Mite and AI

One of our representatives recently received the following communication in their inbox:

"Just checking in — are you open to learning more about AI Voice Fundraiser? It's helping nonprofits like boost donations up to 10x with automated, real conversations. open to learning more about how this works?"

Looking beyond the grammatical errors, this solicitation raises a timely topic and some poignant questions for nonprofits and donors alike.

Questions like:

• Is this the desired direction for the nonprofit industry?

• Is the plan to save time and boost donations by having AI ask for donors' time, energy, and resources?

• What is the effect on donor perception and the connection between supporters and the organizations they support?

AI most certainly provides compelling advantages in every industry. The nonprofit world is no exception. The creation of digital media, compiling analytical information, researching data, and many other uses of AI are viable and wise for nonprofit organizations to utilize. But asking people to donate to a nonprofit's mission seems to cross a line.

Here are three reasons why AI should not be used to solicit donations from current and potential donors:

1) Time Value of Donors: Using "AI Voice" in fundraising is a violation of a key principle that those involved in the charitable industry should adhere to - namely, the Golden Rule. Treat other people the way you want to be treated. Your time is no more, nor less, valuable than your donor's time. When AI is used to solicit donations, the donor's time is being used by a machine, while the person(s) involved in serving others save time.

2) A Greater Gap: Should nonprofits disconnect even further from donors? The nonprofit sector currently suffers from distrust among 48% of its potential supporters. Considering this statistic, is it wise for operators within the industry to contemplate using AI communication with their community? Using one's time talking to donors seems like a healthier prescription. If the nonprofit sector adopts AI for donation solicitation, a rise in cynicism and distrust among donors should be expected.

3) It's inhumane: The Q4 Solicitation Blitz put on by the nonprofit industry is already overbearing on people. Starting in October, donors can attend a gala every weekend for the rest of the year. Solicitations flood inboxes, and nonprofit marketing swamps Social Media platforms. Now, the idea is to incorporate AI robot dials to the list of solicitation tactics. Is it that important to boost donations "10x"? People are unlikely to look kindly on being asked to give to an organization by AI Voice.

Mite will not use AI technology to talk with our community or solicit donations from potential donors. Not because we are anti-AI or distrust technology, but because of what we value. Implementing an AI solicitation model would violate our core values.

At our core, Mite focuses on serving donors. We communicate with our givers personally. Discussions are conducted in person, over the phone, or via online conference call. Communicating with donors to build relationships is what the Mite Team does. We don't believe AI Voice can accomplish this aspect of charity.

We will resist the temptation of 10x donation boosts and time savings for Mite's staff members. Instead, we will value charity and treat our donor community with respect.