OpenAI just made headlines with Instant Checkout, a feature that lets people shop inside ChatGPT. Right now, it’s connected to Etsy. Shopify is coming soon. And thanks to the open-source Agentic Commerce Protocol, more merchants will follow.
For e-commerce, that’s big. But the implications for AI fundraising might be even bigger.
What AI Fundraising Could Look Like
Picture this: you’re chatting with ChatGPT about your weekend plans. You mention a charity 5K, and the assistant asks, “Want to give $20 to support the cause?” With Apple Pay or Google Pay built in, the donation is complete in seconds.
Or you search for volunteer opportunities near you. Alongside the list of events, ChatGPT offers a simple donation option for the nonprofit hosting them.
This isn’t a stretch, it’s the same infrastructure already powering online purchases, applied to giving.
Why Nonprofits Should Care
AI fundraising has the potential to remove one of the biggest hurdles in online giving: friction. Donors drop off when they hit clunky forms, redirects, or forgotten logins. If giving is as easy as a one-click checkout, conversion rates could climb.
Of course, OpenAI will take a cut on transactions, just like credit card processors do today. But nonprofits could benefit from greater reach and exposure, especially as AI becomes a trusted place for recommendations and daily interactions.
Connecting the Dots
We’ve seen versions of this before. Think “round up for charity” prompts at grocery stores. The difference here is scale and personalization. AI fundraising could be embedded in the same platforms where people shop, search, and plan their lives, making generosity feel like a natural next step.
How to Prepare Now
Nonprofits don’t need to jump in immediately, but smart organizations can start laying the groundwork:
-
Monitor the protocol. As Instant Checkout expands, look for ways donation platforms might integrate.
-
Ask your tech partners. CRMs, payment processors, and fundraising platforms should already be thinking about AI-driven giving.
-
Refine your messaging. If a supporter could donate in three seconds, would your campaign be ready to capture that moment?
AI fundraising is coming faster than most organizations expect. The nonprofits that prepare now won’t just keep up—they’ll lead in capturing the next wave of digital generosity.
FAQ: AI Fundraising and OpenAI
What is AI fundraising?
AI fundraising uses artificial intelligence to make donating easier, more personalized, and more accessible. In this case, it could mean donors giving directly inside ChatGPT through Instant Checkout.
How could ChatGPT enable donations?
Just as ChatGPT now lets users shop Etsy without leaving the app, the same system could enable nonprofits to accept donations seamlessly within the conversation flow.
Will OpenAI take a cut of donations?
Yes. OpenAI charges fees on Instant Checkout transactions, similar to how credit card processors or platforms like PayPal handle online payments.
Why would nonprofits benefit from AI fundraising?
The biggest advantage is reducing friction. Instead of losing donors to long forms or redirects, nonprofits could capture gifts in seconds, meeting supporters where they already are.
When will this be available to nonprofits?
Right now, it’s speculation. OpenAI has not announced nonprofit integrations yet, but the open protocol means the potential is there as adoption grows.