Navigating the Nonprofit AI Landscape: Tools, Trust, and Transformation with Cherian Koshy of iWave

Welcome to the latest episode of the Nonprofit Connect podcast, brought to you by Rogue Creatives, made to connect with and learn from people in the nonprofit hemisphere. 

Our guest today is Cherian Koshy, Vice President of Product Strategy at iWave, a top-rated fundraising intelligence for fundraisers, researchers, and development teams. Cherian is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), and Series 65 holder who brings a unique combination of technology expertise, financial insight, and philanthropic strategy. Serving on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and as Vice Chair of professional development, his influence extends worldwide. In his previous role as Chair of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, Cherian set philanthropic standards throughout the state.

AI and Nonprofits

Nonprofits face a conundrum; embrace AI's potential or protect their humanity?

Gone are the days of avoiding AI. It's embedded in tools, platforms, and even the air we breathe online. But unlike corporations, nonprofits can't just chase ROI. They need to ensure AI strengthens their mission, not replaces it.

Cherian says it's not a choice. "It's happening to you. It's also happening to your donors, so there's not a lot of avoidance that can happen now."

“This isn't about robots taking over. It's about nonprofits using AI to do more good, with more impact, and with more humanity. It's a story of innovation fueled by values, but not by replacing them. It's not like Cryptocurrency, where you can choose whether or not to fundraise, and you can decide if this is the right trajectory for your organization or not. There's an element of you can decide how much to use AI, but it's inside Google. It's inside a Microsoft tool. Anytime you open a browser, you'll be confronted by some elements of AI and machine learning. So it's happening to your organization. It's happening to you. It's also happening to your donors, so there's not a lot of avoiding that can happen now. We're really in the future. That continues to have a significant impact on our world."

from drudgery to delight

One thing's clear – AI offers an escape hatch from the drudgery that often consumes nonprofit leaders. 

Imagine an AI that writes grant proposals in minutes, analyzes donor data for insights, and personalized fundraising campaigns. Cherian paints a picture of liberation, where these tools free up precious time and energy for what truly matters: building meaningful relationships, amplifying voices for justice, and creating a tangible impact in the world. However, he emphasizes a crucial caveat: these technological marvels don't eclipse the heart and soul of nonprofit work. They're tools to help, not replacements for the passion and dedication that fuel the sector.

"It's so much that we, as nonprofit professionals, overwork and pour ourselves into the cause. And late nights and weekends are par for the course. And somebody asked me last week what winning looks like. And I said, winning looks like a nonprofit professional being able to close their laptop and go home and spend time with their friends and family. That's winning, you get to go home on time."

building trust – the ai foundation

Before diving headfirst into the latest tech, Cherian stresses the importance of trust. How will your team and donors feel about AI handling sensitive information? What ethical considerations need to be addressed? He reminds us that transparency and responsible implementation are paramount. By diligently building a foundation of trust, nonprofits can ensure they're harnessing AI ethically and responsibly, safeguarding both data and the precious human connections at the heart of their work.

"Don't feel like you have to jump in both feet into any particular tool and just say this is all we're doing. Don't forget that you have a lived and learned experience that makes a difference to your donors; those are the relationships that matter if this can get you to build those relationships more authentically, great. If it can't, then don't. You'll be impacted by it, no matter what, but you don't have to lean into its entirety at the end of the day.”

Taking Baby Steps into the AI World

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't fret! Cherian advises you to start small. Experiment with free tools like ChatGPT to understand how AI can assist with tasks like content creation or brainstorming. Remember, the goal is to find ways to work smarter, not replace the unique skills and passion that drive the nonprofit sector.

Beyond the Tools – The Transformation

Ultimately, AI is just one tool in the nonprofit toolbox. Cherian reminds us that the real revolution lies in empowering leaders to leverage technology while staying true to their values and missions. By focusing on the "why" behind their work, nonprofits can use AI to amplify their impact and create a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.

Listen to the Whole Episode

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