built to help you overcome them.

Bloomerang’s intelligent donation conversion tools are more than just software—they’re a partner in your purpose. They are designed to be easy to use, so you can activate what works and get back to what you do best—changing the world!

The post Bloomerang turns supporter passion into action with up to 55% improvement in online donations appeared first on Bloomerang.

Better nonprofit CRM integrations change that. Our Integrated Partner Program simplifies how nonprofits connect their tools, freeing teams to focus on their mission and deliver measurable results. While many CRMs require costly add-ons to handle core nonprofit functions, Bloomerang is a unified giving platform that incorporates fundraising, CRM, and volunteer management. The Integrated Partner Program delivers an open, flexible platform that extends these capabilities. It makes it even easier to connect with additional tools you rely on, creating a best-in-class ecosystem that ensures everything works together to amplify your impact.

Disconnected systems hold nonprofits back

Disconnected systems create challenges that nonprofits can’t afford:

• Wasted time: Manual data entry slows everything down, leaving less time for mission-critical work.
• Missed opportunities: When data’s scattered across systems, it’s harder to understand your supporters and engage effectively.
• Scaling struggles: As nonprofits grow, patchwork systems can’t keep up, creating barriers instead of solutions.

This isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. Nonprofits have switched CRMs because their existing integrations fall short, yet satisfaction with integration options remains low.

Beyond inefficiency, disconnected systems also erode donor trust. When touchpoints feel fragmented, supporters may see the organization as unorganized, even if the mission is strong. Nonprofits may not even be aware of potential connectors, making it harder to find the right tools and reducing confidence in their nonprofit’s CRM capabilities.

How better nonprofit CRM integrations drive impact

Integrations are more than a tech fix—they’re a tool to transform your donor relations, fundraising, and volunteer management. Many nonprofits see integrations as a way to ‘fix’ disconnected systems, but they can also unlock entirely new ways to engage donors and improve efficiency. The right integrations don’t just remove pain points—they create new opportunities for growth. Here’s how they help:

• Spend your time where it matters. Integrated tools keep data in sync, so your team spends less time on tedious updates and more time on what matters.
• See the full picture of your supporters. When donor engagement data flows between systems, it’s easier to personalize outreach and strengthen relationships.
• Make decisions with confidence. With real-time data across platforms, your team can spot trends faster and take action.

A best-in-class ecosystem ensures these benefits extend across every area of your operations. Syncing tools like video messaging and accounting systems create a streamlined foundation that drives efficiency and impact.

With the right integrations, routine tasks take care of themselves—giving your team more time to build relationships, raise funds, and grow your impact. For example, syncing Bloomerang with an accounting system ensures that every donation automatically updates financial records, reducing manual entry and keeping donor and finance teams aligned.

Introducing the Bloomerang Integrated Partner Program

The Integrated Partner Program is here to make connections easier. This program helps organizations simplify workflows, unify data, and maximize efficiency.

Here’s what it offers:

• Native integrations for popular nonprofit tools, including Bloomerang-developed connections and partner-developed solutions that expand your system’s capabilities without adding complexity.
• Custom options through Zapier or the Bloomerang open API tailor integrations to your unique workflows.
• An integrated partner directory that makes it easy to find the right solutions for your tech stack.

Explore the Integrated Partner Directory to find integrations that extend Bloomerang capabilities by connecting with the tools your nonprofit already relies on.

The Integrated Partners Directory provides a single place within Bloomerang’s nonprofit CRM to explore all integrations—so you can easily find, learn more about, and connect the tools you already use.

Not every integration makes the cut. Partners go through a detailed review process before being listed in the Integrated Partners Directory. Every connector is vetted to ensure it works seamlessly with Bloomerang, so you don’t have to worry about incomplete or inaccurate data syncing. The result? A curated list of trusted tools you can count on.

What this means for your nonprofit

Better integrations aren’t just practical—they’re a shift in how nonprofits work. Disconnected systems don’t just create inefficiencies; they create blind spots. When fundraising, accounting, and engagement tools operate in silos, it’s harder to see the full picture of supporter relationships and harder to act on real-time insights.

The Integrated Partner Program makes it easier to align teams, streamline workflows, and keep data working for you. Instead of juggling disconnected tools, you can connect QuickBooks to sync financial records in real time, reducing manual entry and keeping donor and finance teams on the same page.

Some integrations work behind the scenes, handling critical tasks without extra steps:

• Wealth Insights powers the Bloomerang Generosity Score, giving you insights into donor potential as part of your existing workflow.
• TrueGivers manages National Change of Address (NCOA) updates and deceased suppression, keeping your donor data clean and up to date. Building stronger donor relationships is easier, too. You can integrate Gratavid to send personal video messages and track engagement directly within Bloomerang—helping to create meaningful connections with your supporters.
• When it comes to email marketing, you have options. Bloomerang includes built-in email tools, but if you already use Mailchimp or Constant Contact, you can integrate them seamlessly—giving you the flexibility to work with the platforms you know and trust.
• And if you’re looking to integrate custom workflows, Zapier unlocks thousands of possibilities.

These are just a few examples of the integrations available through the program.

When your systems work together, you’re not just more efficient—you’re better equipped to engage supporters, manage resources, and grow your impact.

Why this matters

Expectations for nonprofits are higher than ever. Donors want seamless experiences, funders demand results, and teams need tools that work without constant troubleshooting.

When your systems are connected, everything runs smoother—freeing your team to focus on donors and your mission, not data entry.

The Bloomerang Integrated Partner Program and Directory pulls together all available integrations into one place—helping you discover and use high-quality, reviewed connectors that work effortlessly with Bloomerang.

A best-in-class ecosystem is more than a collection of tools—it’s a strategy for growth. And it helps ensure that every part of your nonprofit, from donor engagement to reporting, works in harmony to deliver results. The Integrated Partner Program eliminates friction, reduces silos, and creates a foundation for long-term success. It’s not just about solving today’s challenges—it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Ready to thrive?

Disconnected systems shouldn’t stand in your way. The Bloomerang Integrated Partner Program simplifies workflows, strengthens donor relationships, and helps your nonprofit fundraise more. Find the integrations that will make the biggest impact on your team.

What are your favorite nonprofit CRM integrations? Let us know in the comments. 

The post Nonprofit CRM Integrations: How Our Integrated Partner Program Drives Efficiency and Impact appeared first on Bloomerang.

“All support—whether it’s volunteered time or a cash donation—is critically important for nonprofits to move their missions forward,” said Dennis Fois, chief executive officer at Bloomerang. “Giving encompasses more than monetary donations, and our built-for-purpose giving platform continues to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits and the industry at large. Giving Statements supports and helps track the various ways individuals give to the causes they care about, opening new avenues for nonprofits to build stronger relationships with supporters.”

Bloomerang clients can efficiently send year-end giving summaries via email to each supporter in their database, making required tax documentation much less time consuming, while also giving nonprofits a new opportunity to personally engage constituents around the positive impacts of their giving. With 74% of donors not expecting to be thanked for their contributions, Giving Statements provide a new touchpoint for nonprofits to better steward relationships with supporters. These giving summaries help drive real results for nonprofits when it comes to securing repeat and ongoing support.

With Bloomerang’s Giving Statements nonprofits can:

• Save time: Year-end giving summaries can be created and emailed in just a few clicks, saving hours of manual work, so nonprofits can spend more time focused on their mission.
• Show gratitude: Sending giving statements is a great way to personally thank supporters, highlighting all the ways they’ve made an impact through their support.
• Inspire ongoing generosity: Showcasing how a constituent’s support has impacted a nonprofit and helped move a cause forward can inspire them to not only keep giving, but give in different ways.

“Nonprofits face a tough challenge during tax season: providing timely donation summaries while also keeping donors engaged,” says Tammy Hammond, chief product officer at Bloomerang. “Since more than a third of donors will stop their support due to feeling disconnected from a nonprofit, it’s crucial for nonprofit staff to make the most of every opportunity to connect. Giving Statements simplifies year-end reporting, freeing up valuable time for nonprofits to build stronger relationships. By celebrating every gift, nonprofits can foster deeper connections with their supporters, inspire continued generosity, and ultimately further their mission.”

This latest product release continues to bolster and expand the growth and success Bloomerang customers experience when using Bloomerang’s Giving Platform. Nonprofits are able to raise more and do more, increasing recurring donations by 25%, growing their donor base by 15%, and raising 26% more on average annually.

Learn more about Bloomerang’s Giving Platform and see the latest updates and product offerings here.

The post Bloomerang Launches First-of-its-Kind Giving Statements Feature to Inspire Ongoing Generosity appeared first on Bloomerang.

Monthly donation appeal prompt

“As a nonprofit development officer, generate a compelling email to our donors requesting their continued support through monthly donations. Start with a warm greeting, reference their previous support, outline how their monthly donations help achieve specific goals (like funding a new project or maintaining a program), suggest a specific donation amount, and emphasize how their ongoing support is crucial for our mission’s success.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Provides a personal touch: Using a warm greeting and mentioning previous support personalizes the email.
• Delivers a clear impact: Explaining how monthly donations will be used provides a concrete reason for giving.
• Makes a specific request: Suggesting a specific donation amount guides donors on how much to contribute.

Event follow-up thank you prompt

“As an event coordinator, craft a thank-you email for attendees of our recent event. Begin with a heartfelt thank you for their presence, highlight a key achievement or outcome from the event (like funds raised or goals met), and extend an invitation for them to engage further with upcoming events or initiatives.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Shows immediate gratitude: Expressing thanks right after the event reinforces positive feelings.
• Highlights achievement: Sharing the event’s success shows attendees their contribution was valuable.
• Encourages future engagement: Inviting them to future events keeps them involved with your organization.

Thank you for volunteering prompt

“As a volunteer manager, write a thank-you email to volunteers who recently dedicated their time. Begin with a personalized thank you, describe the specific impact of their volunteer work (like how many people they helped or the difference they made), and acknowledge their essential role in supporting your organization’s mission.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Provides personalized appreciation: Directly addressing volunteers and their contributions makes the message feel sincere.
• Highlights the impact: Detailing how their work made a difference reinforces their value.
• Acknowledges the role: Recognizing their essential role encourages continued support and involvement.

Welcome message with soft ask prompt

“As a communications specialist, draft a welcome email for new subscribers. Start with a warm and enthusiastic greeting, introduce your organization’s mission and goals, briefly mention the ways their support can make a difference, and gently suggest a small monthly donation to help further these efforts.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Provides a warm welcome: Sets a positive tone and makes new subscribers feel valued.
• Introduces the mission: Helps new subscribers understand your organization’s purpose and goals.
• Makes a gentle donation request: Encourages giving without being too assertive, easing new subscribers into contributing.

Donation thank you prompt

“As a donor relations coordinator, compose a thank-you email for a recent donation. Begin with heartfelt thanks, detail the specific way(s) their donation will benefit the organization (like, funding a new program or project), and include a note about the donation being tax-deductible to provide additional value.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Expresses heartfelt gratitude: Shows sincere appreciation, strengthening the donor relationship.
• Provides usage details: Explains how their donation will be used, enhancing transparency.
• Includes tax information: Provides useful information about tax benefits, adding extra value for the donor.

Acknowledgement prompt

“As a fundraising manager, generate a heartfelt acknowledgement letter to a donor. Thank them for their contribution, describe the specific impact it will have (like providing winter coats to families in need), mention that the donation is tax-deductible, and invite them to subscribe to the quarterly newsletter for updates on the impact of their support.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Conveys a heartfelt tone: A sincere and engaging tone makes the donor feel appreciated.
• Highlights the impact: Provides a clear picture of how their donation will help, reinforcing their positive impact.
• Extends an additional invitation: Encourages further engagement through the newsletter, keeping them connected to your organization.

Email newsletter prompt

“As a content creator, write a paragraph for our monthly newsletter that highlights the success of our recent coat drive. Include specific details like the number of families served, the difference made, and the gratitude of those helped. Encourage readers to stay informed and involved with future initiatives and updates.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Highlights success: Emphasizes positive outcomes, building emotional connections with readers.
• Offers specific details: Provides concrete information about the impact of their support, reinforcing the value of their involvement.
• Encourages engagement: Promotes continued engagement and updates, keeping the audience connected to your mission.

Appeal Prompt

“As a major gifts officer, craft an appeal email targeted at wealthy donors who have not contributed in the past year. Graciously remind them of their previous support, explain the current needs and why their contribution is crucial now, and encourage them to set up a monthly automatic donation for sustained support.”

Why this prompt is effective:

• Offers a polite reminder: Acknowledges past support while making a case for current needs.
• Explains the current need: Provides context for why their contribution is needed now, making the request more relevant.
• Encourages recurring donations: Suggests a recurring donation, providing an easy way for donors to support ongoing efforts.

Tips to refine your content

• Reinforce your mission: Tell AI to mention your mission to keep your content aligned with your organization’s goals and strengthen your nonprofit’s identity.
• Regenerate for fresh results: Don’t like the result? Click the REGENERATE button to get a new version with a different approach or perspective.
• Adjust length easily: If the content is too long or too short, simply ask AI to “make it 3 paragraphs” or “condense to 3 sentences” to fit your preferred length.
• Fine-tune tone: Specify your desired tone by instructing AI to “make it more formal,” “add a friendly tone,” or “be more professional” to better align with your organization’s voice.
• Enhance clarity: For more precise communication, ask AI to “simplify the language” or “clarify the key points” to ensure your audience understands your message.
• Focus on specifics: Direct AI to “add examples” or “include relevant statistics” to provide more depth and context, making your content more engaging and informative.

While the Bloomerang AI content assistant is an incredible time-saver for writing email copy, nothing can replace your personal touch and the unique voice of your organization. As you harness these tools, remember to infuse your content with the distinctive elements that make your story resonate deeply with your donors.

For more information about using our AI content assistant, check out our knowledgebase articles:

• Use the AI Content Assistant
• Write Effective Prompts in the AI Content Assistant

We’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your favorite prompts with us in the comments below!

The post Save Time With AI Content Assistant Prompts You Can Try Now appeared first on Bloomerang.

1. Personalize email content to boost engagement

Personalization makes your audience feel valued. The AI Content Assistant can help you by suggesting personalized greetings and content based on the recipient’s preferences. Tailoring emails to include the recipient’s name, past interactions, or interests can significantly increase engagement rates.

2. Optimize subject lines for higher open rates

A captivating subject line is crucial as it determines whether recipients will open or ignore your email. Use the AI Content Assistant to generate multiple subject line options and choose the one that best captures attention. The tool can help you craft subject lines that are both intriguing and relevant to your audience.

3. Craft clear and concise content that will resonate

Emails should be clear and concise. The AI Content Assistant can help you refine your message by summarizing lengthy paragraphs and removing unnecessary jargon. This makes your emails easy to read and understand, increasing the likelihood of your message being well-received.

4. Enhance calls-to-action (CTAs) to get the results you want

Effective CTAs are essential for driving conversions. The AI Content Assistant can suggest powerful CTAs based on your email content and desired outcomes. Whether you want recipients to sign up for a webinar, download a resource, or make a purchase, a well-crafted CTA can make all the difference.

5. Proofread for perfection

Typos and grammatical errors can damage your credibility. Use the AI Content Assistant to spell-check and grammar-check your emails before sending them out. This ensures your emails are polished and professional, reflecting positively on your brand.

6. Choose the right tone for the right audience

Different tones of voice resonate with different audiences. The AI Content Assistant can help you adjust the tone of your emails to match your audience’s preferences. Whether you need a friendly, formal, or persuasive tone, the AI can transform your content accordingly, making it more appealing to your readers.

7. Translate content for speakers of other languages

If your business operates internationally, language barriers can be a challenge. The AI Content Assistant can translate your email content into multiple languages, enabling you to effectively communicate with a global audience. This ensures your message is clear and culturally appropriate for all recipients.

8. A/B Testing for the Win

Take the guesswork out of content creation! Use the AI Content Assistant to generate variations of your content and test which ones resonate best with your audience.

Conclusion

Using the Bloomerang AI Content Assistant can transform your fundraising. It offers a fast path to personal messages, optimal subject lines, and clear content while enhancing CTAs, proofreading, adjusting tones, and translating content. Now, you can craft compelling email campaigns that drive engagement and conversions. Embrace the power of AI to take your email marketing to the next level.

What are some ways our new AI Content Assistant will help you craft compelling emails? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

The post 8 Strategies For Crafting Compelling Email Campaigns With Bloomerang AI Content Assistant appeared first on Bloomerang.