In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Cherian Koshy, a distinguished innovator, strategist, and expert in philanthropy, to explore the evolving role of AI in nonprofit fundraising. As Vice President of Product Strategy at KindSight and a Certified Fund Raising Executive with extensive expertise in behavioral science and AI ethics, Cherian shares insights into how organizations can responsibly integrate AI to enhance their operations while staying aligned with core values.
The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted discussion about Cherian’s journey to becoming a Kentucky Colonel and his favorite 80s movies. From there, Josh and Cherian dive into the nuanced ways AI is being adopted in fundraising—touching on predictive analytics, AI-driven appeals, and the delicate balance between automation and maintaining a human connection with donors.
A key part of the discussion focuses on the findings from Cherian's new AI donor perceptions study, co-led with Nathan Chappelle. The study offers groundbreaking insights into donor sentiment around AI, with 80% of respondents expressing familiarity with the technology and voicing concerns around privacy, data security, and the need for human interaction in fundraising appeals. Cherian and Josh examine the importance of transparency, AI usage policies, and the ethical considerations nonprofits must navigate to build trust with donors.
Cherian also emphasizes the need for strategic planning when developing AI policies, highlighting how AI tools can enhance operations without compromising authenticity. He offers practical advice on forming internal task forces, piloting AI use cases, and ensuring AI aligns with organizational culture. Josh and Cherian further explore how nonprofits can address donor concerns about AI replacing staff, the implications of AI-generated images, and the role of policies in establishing clear boundaries for AI use.
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Guest Bio: Cherian is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), & AFP Master Trainer. He founded the NonprofitOS, a generative AI platform designed to help organizations maximize their impact, which was acquired by iWave. Before starting NonprofitOS, Cherian spent more than 25 years working in the nonprofit sector, working with thousands of donors and raising more than 100 million for various organizations and causes. He proudly serves as the Vice Chair of Professional Development on the AFP Global Board. He is a sought-after trainer and keynote speaker, and his thought leadership has been featured in several publications.
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