The Must-Try AI Tool for Nonprofits: NotebookLM and Audio Overviews

Let’s face it: running a nonprofit is no small feat. Between juggling operations, rallying donors, and staying connected with your community, you’ve got a full plate. But what if there was a way to make it all a little easier—and even more impactful? Enter Google’s NotebookLM, the AI-driven notebook designed to help nonprofits like yours do more with less effort.

Whether you're brainstorming your next campaign, trying to simplify that endless report, or dreaming up ways to connect with your supporters, NotebookLM has you covered. And there’s one standout feature you’ve got to try: Audio Overviews. Imagine turning dense reports or meeting notes into podcast-like summaries that your team or audience can listen to anytime, anywhere. Sounds amazing, right? Let's dive into the top ways you can put NotebookLM to work for your mission.

1. Start with a Clear Structure

Every great mission starts with organization, and NotebookLM is here to help. Here’s a pro tip:

• Create a central "all-notebook" for shared resources and separate notebooks for specific projects or campaigns. This keeps everything tidy and easy to find.

• Upload recent documents to give your team a clear overview and a great starting point for insights.

No more searching through endless folders or emails—it’s all in one place, ready when you need it!

2. Try the Podcast Audio Overview Feature 🎙️

Here’s where NotebookLM truly shines. While the current Audio Overview feature doesn’t allow for fully customizable voices yet, it’s a fantastic tool for turning lengthy documents into concise, engaging audio summaries—perfect for busy nonprofits. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tailored Content Summaries:

  • You can guide AI hosts to focus on specific topics or adjust the expertise level, making the summaries more relevant to your audience.

  • Current options include two natural-sounding, AI-generated voices available in English.

• What’s Next:

  • While direct voice customization isn’t here yet, advancements in Google’s AI ecosystem suggest exciting updates could be on the horizon - like a library of select voices, or domain-specific “expert”.

Use the Audio Overview feature to transform your updates into podcasts your team and supporters will love—and keep an eye out for future upgrades!

3. Transform Content into Multiple Formats

Repurposing your nonprofit’s content has never been easier:

• Have a webinar or presentation? Convert it into an audio summary or podcast to share with your supporters.

• Experiment with timelines, infographics, or other storytelling formats for donor outreach or campaigns.

The Audio Overview feature works brilliantly here, giving you the flexibility to connect with diverse audiences in ways that suit their preferences.

4. Enhance Collaboration (Goodbye Silos!)

NotebookLM isn’t just for you—it’s for your whole team:

• Share notebooks to keep everyone on the same page, whether they’re drafting a grant proposal or planning a fundraiser.

• Real-time updates mean you’ll never have to play catch-up again. Everyone gets the same information at the same time, sparking creativity and keeping productivity high.

5. Ask AI for Fresh Insights

You don’t need to be an AI expert to get smarter ideas:

• Use the suggested questions feature to discover connections and insights you might have missed.

• Follow up with questions to explore new angles or refine strategies.

It’s like having a brainstorming partner who never runs out of ideas.

6. Personalize Your Outreach

Whether you're talking to donors, volunteers, or community members, personalization is key. Here’s how NotebookLM can help:

• Use member or donor data to craft tailored messages that truly resonate.

• Create content that feels personal, whether it’s a thank-you email, a fundraising appeal, or an educational guide.

With AI handling the heavy lifting, you’ll have more time to focus on building real connections.

7. Make Training a Breeze

Onboarding new staff or volunteers? NotebookLM can save you loads of time:

• Turn training manuals into quick-start guides or role-specific handbooks.

• Use the Audio Overview feature to create engaging, scenario-based training modules.

Your team will thank you, and you’ll get everyone up to speed faster than ever.

8. Save Your Best Ideas

Every nonprofit has its “aha!” moments. With NotebookLM:

• Save interesting sessions for future reference. They’ll become a treasure trove of knowledge for recurring projects or challenges.

• Track your progress over time to see how far you’ve come and refine your strategies along the way.

9. Brainstorm New Ideas

Need a little inspiration? NotebookLM can help you:

• Develop creative campaign ideas or compelling narratives for your next project.

• Draft grant proposals or donor stories that truly capture your nonprofit’s mission.

The best part? NotebookLM’s ability to combine diverse inputs often leads to ideas you’d never have thought of otherwise.

10. Measure Your Impact

Finally, don’t forget to track your success:

• Measure how much time you save on tasks like content creation or reporting.

• Keep an eye on engagement metrics for AI-generated outputs like podcasts or FAQs to see what’s working—and what could be even better.

This way, you’ll know exactly how NotebookLM is helping you do more good.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Try NotebookLM

There you have it—NotebookLM isn’t just another tool; it’s your new AI-powered sidekick. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start, don’t stress.

Try this YouTube video for an easy to follow tutorial.

Turn your dense documents into listenable summaries that inspire, inform, and connect. It’s simple, effective, and, dare we say, fun to use.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, explore the features, and let NotebookLM help you amplify your nonprofit’s impact. Trust us, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

BUT WAIT….there’s MORE!! Listen to this short Audio Overview that I created using THIS blog post. It’s a great example of how amazing this tool is to use!