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Thank a donor with the real impact of their gift
Practice: Keeping the AI to your sources. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Write a thank-you email to a returning donor under 90 words. The first sentence thanks him by name for the exact amount and names the program. Say what the gift pays for using the current cost, note that this is his third gift, and make no new ask of any kind. Sign it from the executive director. Write a prompt that gets that email.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 90 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "4 sentences, each under 18 words."
- Generic thanks. The AI writes "Thank you for your generous support" without the amount or the program. Try: Say it: "First sentence thanks Harold for his $250 gift to Bright Pages."
- Using the old impact number. The notes include an outdated $25 figure. The AI may say his gift covers 10 children. Try: Add: "Use the current cost: $250 covers books for 5 children."
- Sneaking in an ask. AI thank-you notes often end with "We hope you'll continue your support" or a volunteer pitch. Try: Add: "No asks of any kind. Sign it Rosa Delgado, Executive Director."
What a strong prompt includes
- Sets a word limit
- Names the gift and program
- Uses the current cost
- Bans any ask
- Says who signs it
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