Storytelling for nonprofits is critical to them sharing their impact, engaging volunteers and their community, and a powerful tool for fundraising prospects. AI is a game-changer for nonprofit storytelling. It helps organizations create compelling content faster, more effectively, and with greater reach. But AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity; so, see our toolkit to get started and help leverage AI to tell your nonprofit’s story.
This digital storytelling toolkit provides
- AI-powered prompts to help generate high-quality content across platforms.
- Guidance on using AI effectively, including how to provide the right context.
- Best practices for ethical AI use, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
- Optimized social media strategies for maximizing engagement.
How to use AI prompts in this toolkit
- Step 1: Identify what you need (e.g., a donor appeal, grant proposal, social media post).
- Step 2: Find the relevant AI prompt in this toolkit.
- Step 3: Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT or another AI tool.
- Step 4: Provide context by adding your organization's information, key details, or past content.
- Step 5: Review, refine, and personalize the AI-generated response to match your voice and mission.
Example: If you need a LinkedIn post about your latest fundraising campaign, you can copy this prompt: "Write a LinkedIn post about [your campaign], highlighting impact and a call to action." Then paste it into ChatGPT. Add context: Provide your campaign details, donor stats, or key achievements. Review and edit: Adjust the AI-generated draft to align with your nonprofit’s messaging.
Quick guides for using AI
1. AI-Powered Content Repurposing
Maximize the reach of your stories by adapting them for different platforms.
| Original content | AI prompt (copy + add context) |
| Blog post | “Summarize this blog post into a LinkedIn article with a call to action: [paste article text].” |
| Webinar recording | “Create an Instagram carousel summarizing key takeaways from this webinar: [paste webinar highlights or upload transcript].” |
| Conference speech | “Turn this speech transcript into a Twitter/X thread highlighting the main points: [paste transcript].” |
| Podcast episode | “Convert this podcast episode into a visually engaging LinkedIn post: [paste key quotes or upload transcript].” |
| Case study | “Transform this case study into a compelling Instagram story: [paste case study summary].” |
| YouTube video | “Create a short-form TikTok or Instagram Reel from this YouTube video: [paste script or upload video transcript].” |
2. SHINE framework for storytelling
The SHINE framework helps you craft compelling stories that inspire action.
| SHINE element | AI prompt (copy + add context) |
| S - Story (Define the core message) | “Write a concise mission-driven story about [cause/initiative] emphasizing why it matters: [paste key details].” |
| H - Hook (Capture attention) | “Create a strong opening for this story using a compelling stat, quote, or anecdote: [paste any key stat, quote, or backstory].” |
| I - Impact (Showcase tangible outcomes) | “Write a results-driven section showcasing the impact of [project/initiative], using data and testimonials: [paste relevant impact metrics/testimonials].” |
| N - Narrative Flow (Ensure logical, engaging structure) | “Structure this story with a clear beginning, middle, and end: [paste any key points].” |
| E - Engagement (Drive action) | “Craft a strong call to action encouraging [audience] to donate/share/get involved: [paste audience details + desired action].” |
2a. SHINE framework – copy-paste ready version
Use this version to draft a story, paste it into ChatGPT, and refine it further.
Story: [Write your core message here]
Hook: [Start with a compelling stat, quote, or anecdote]
Impact: [Show the tangible outcomes using data or testimonials]
Narrative flow: [Ensure a clear beginning, middle, and end]
Engagement: [End with a clear call to action]
Example use: Paste this into ChatGPT and ask: "Can you refine and expand this into a compelling impact story for a donor newsletter?"
3. AI-powered visual storytelling
Use AI to create eye-catching visuals that complement your storytelling.
| Type of visual content | AI prompt (copy + add context) |
| Infographics | “Generate an infographic summarizing [topic] with clear visuals and data points: [paste key facts].” |
| Event promo videos | “Generate a video script for a 30-second promotional video for [event]: [paste event details].” |
4. Ethical AI & data responsibility
Ensure AI-generated content is transparent, responsible, and fair.
| Ethical consideration | AI prompt for best practices |
| Avoiding bias in AI content | “How can I ensure AI-generated stories do not reinforce stereotypes or biases?” |
| Ensuring accessibility | “How can I make AI-powered content accessible to visually impaired audiences?” |
5. Social media image size & engagement
Use the most recent social media image dimensions to ensure your posts are optimized to look their best on each platform.
| Platform | Recommended image size (2025) | AI prompt for generating images |
| Instagram post | 1080x1080 px (Square) | “Create an Instagram post graphic for [campaign] with bold text and a clean layout.” |
| LinkedIn post | 1200x627 px | “Create a LinkedIn banner image showcasing [success story].” |
Dive into this topic with these free, on-demand Candid courses
- How can I bring my organization's story to life? (Video) Learn how videos are a great tool for telling your organization’s story in an engaging way.
- Digital Storytelling: How to engage and activate your supporters online (Self-paced course) Learn how to craft a strategy for effectively telling your story across digital platforms.
About the author: Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi, MMH (she/her) Founder / CEO, The International Social Institute™ | AI & Workforce Transformation Strategist, with the support of ChatGPT for content generation