DonorSearch recently hosted a thought-provoking webinar featuring Rhodri Davies, a scholar and expert on philanthropy, where he shared key insights into the future of philanthropy. His discussion provided a unique blend of historical perspectives, emerging trends, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the sector. For anyone who missed it, here’s a summary of the session and key takeaways to consider for your philanthropic work.
Key Insights from the Webinar
Davies emphasised the importance of understanding the historical context of philanthropy to better inform current practices. He discussed the longstanding tension between charity and justice, illustrating how historical trends in philanthropy—such as the establishment of the welfare state—continue to influence the sector today. While the welfare state created the perception that philanthropy was no longer needed, it ultimately evolved and found new ways to address societal gaps, a lesson that continues to be relevant as technology reshapes our world.
In his exploration of AI, Davies raised critical questions about the role AI might play in shaping the future of philanthropy. He pointed to the increasing automation in decision-making processes and its potential to influence charitable giving. With AI algorithms now personalising our experiences on platforms like YouTube and Netflix, it’s not far-fetched to imagine AI playing a role in recommending charitable causes tailored to individual preferences.
Davies highlighted the dual nature of AI’s impact on philanthropy, drawing attention to both its macro and micro effects. On a macro level, there are concerns about the future of work, as AI could lead to large-scale automation, potentially displacing human workers. This shift could create new challenges for philanthropy as it grapples with how to support those affected by job losses. On a micro level, AI’s ability to influence donor behavior through personalised recommendations may change how people choose to engage with charitable causes. This shift raises questions about the ethics of data-driven philanthropy and the need for transparency in how AI-driven systems operate.
Key Takeaways for Philanthropy Ireland Members
Historical Context Matters. Davies stressed the importance of looking to history to understand the evolving role of philanthropy. Just as the welfare state reshaped charitable giving in the 20th century, AI and other technological advances will create new opportunities and challenges for the sector.
AI in Philanthropy. Members should be aware of AI’s growing influence on philanthropy, from automating tasks to shaping donor behaviour. While AI has the potential to optimise giving, it’s essential to remain cautious of its ethical implications, especially regarding transparency and decision-making processes.
Evolving Role of Philanthropy. As AI and other technologies advance, philanthropy’s role will likely shift, much like it did during the rise of the welfare state. Members should stay agile and open to new ways of supporting society, particularly as automation changes the nature of work and societal needs.
Power and Influence in Philanthropy. The discussion touched on the importance of ensuring that philanthropic efforts don’t merely serve to uphold the status quo or reinforce existing power structures. Davies pointed out examples of participatory grant making, where power dynamics are shifted by involving the communities being served in the decision-making process.
As the landscape of philanthropy continues to change, keeping historical lessons in mind and embracing new technologies like AI responsibly will be key to ensuring that philanthropic efforts remain impactful and aligned with the evolving needs of society.
watch the full webinar here: https://youtu.be/ISoNvKzR4_w
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