Episode 167: The Impact of AI on Philanthropy

In science fiction, artificial intelligence (AI) is often depicted as threatening to humans. But in reality, the science of AI can be used for any number of helpful purposes. What are the implications of this technology in the social good sector? Beth Kanter and Allison Fine join Steve MacLaughlin on the podcast to discuss their research into the use of AI in social good organizations.

 

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• Why Allison and Beth decided to write the AI4Giving report
• Why the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was interested in the report
• The definition of artificial intelligence for giving
• The questions they wanted to answer in the report
• Top findings from the research
• What was surprising at the end of the research
• How AI works in philanthropy
• Cautionary tales about AI
• How people without AI skillsets will be able to use AI tools
• Recommendations for how social good organizations can start to think about AI

 

Resources:

Beth Kanter

Allison Fine

Unlocking Generosity with Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Giving

 

Quotes: 

“The most advanced technology in the world can be used to rehumanize fundraising.” –Allison Fine

“Algorithmic discrimination is a huge potential problem that is starting to develop.” –Allison Fine

“They don’t need to know how to necessarily make the sausage themselves, but they need to know how the sausage is made.” – Beth Kanter