CFO & Finance Staff Network Meeting: Practical AI for Philanthropy: How Foundations Are Navigating AI
How are foundations actually using AI—and where does it make a
difference? In this 60-minute session, Chantal Forster*, AI Strategy Resident
at the Annenberg Foundation and co-author of the Responsible AI for
Philanthropy Framework, offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what’s
working across the sector. This session is hosted by Philanthropy MA’s CFO
Network and will be most relevant to CFOs, Finance Directors, and those in
operations roles.
Drawing on direct experience with dozens of foundations, this session
distinguishes between two key use cases for AI in philanthropy:
- AI
for Productivity: Automating repetitive tasks, enhancing reporting, summarizing
documents, and supporting staff workflow.
- AI
for Insight: Synthesizing research, identifying opportunities, and surfacing
patterns from organizational data.
- With
clear examples, live tool demonstrations, and peer use cases, the session will
also cover what it takes to adopt AI responsibly - from governance and risk
management to inclusive training approaches that bring staff along, regardless
of technical skill.
This is a practical, unsentimental conversation designed for finance and
operations leaders looking to make thoughtful, informed decisions about AI in
their organizations.
*Chantal Forster is the co-author of the Responsible
AI Adoption Framework for Philanthropy and former Executive Director of the
Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG). Starting her career in predictive
AI with SPSS, Chantal's career has come full circle as she now advises
philanthropic organizations on the ethical and strategic use of AI.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantalforster/
About the Network:
The CFO & Finance Staff Network is a space for CFOs, Finance Directors, and others with similar finance and operational roles to build community; exchange ideas and learnings; and support one another to be internal advocates to influence and advance racial equity within their institutions.
Network participants co-created a Centering Vendor Diversity Resource List that was rolled out to the group in February 2022. This list is meant as a continually evolving resource for those working in finance or operations related roles. For access, please reach out to
Jessica Berns.
We also have an active Listserv. Contact Jessica to be added to the list.