Convert jargon to plain language
AI highlights jargon and complex terms, then rewrites them in donor-friendly language your audience understands.
Convert jargon to plain language
River's Jargon to Plain Language Converter identifies complex nonprofit jargon and rewrites it in accessible language. Upload your document and the AI highlights jargon like 'capacity building,' 'stakeholder engagement,' or 'evidence-based interventions,' then suggests plain language alternatives donors actually understand. You get clearer, more accessible writing that connects with broader audiences.
Unlike spell checkers, this tool focuses on clarity and accessibility. The AI recognizes nonprofit-specific jargon, academic language, and complex terminology that alienates non-expert readers. It suggests simpler alternatives that preserve meaning while improving readability. Donors and community members skip writing filled with jargon. Plain language increases engagement and response. You get feedback that makes your writing accessible to everyone.
This tool is perfect for fundraising staff, communications teams, and grant writers who need to translate program work into language donors understand. Use it on appeals, website copy, annual reports, and community materials. It works best when your writing includes technical program language that needs translation for general audiences. Clear, jargon-free writing dramatically improves donor comprehension and engagement.
Why Plain Language Matters
Plain language means your audience understands your message on first reading. Nonprofit writing often uses jargon that makes sense to insiders but confuses donors. 'We provide wraparound services leveraging community assets' is jargon. 'We provide families with multiple forms of support using local resources' is plain language. When donors do not understand your writing, they do not give. Plain language is not dumbing down. It is respecting your readers' time and ensuring they grasp your impact.
Common nonprofit jargon to avoid includes: capacity building (training and support), stakeholder engagement (working with community members), evidence-based interventions (proven programs), holistic approach (comprehensive services), at-risk populations (specific groups facing challenges), and systemic change (changing how systems work). These terms feel professional to nonprofit staff but mean nothing to most donors. Replace with specific, concrete language. Instead of 'systemic change,' explain 'we are working to change policies that affect housing access.' Specificity beats jargon every time.
To write in plain language, use common words, short sentences, active voice, and specific examples. Define technical terms when you must use them. Read your writing aloud. If you stumble or sound like you are giving an academic lecture, simplify. Test writing with people outside your organization. If they do not understand immediately, rewrite. Plain language increases readership, comprehension, and response rates. It is one of the highest-impact changes you can make to fundraising and communications materials.
What You Get
Every instance of jargon highlighted
Plain language alternatives suggested
Donor-friendly rewrites
Focus on nonprofit-specific jargon
Clearer, more accessible writing
Better comprehension for all audiences
How It Works
- 1Upload documentUpload your nonprofit writing with technical or jargony language
- 2AI highlights jargonEvery jargon term gets highlighted with plain language alternative in 1-2 minutes
- 3Review suggestionsGo through each suggestion and replace jargon with clear language
- 4Finalize documentAccept changes for clearer, more donor-friendly writing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this make my writing sound unprofessional?
No. Plain language is professional. Jargon sounds impressive to insiders but confuses everyone else, which is unprofessional. Clear writing that general audiences understand immediately is more professional than jargon-filled writing that requires translation. Major corporations, government agencies, and top nonprofits use plain language because it works. Your expertise shows in your impact, not your vocabulary. Simple language demonstrates confidence and respect for your audience.
What if I need to use some technical terms?
Some technical terms are necessary and appropriate. The tool highlights terms that might confuse donors or general audiences. You decide whether to keep or change each one. For necessary technical terms, define them on first use: 'We use trauma-informed care (an approach that recognizes and responds to the impact of traumatic experiences).' Brief definitions make technical terms accessible. The goal is not to eliminate all specialized language but to ensure your writing is understandable to your intended audience.
Is nonprofit jargon really that confusing to donors?
Yes. Studies show donors skip or misunderstand writing filled with nonprofit jargon. Terms professionals use daily ('capacity building,' 'wraparound services,' 'systems change') mean little to most donors. They might nod along but cannot explain what you do after reading. Clear language increases comprehension, which increases giving. Test this: ask non-nonprofit friends to read your materials. If they cannot explain your work back to you accurately, you have too much jargon. This tool helps you find and fix it.
Can I use this for grant proposals?
Yes, but be strategic. Some funders use jargon and expect it in proposals ('theory of change,' 'logic model,' 'capacity'). Other funders prefer plain language. Read the funder's materials. Do they use jargon or plain language? Match their style. Even in jargon-heavy proposals, explaining your actual program activities in clear language strengthens your case. Use this tool to identify jargon, then decide which to keep for professional foundation audiences and which to simplify for clarity.
How much jargon is too much?
If general readers cannot understand your writing on first pass, it is too much. A few technical terms properly defined is fine. Jargon-filled sentences that require insider knowledge to comprehend is too much. Run your writing through this tool. If it highlights 20+ terms in a 2-page letter, you have jargon overload. Aim for language your parent, neighbor, or friend who knows nothing about nonprofits would understand. That is your donor audience for most fundraising materials.
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