Why These Prompts Work
The difference between a useful AI response and a generic one comes down to how you ask. These prompts use the CRAFT framework:
- Context — Background information
- Role — Who Claude should be
- Action — What to do
- Format — How to structure output
- Tone — Voice and style
Copy these prompts, replace the [BRACKETS] with your information, and start getting real results.
1. Personalized Thank-You Letter
The most impactful use of AI for fundraising: scaling personalization.
Context: I work for [ORGANIZATION NAME], a [nonprofit type] focused on [mission]. We just received a donation of €[AMOUNT] from [DONOR NAME], who has been supporting us for [DURATION].
Role: You are an experienced nonprofit communications specialist who writes compelling, heartfelt donor thank-you letters.
Action: Write a personalized thank-you letter that:
- Acknowledges their specific gift and history
- Connects their donation to concrete impact
- Makes them feel valued as an individual
- Encourages continued engagement (without asking for more)
Format: 150-200 words, 3-4 paragraphs, warm personal tone.
Additional context about this donor: [ANY PERSONAL DETAILS]Why it works: Specifying the donor's history and asking for engagement (not just thanks) creates a letter that builds relationship, not just acknowledges a transaction.
2. Year-End Appeal
Capture the urgency of year-end giving without sounding desperate.
Context: It's December and [ORGANIZATION NAME] is running our year-end giving campaign. We're a [nonprofit type] focused on [MISSION]. Our goal is €[AMOUNT] by December 31st. Key achievements this year: [LIST 2-3 ACHIEVEMENTS].
Role: You are a direct response fundraising copywriter who specializes in emotional, compelling appeals that drive action.
Action: Write a year-end appeal email that:
- Opens with a compelling hook that creates emotional connection
- Shares a specific story that illustrates our impact
- Creates appropriate urgency (deadline, matching gift, etc.)
- Makes the ask clear and specific
- Overcomes objections (every amount matters)
Format: 400-500 words, short paragraphs, clear CTA. Include 3 subject line options.
Tone: Urgent but not panicked. Emotional but not manipulative.3. Lapsed Donor Re-engagement
Win back donors who gave last year but haven't given this year.
Context: [DONOR NAME] gave €[AMOUNT] to [ORGANIZATION NAME] in [YEAR] but hasn't donated since. They originally donated after [HOW THEY FOUND US]. Our organization works on [MISSION].
Role: You are a donor relations specialist who rebuilds connections with lapsed supporters.
Action: Write a re-engagement email that:
- Acknowledges their past support specifically
- Doesn't guilt them for not giving
- Shares what's happened since their last gift
- Invites them back with a soft ask
- Provides an easy way to reconnect
Format: 200-250 words, conversational, single clear next step.
Tone: Warm, welcoming, no pressure. Like reaching out to an old friend.4. Major Gift Thank-You
When someone gives a significant gift, the thank-you needs to match.
Context: [DONOR NAME] just made a major gift of €[AMOUNT] to [ORGANIZATION NAME]. This is [their first major gift / a significant increase from €X]. They've been involved with us since [YEAR] and have [attended events, volunteered, etc.].
Role: You are a major gifts officer who builds deep, meaningful relationships with significant donors.
Action: Write a thank-you letter that:
- Acknowledges the significance of this gift
- Demonstrates understanding of their journey with us
- Shares specific impact this gift will enable
- Invites them into closer relationship (site visit, call, etc.)
- Sets foundation for ongoing partnership
Format: 250-300 words, personal letter format, CEO/ED signature line.
Tone: Deeply appreciative, collegial, treating them as a partner not just a donor.5. Monthly Donor Welcome
Convert a one-time signup into a lifelong supporter.
Context: [DONOR NAME] just signed up to give €[AMOUNT]/month to [ORGANIZATION NAME]. We're a [nonprofit type] focused on [MISSION].
Role: You are a donor relations specialist focused on building long-term commitment.
Action: Write a welcome email that:
- Celebrates their decision to become a monthly supporter
- Explains what happens next (billing, communications)
- Shows the cumulative impact of their annual giving
- Makes them feel part of an exclusive community
- Sets expectations for future updates
Format: 200-250 words, clear sections, friendly email format.
Tone: Excited, welcoming. Should feel like joining a movement, not completing a form.6. Donor Segment Analysis
Turn your donor data into actionable insights.
Context: I have donor data for [ORGANIZATION NAME] and want to understand giving patterns. Our donor file includes [DESCRIBE FIELDS: gift amounts, dates, acquisition source, etc.].
Role: You are a nonprofit data analyst specializing in donor behavior.
Action: Help me think through how to segment our donors by:
- Giving level (major, mid, grassroots)
- Frequency (monthly, annual, sporadic)
- Recency (active, at-risk, lapsed)
- Lifecycle stage (new, growing, mature, declining)
For each segment, suggest:
- Key metrics to track
- Engagement strategies
- Warning signs to watch for
Format: Clear categories with actionable recommendations.
Tone: Strategic, practical, focused on what we can actually do.7. Appeal A/B Test Variants
Test your way to better results.
Context: I'm testing our year-end email appeal for [ORGANIZATION NAME]. The control version opens with [CURRENT OPENING]. Our audience is [DESCRIBE DONOR BASE].
Role: You are a direct response testing expert who designs meaningful A/B tests.
Action: Create 3 alternative opening paragraphs to test:
- Variant A: Story-led (open with a beneficiary story)
- Variant B: Data-led (open with compelling statistic)
- Variant C: Urgency-led (open with deadline/matching gift)
For each variant, explain:
- What psychological lever it's pulling
- Who it might resonate with most
- How to measure if it worked
Format: Each variant as a complete opening paragraph (50-75 words).8. Recurring Gift Upgrade Ask
Move monthly donors to a higher giving level.
Context: [DONOR NAME] has been giving €[AMOUNT]/month to [ORGANIZATION NAME] for [DURATION]. We'd like to ask them to increase to €[TARGET AMOUNT]/month. Their total lifetime giving is €[TOTAL].
Role: You are a monthly giving specialist who understands donor psychology.
Action: Write an upgrade ask email that:
- Thanks them for their sustained commitment
- Shows the impact of their giving so far
- Explains why we're asking for an increase
- Makes the incremental amount feel manageable
- Provides easy one-click upgrade option
Format: 175-225 words, personal but efficient.
Tone: Appreciative first, ask second. Never make them feel their current gift isn't enough.9. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Coach
Help your peer-to-peer fundraisers succeed.
Context: [FUNDRAISER NAME] is raising money for [ORGANIZATION NAME] through [EVENT/CAMPAIGN]. They've raised €[AMOUNT] toward their €[GOAL] goal. They have [TIME REMAINING].
Role: You are a peer-to-peer fundraising coach who helps individuals reach their goals.
Action: Write an encouraging message that:
- Celebrates their progress so far
- Provides 3 specific, actionable next steps
- Includes template language they can use
- Addresses common objections ("I've asked everyone")
- Motivates without pressuring
Format: Email with bullet points for action items.
Tone: Encouraging, practical, teammate energy.10. Post-Event Follow-Up
Turn event attendees into donors.
Context: [ATTENDEE NAME] attended our [EVENT NAME] on [DATE]. The event focused on [THEME] and featured [KEY MOMENTS]. They [did/did not] donate at the event.
Role: You are an event follow-up specialist who converts attendees to supporters.
Action: Write a follow-up email that:
- Thanks them for attending
- Recalls a specific memorable moment from the event
- Shares what happened as a result (if applicable)
- Provides a natural next step (not just "donate now")
- Keeps the door open for future engagement
Format: 150-200 words, personal, timely.
Tone: Warm, like a personal note from a host after a dinner party.Using These Prompts Effectively
Start with One
Don't try all 10 at once. Pick the one that addresses your biggest pain point:
- Drowning in thank-you letters? → Start with #1
- Year-end crunch? → Start with #2
- Lapsed donors piling up? → Start with #3
Iterate
Your first output won't be perfect. Tell Claude what to change:
- "Make it shorter"
- "Make it warmer"
- "Add more urgency"
- "Include specific numbers"
Always Review
AI is a starting point, not a finish line. Review every output for:
- Accuracy (especially with numbers and names)
- Tone (does it sound like your organization?)
- Appropriateness (would this work for this specific donor?)
Want More?
These 10 prompts are a starting point. We have a complete library of 30+ prompts covering:
- Grant writing
- Communications
- Operations
- Data analysis
- Dutch-specific content
[Get in touch](/?start=intake) to access the full library or get prompts customized for your organization.
*From the doorstep to the dashboard—practical AI for nonprofits.*