Unlocking the Power of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly become an essential tool for nonprofits and small businesses. Two of the most popular types of AI are Large Language Models (LLMs) and image-generating AIs. While both can significantly enhance your organization’s marketing efforts, they work in different ways and offer distinct benefits. Understanding the difference between these two AI types and how they can help your organization is crucial for getting the most out of these technologies.

What Are LLMs and How Can They Help Your Nonprofit or Small Business? 

LLMs, or Large Language Models, are AI tools designed to understand and generate human-like text. They are trained on vast amounts of data, allowing them to answer questions, write articles, generate social media posts, and even create personalized emails. For nonprofits or small businesses, LLMs like ChatGPT can be game-changers. Here’s how they can help: 

1. Content Creation: LLMs can help you create blog posts, newsletters, and social media content quickly, saving you valuable time. 

2. Donor Engagement: These tools can help you write personalized emails and messages for your supporters, making communication more efficient. 3. Idea Generation: If you're brainstorming for a new campaign or event, an LLM can help generate ideas and refine your messaging. 

What Are Image-Generating AIs and How Can They Help? 

On the other hand, image-generating AIs create visuals based on your text prompts. These tools are perfect for creating custom graphics, logos, social media images, or promotional materials without needing a graphic designer. For nonprofits and small businesses, visually appealing content is essential for capturing attention and driving engagement. Some key benefits of using image generating AIs include: 

1. Visual Content Creation: Quickly generate engaging graphics for social media posts, flyers, and event promotions. 

2. Cost-Effective Branding: Create logos or brand visuals without the need for expensive design services. 

3. Campaign Support: Easily produce themed images for fundraising campaigns, awareness initiatives, or volunteer appreciation. 

Free AI Tools to Try 

Both LLMs and image-generating AIs have free options that nonprofits and small businesses can start using right away. Here are a few popular ones: For LLMs: 

1. ChatGPT by OpenAI: A powerful language model that can help with everything from writing to customer engagement. 

2. Google Bard: A conversational AI that helps with content creation, idea generation, and more. 

For Image Generators: 

1. DALL·E 3 by OpenAI: A tool that can generate images from text prompts. It’s perfect for creating custom graphics or promotional materials. 2. Craiyon (formerly DALL·E mini): A free version of DALL·E that creates images from your prompts, though with a bit more of a stylized, abstract twist.

3. MidJourney: MidJourney is a popular AI image generator that creates stunning, high-quality visuals based on text prompts. While it operates through Discord, it’s an excellent choice for nonprofits and small businesses looking to craft unique and eye-catching graphics for campaigns, events, or social media. 

How to Use These AI Tools 

Both LLMs and image-generating AIs can be incorporated into your marketing strategy, whether for creating written content or visuals. Start by experimenting with one or two tools to see how they fit with your nonprofit or small business’s 

needs. For example, you might use ChatGPT to draft blog posts and social media captions, and then use DALL·E to generate accompanying images for your posts. The combination of text and visuals can help elevate your marketing, increase engagement, and save you time. To give you an idea of how easy it is, I’ve included an example below of a prompt I used with DALL·E, along with the image it generated: 

Prompt: 

"Create a vibrant and heartwarming image of a group of diverse people volunteering at a community garden. The scene should show individuals of different ages and ethnicities planting flowers, working together, and smiling. The background should feature greenery, trees, and a bright blue sky, conveying a sense of unity and positivity."