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Responsible AI in Philanthropy
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About the Event
As the rapid growth and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools continue, how can we as a sector navigate AI ethically, with leading-edge security and technology practices and in alignment with our organizational values? Join this in-person event with your peers to engage in knowledge sharing and discussion and leave with actionable resources and insights to adopt AI responsibly.
The event will feature keynote presentations and breakout programming, as well as informal networking opportunities. There will also be an optional cocktail reception for attendees immediately following the event. This gathering, co-hosted by the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG) and Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF), is relevant for both new and experienced AI users.
Due to limited capacity and high interest, this event is expected to sell out, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
The $250 cost for registration includes continental breakfast, a full lunch and drink tickets for the reception in addition to robust programming featuring philanthropy peers and national thought leaders.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact TAG Executive Director Jean Westrick ([email protected]).
Agenda at a Glance
- 9 am – 10 am: Breakfast & Networking
- 10 am – 3:30 pm: Opening Remarks, Keynote Presentations, Breakout Sessions, Interactive Demos, Networking Breaks, Tabletop Conversations & Closing Remarks
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Networking & Cocktail Reception
SESSION 1
Setting the Stage: AI & Philanthropy in an Era of Dynamic Change
This engaging discussion will explore the current AI landscape and its implications for philanthropy. Participants will gain insights into how AI technologies are reshaping grantmaking practices, operational efficiencies, and stakeholder engagement. The conversation will also address the ethical considerations and challenges that arise as the sector navigates this transformative era.
Host: Jean Westrick, Executive Director, Technology Association of Grantmakers
Speakers:
Chantal Forster, AI Strategist, Warren West Advisors
Sarah Takatani, CTO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Mike Wright, CTO, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
SESSION 2
Beyond Funding: Investing in an AI Maturity Ecosystem
In this session, attendees will learn strategies for effectively funding AI-driven projects and initiatives. The conversation will focus on the opportunities and considerations for funders investing in AI initiatives, fostering tech entrepreneurship, and driving innovation. Real-world examples of successful AI funding models in philanthropy will be shared to provide practical guidance.
Host: Katie Brisson, Senior Fellow, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Speakers:
Khalilah Burt Gaston, Executive Director, Song Foundation
Alexa Turnage, Co-Founder, Black Tech Saturdays
Johnnie Turnage, Co-Founder, Black Tech Saturdays
SESSION 3
Temelio Hackathon
Recognizing the fast development of AI, Temelio brought together a group of participants for a “human-centered hackathon.” By collaborating with users, Temelio was able to quickly develop a new AI solution tailored to the needs of grant managers and grant seekers, demonstrating how innovative ideas can be prototyped, developed, and deployed. In the session, presenters will share their design process, rapid development approach and a demonstration of their prototyped tool.
Host: Wendye Mingo, Chief Technology Officer, Kresge Foundation
Speakers:
Maya Kuppermann, Co-Founder & CEO, Temelio
Ruthwick Pathireddy, Co-Founder & CTO, Temelio
SESSION 4
Interactive Demonstrations of Microsoft Copilot and akoyaGO AI Use Cases
This session features live demonstrations of Microsoft Copilot’s AI designed for philanthropic teams. Joined by akoyaGO, a leading grants management platform, presenters will provide an interactive presentation demonstrating cross-system AI applications to streamline processes and improve organizational effectiveness.
Host: Ann Puckett, Director of IT, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Speakers:
Microsoft for Global Impact
Mark Montoya, President, akoyaGO
Meghan Davignon, Director of Product, akoyaGO
Visiting Detroit?
Are you joining this event from outside Southeast Michigan? We invite visitors to the region to explore the resources of Visit Detroit, the region's official concierge.
CMF has identified several hotels within driving distance of the venue as a convenience for guests attending this event from outside the region and in need of accommodations. The list below is not inclusive of all available hotels in the region; click here to explore additional options.
- Inn on Ferry Street, 84 E Ferry St, Detroit, MI 48202 - Phone: (844) 620-0268
- AC Hotel Detroit At The Bonstelle, 10 Eliot St, Detroit, MI 48201 - Phone: (313) 346-9200
- The Godfrey Detroit, 1401 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 - Phone: (313) 385-0000
- Trumbull & Porter, 1331 Trumbull STE 100, Detroit, MI 48216 - Phone: (313) 496-1400
Health and Safety
CMF continues to prioritize the well-being of members, staff, partners and communities. The following measures reflect our in-person event health and safety procedures:
- Any registrant who is feeling unwell, who has tested positive for an illness in the 10 days prior to the event or who is showing symptoms and awaiting test results is asked not to attend.
- If a registrant is unable to attend due to illness, they are invited to transfer their registration to another individual within their organization or CMF can refund the registration if there was a cost. Please notify CMF via [email protected] with a request to transfer or refund your registration.
- All attendees will be invited to wear one of three color-coded lanyards to indicate to other attendees their personal comfort with in-person interaction: red (greet from six feet), yellow (elbows only), green (high-fives permitted).
- CMF staff will have hand sanitizer and extra masks available at the event.
Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors


