ChatGPT for Beginners

Learn ChatGPT step by step, with a real nonprofit case study.

Self-paced course
Nonprofit case study
Workbooks and prompts
Certificate

What you'll learn

Know all the key features of ChatGPT and what to use them for
Bring ChatGPT into your daily work in a structured and safe way
Write better prompts and build your own prompt collection

Course description

Get to know ChatGPT from the ground up: every button and feature, shown on one practical example and applied right away to your own organization.

Is this for you?

A good fit if you

work or volunteer at a nonprofit or public institution and have never used ChatGPT, or only for quick questions and drafts
want to see every feature on examples from nonprofit work, not in the abstract
need to decide which ChatGPT plan fits your team and how to use it safely with personal data
want to learn at your own pace and try everything right away on your own organization

Probably not for you if you

want to learn the API, coding or building automations
are looking for a comparison of many different AI tools: this course is about ChatGPT
already use Projects, GPTs and deep research every day

Course format

Self-paced online course: 7 modules, 53 lessons, about 3 hours
38 hands-on tasks: first with Maja's example, then with your own organization, with prompts to copy
A case study workbook, workbooks for Modules 3–7 and the MARA worksheet for your monthly AI review
12 months of access, one person per license
No live sessions, deadlines or cohorts: start whenever you like
A free ChatGPT account is enough to start; some features in Module 5 need a paid plan

What you'll have at the end

Confidence with every feature

From voice mode and file upload to deep research, Projects, GPTs, Skills and scheduled tasks, each shown on a real nonprofit task.

Safe settings for your team

The right plan for your organization, memory and data privacy set up deliberately, and clear rules for personal data.

Your own prompt library

Prompts built from six building blocks (role, context, task, rules, format, examples) and saved where your team can reuse them.

A routine that lasts

The MARA routine: 60 minutes once a month to clean up chats, projects and settings, plus a four-week plan to make ChatGPT part of your work.

53 lessons in 7 modules

You follow Maja, event coordinator at the small nonprofit "Neighborhood Alive!", as she takes over the Hallsworth town festival: from the handover meeting and volunteer shifts to sponsor calls, research, a press release and the review afterwards. Every feature is shown on her example first, then you try it with your own organization.

Getting Started with ChatGPT

6 lessons

1Introduction to ChatGPT for BeginnersWelcome! We're so glad you're here. In this course, you'll get to know every button and every feature of ChatGPT through a real-world example.
2Case Study IntroductionIn this course, we follow Maja as she organizes the Hallsworth Town Festival. Her example shows you each feature in practice once – and then you apply it right away to your own organization.
3What Is ChatGPT?A short, practical overview: what ChatGPT actually is, what's behind it – and how it can really help you in your work.
4Interface OverviewWe walk through the interface together – the chat area, the text box, the sidebar and the model picker – so you can find your way around confidently from the start.
5The ChatGPT Plans at a GlanceFree, Plus or Business – which plan is right for you, and what to pay special attention to when you work with personal data.
6Module Wrap-upA short summary of your first steps with ChatGPT – and a look ahead at what comes next.

Communicating with ChatGPT

10 lessons

7Module IntroductionAn overview of what to expect in this module: the main ways to communicate with ChatGPT – by typing, dictating, talking in voice mode and uploading files.
8Text InputThe basics: how to give ChatGPT a first task in writing and get back a useful, well-structured response.
9DictationJust talk instead of typing: how to dictate your thoughts and notes using the microphone and have ChatGPT turn them into a structured list.
10Voice ModeIn voice mode, you have a real conversation with ChatGPT – ideal for calmly practicing an important phone call or conversation ahead of time.
11File UploadHow to upload documents – even handwritten notes – and have ChatGPT read, summarize and analyze them for you.
12Follow-up PromptsThe first response is rarely perfect. How to sharpen it step by step in the same chat and build on earlier results.
13Branching ConversationsHow to edit a prompt after the fact, compare versions side by side and branch into a new chat without losing your original conversation.
14The Actions Below the ResponseThe small icons below every response: copy, try again and more – inconspicuous helpers that save you a lot of time in your everyday work.
15Choosing a ModelThe fast model or the most powerful one? When each is worth it – and how a tricky task shows you where the difference really matters.
16Module Wrap-upA summary of the different ways to communicate with ChatGPT – and a look ahead at the next module.

Settings and Personalization

8 lessons

17IntroductionAn overview of what to expect in Module 3: where to find Settings, how to find your way around the submenus – and why your menu may look a little different depending on your plan.
18The Settings MenuThe first two menu items: appearance, language and dictation under "General" – and how to decide under "Notifications" what ChatGPT keeps you informed about.
19PersonalizationHow ChatGPT responds and what it should know about you. Our recommendation: leave most things on default and instead add your role and work context under "About you."
20MemoryWhat ChatGPT remembers from your conversations – and why that's rough background, not a reliable knowledge base. Including: how to review and clean up your saved memories.
21Apps, Voice, and UsageThree areas to understand: which extra features are hidden behind Apps, which voice ChatGPT uses in voice mode – and where you can see how much of your allowance you've already used.
22Data PrivacyThe most important area of the menu: turning off training, understanding temporary chats, controlling shared links and stored files – and what applies as soon as personal data is involved.
23Security, Protections, and AccountHow to secure your login with multi-factor authentication or a passkey, check your active sessions – and which additional protections you can simply leave on default unless you have a specific reason.
24Module Wrap-upA summary of Module 3: which settings you should actively change – and which you can simply leave on default for now.

Features of the + Button

8 lessons

25IntroductionAn overview of what's ahead in Module 4: creating and editing images, telling Web search and Deep research apart, checking sources critically, and developing longer texts in Artifacts.
26The + Menu and Slash CommandsThe + button on the left of the message box gathers most of the tools in this module – and the @ sign and the slash give you two faster ways to get there.
27Creating and Editing ImagesA first look at AI images: requesting a new cover image, having a distracting spot removed from an existing photo – and judging when a label is needed.
28Web Search and Deep ResearchTwo ways to research online: the quick Web search and the detailed report from Deep research. Maja gives both the same request and compares what comes out.
29Checking Research ResultsEven an answer with sources can contain errors. Four checking questions and a real case from Maja's research: the statement is correct, but the linked source doesn't back it up.
30ArtifactsSome results appear as a separate block in the chat and can be edited further there. Maja develops her press release in one: one word by hand, one paragraph selected, the whole text through the chat.
31WorkWith Work, you hand over a bigger task: provide materials, describe the result, set limits. Maja's documents become a sponsor presentation – with a checkpoint before the last step.
32Module Wrap-upA look back at Module 4: images, Web search and Deep research, checked sources, Artifacts and Work mode – and how Maja's results build on each other along the way.

Features in the Sidebar

9 lessons

33IntroductionAn overview of module 5: keeping related work together in projects, connecting outside services, finding earlier chats again, and capturing recurring workflows.
34ProjectsA project keeps related chats, files and fixed rules in one place. Maja stores everything about the festival there and shares it with Sarah and Thomas.
35Plugins & AppsPlugins and apps connect ChatGPT to other services. Before Maja connects the nonprofit's cloud storage, she goes through five questions: data, actions, account, provider and internal approval.
36Finding Earlier ChatsA chat isn't deleted just because it has slipped down the sidebar. With precise search terms you'll find it again, and with a clear title you'll find it faster next time.
37GPTsA GPT is a version of ChatGPT set up for one purpose. Maja first checks an existing one and then sets up her own writing assistant, with instructions, a knowledge file and two test cases.
38SkillsA skill is a reusable workflow that ChatGPT applies on its own after installation whenever it fits the task. Maja turns her text review into the skill "Nonprofit Text Check."
39Workspace AgentsAn agent works through a multi-step task according to fixed rules. Maja's agent pre-checks stall applications against the stall guidelines. The decision stays with the team.
40Scheduled TasksChatGPT can run a request later or on a regular schedule. Maja sets up a weekly planning check-in, with an end date, because she won't need it after the festival.
41Module Wrap-upA look back at module 5, plus a decision aid: which feature fits which task, from projects to GPTs and skills to agents and scheduled tasks.

Prompting Basics

6 lessons

42IntroductionAn overview of Module 6: prompting isn't a magic formula. For many tasks, one clear sentence is enough — and where you need more, a handful of building blocks, dictation and a good template will help.
43Anatomy of a PromptSix building blocks as a checklist: Role, Context, Task, Rules, Format and Examples. Maja first asks a spontaneous question about the festival program, then gives the fully worked-out request — and compares the two answers.
44Creating Complex Prompts with AIYou don't have to type a long prompt yourself. Maja simply dictates her grant research and has ChatGPT build a request from it — then checks what ChatGPT added without being asked.
45Choosing a ModelA prompt that works well with one model can work worse with another. What a fast model needs in terms of guidance — and why a model with more reasoning power often does better with less of it.
46Prompt LibraryA prompt that works becomes a template: all the details that change go into an input block, and the rest stays as it is. A Word document is enough to get started.
47Module Wrap-upA look back at Module 6 — with a decision guide: When do you just get started, when do you describe the task freely, when do you prepare the prompt more carefully, and when is a template worth it?

Next Steps

6 lessons

48IntroductionAn overview of Module 7: a monthly routine for your own AI use, naming and cleaning up chats, saving important results outside ChatGPT — and a look at where you can go after this beginner course.
49MARA RoutineMARA is the Monthly AI Review and Analysis: 60 minutes for chats, projects, personalization, a single assistant and a short reflection. Maja does her first round after the festival.
50Managing ChatsRename, pin, archive, delete — and the question of which chats are even worth the effort. Plus: deleting is part of keeping your data to a minimum, because an archived chat stays stored.
51Saving ResultsChatGPT is a work tool, but it's not your organization's file storage. Maja moves the checked run sheet into the nonprofit's shared folder, tidies up the Library and images — and puts the data export in context.
52Course Wrap-upA look back at the whole course: what you can now do with ChatGPT, how Maja got from her first disorganized thoughts all the way to the follow-up — and how to tell, in your day-to-day work, where AI really takes work off your plate.
53Final StepsThe last organizational items: download your certificate of participation, give feedback, rate the course — and an overview of the formats you can use to keep learning after this course.

Your instructor: Mira Pape

Grant consultant & trainer

Mira is a certified grant funding consultant with a degree in environmental and sustainability sciences. For many years she has helped nonprofits, municipalities, universities and public institutions develop projects and grant proposals. Since 2023 she has focused on how AI can support this work: not through generic AI-generated text, but through better research, clearer concepts, structured proposal processes and well-prepared context.

Your certificate

When you have watched all lessons, you receive a Certificate of Completion.

VisselhövedeCertificate of Completion[Your name] has fully completed the online course "ChatGPT for Beginners" (about 3 hours).Mira Pape · Grant consultant & AI trainer

Questions before you buy

How much does it cost, and how can I pay?: €49, one price for everyone, with no separate nonprofit or commercial price. It is charged in your local currency at checkout where available. Choose Pay now or, for organizations, Pay by invoice, and add your PO number and tax ID if you need them.
Do I need a paid ChatGPT account?: No. A free account is enough to start. The course explains the Free, Plus and Business plans, and recommends the Business plan if your organization works with personal data. Some features in Module 5 need a paid plan.
I have never used ChatGPT. Is this too advanced?: No. The course starts at the very beginning: what ChatGPT is, the interface and your first prompts. Every step is shown on an example before you try it yourself.
Is the course in real time?: No. It is a self-paced course you can start any time and work through at your own pace.
How long do I have access?: 12 months from purchase.
Can several colleagues use one purchase?: No. Each license is for one person. Contact us for several licenses.
Do I get a certificate?: Yes, a Certificate of Completion once you have completed all lessons.
Can I get a refund?: Consumers in the EU, EEA and UK have a 14-day withdrawal right until they start using the course. Payments and refunds are handled by Paddle.
Is my data safe?: One GDPR standard for all buyers worldwide, and only strictly necessary cookies. The platform itself uses no AI on your data. The course also shows you how to set up ChatGPT's own data privacy settings.

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Is this for you?

A good fit if you

work or volunteer at a nonprofit or public institution and have never used ChatGPT, or only for quick questions and drafts
want to see every feature on examples from nonprofit work, not in the abstract
need to decide which ChatGPT plan fits your team and how to use it safely with personal data
want to learn at your own pace and try everything right away on your own organization

Probably not for you if you

want to learn the API, coding or building automations
are looking for a comparison of many different AI tools: this course is about ChatGPT
already use Projects, GPTs and deep research every day

Course format

Self-paced online course: 7 modules, 53 lessons, about 3 hours

38 hands-on tasks: first with Maja's example, then with your own organization, with prompts to copy

A case study workbook, workbooks for Modules 3–7 and the MARA worksheet for your monthly AI review

12 months of access, one person per license

No live sessions, deadlines or cohorts: start whenever you like

A free ChatGPT account is enough to start; some features in Module 5 need a paid plan

What you'll have at the end

Confidence with every feature

From voice mode and file upload to deep research, Projects, GPTs, Skills and scheduled tasks, each shown on a real nonprofit task.

Safe settings for your team

The right plan for your organization, memory and data privacy set up deliberately, and clear rules for personal data.

Your own prompt library

Prompts built from six building blocks (role, context, task, rules, format, examples) and saved where your team can reuse them.

A routine that lasts

The MARA routine: 60 minutes once a month to clean up chats, projects and settings, plus a four-week plan to make ChatGPT part of your work.

53 lessons in 7 modules

Your instructor: Mira Pape

Grant consultant & trainer

Questions before you buy

How much does it cost, and how can I pay?

€49, one price for everyone, with no separate nonprofit or commercial price. It is charged in your local currency at checkout where available. Choose Pay now or, for organizations, Pay by invoice, and add your PO number and tax ID if you need them.

Do I need a paid ChatGPT account?

No. A free account is enough to start. The course explains the Free, Plus and Business plans, and recommends the Business plan if your organization works with personal data. Some features in Module 5 need a paid plan.

I have never used ChatGPT. Is this too advanced?

No. The course starts at the very beginning: what ChatGPT is, the interface and your first prompts. Every step is shown on an example before you try it yourself.

Is the course in real time?

No. It is a self-paced course you can start any time and work through at your own pace.

How long do I have access?

12 months from purchase.

Can several colleagues use one purchase?

No. Each license is for one person. Contact us for several licenses.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes, a Certificate of Completion once you have completed all lessons.

Can I get a refund?

Consumers in the EU, EEA and UK have a 14-day withdrawal right until they start using the course. Payments and refunds are handled by Paddle.

Is my data safe?

One GDPR standard for all buyers worldwide, and only strictly necessary cookies. The platform itself uses no AI on your data. The course also shows you how to set up ChatGPT's own data privacy settings.