Overview
First Draft uses record context to help users generate donor-facing communication drafts. In advancement, it is especially useful for thank-you notes, event invitations, stewardship follow-up, meeting outreach, and other communications where users benefit from a strong starting point.
Why this is useful
Many advancement messages are repetitive in structure but still need to feel personal. A donor thank-you, a campus event invitation, or a follow-up after a visit may all follow familiar patterns, but each should reflect the recipient’s relationship with the institution.
First Draft as an acceleration tool: users can prompt Slate AI to draft language based on current record context, then refine and review before sending. It should speed up blank-page work without replacing institutional voice or human judgment.
First Draft dashboards are created as a dashboard type, configured with exports for context, and then used when composing a message from a person record.
How to configure First Draft
Navigate to Database > Dashboards.
Click New Dashboard.
Enter a user-friendly Name.
Set Type to First Draft.
Select the appropriate Base, such as Person.
Check AI Dashboard.
Click Save.
Add exports that provide context for message drafting.
Click Edit Dashboard.
Add the exports and framing context to the input box.
Click Save.
How to use First Draft
Navigate to a person record.
Click Send Email or use the email quick action.
Open Slate AI from the Send Message popup or side panel.
Enter a prompt describing the message you want.
Review the draft.
Add follow-up prompts or make manual edits.
Send the message when ready.
Sample prompt
Draft a short email to this donor. Thank them for their most recent gift, connect their support to the institution’s mission, and invite them to an upcoming campus event. Include a subject line, a warm but professional tone, and one clear call to action.Recommended practices
Always review AI-generated communication before sending. Confirm gift details, event details, names, fund names, and any claims about impact.
Use First Draft for momentum, not autopilot. The best messages still reflect the sender’s judgment and relationship with the recipient.