Agentforce for Fundraising? 4 Considerations for Nonprofits Integrating AI for Donor Engagement

Agentforce for Fundraising? 4 Considerations for Nonprofits Integrating AI for Donor Engagement 

If you spent any time on the internet or in San Francisco this week, you’ve likely seen or heard the barrage of “Agentforce”—and for good reason. Agentforce is this year’s Data Cloud. It’s AI! It’s “autonomous”! It can do some really cool things! During the Opening Keynote at the world’s second largest software conference, I watched somebody use it to modify and update Saks’ customer service agent in real time – it was impressive.  

This week at Dreamforce, Agentforce was formally introduced as a powerful new AI tool and the next evolution of AI innovation to complement the full suite of Salesforce solutions.  

Immediately, use case conversations and discussions were taking place on the ground at Dreamforce, in Slack threads and Teams chats worldwide, on LinkedIn out in the open. I personally thought, albeit idly at first, about how we might use Agentforce in our business, just as I am sure many nonprofit tech leaders are wondering how AI tools might fit into the tech stack and day to day work at their organizations.  

As a fresh company with a singular focus on the people aspect of technology, we’re also asking questions, figuring out policies, and exploring how AI-driven technologies can support our mission while serving, not sacrificing, our core value of People.  

You might be wondering how tools like Agentforce can fit into your work, and how it might enhance your operations and help you better meet your mission. We’re thinking of it as we meet nonprofits looking to reimagine their use of Salesforce, and we’re excited about the possibilities of Agentforce for things like donor engagement and fundraising operations. But we’re also thinking about when NOT to use AI tools, how policies and missions should inform their use, and how to maintain the core human facet of constituent relationship management in the face of increasing tech complexity and a diversity of AI tools to choose from. 

I personally still have not wrapped my mind around what all Agentforce can do, and how it will extend far beyond the “AI” tools that many are familiar with today. But in general, when implementing any sort of AI solution for donor engagement, it’s crucial to balance efficiency with a personal touch. With that in mind, here are four things to keep in mind as you consider the use of AI in your fundraising operations strategies:

1. Automate with care
   AI is great for automating repetitive tasks, but it’s important to use it wisely. Automating processes like donor segmentation or canned follow-up emails can save your team time. However, relationships with donors are at the heart of nonprofit success, and too much automation can risk feeling impersonal. Use AI to handle routine tasks but ensure that key touchpoints remain human-led, especially those that supporters have come to expect a human touch and personal attention. People come first—especially when building trust and loyalty with your supporters.
   
   
2. Personalization matters
   AI’s ability to personalize outbound communication is one of its strengths, allowing nonprofits to scale outreach and tailor messages based on past interactions and other data. However, human oversight is essential to keep the message authentic and mission-driven. AI can provide data-driven insights, but only people can understand the nuance and emotions that drive donor behavior. By combining AI’s personalization with a human touch, nonprofits can enhance relationships without sacrificing sincerity. After all, we see the potential in every person and process—AI should be a tool that amplifies this, not replaces it. Keep it real, keep it personal.
   
   
3. Stay mission-centered
   At The Fresh Perspective Group, we believe that technology should simplify work and serve people. When using AI, make sure it aligns with your nonprofit’s mission. AI tools should help you focus on your core values rather than detract from them. For example, if your mission revolves around community-building and human connection, relying too heavily on AI could unintentionally undermine your values. AI can help nonprofits work more efficiently, but this should never be at the cost of straying from your vision and mission. At least in today’s technology climate, keeping things simple and focused is key to leveraging AI without losing sight of what really matters. Let AI be a tool that supports your vision, not one that defines it.  
   
   
4. Balance efficiency and empathy
   While AI can make processes more efficient, it’s crucial to remember that donors, like all people, want to feel seen and valued. Genuine, empathetic engagement remains at the heart of successful donor relationships. AI can help with time-saving tasks, but it’s the human connections that truly inspire donors to stay involved. At The Fresh Perspective Group, we prioritize people-first strategies—use AI to create efficiencies, but ensure there’s space for real interactions and real connection. A thank you phone call or personalized note can mean far more than an automated email. 

Curious about AI for nonprofits? Let’s explore together.  

While Agentforce is still new and only generally available beginning in October, there is so much to consider and explore as this powerful new tool gets put through its paces by the Trailblazers eager to experiment. We’ll continue to keep our ears to the ground and explore more about AI tools for nonprofits in future posts and would love to know how you envision using something like Agentforce at your organization. At The Fresh Perspective Group, we believe in simplifying technology to empower nonprofits to focus on their missions. As you explore integrating AI into your donor engagement strategy, we’re here to help you balance efficiency with empathy. Reach out to learn more about how we can partner to bring your nonprofit’s vision to life!