Many funders rely on feedback from grantees to improve their grantmaking, but hesitate to go right to the source and listen to the people at the heart of their work. It can be daunting to listen directly to communities, but it’s an essential part of responsible stewardship and equitable strategies. In this participatory session, attendees will hear how place-based funders are listening directly to those most affected by their grantmaking while maintaining trust with grantees. Attendees will explore practical tools and workshop how listening directly to communities can support their own work.

This session focuses on how foundations can responsibly adopt AI while upholding ethical standards like equity, transparency, and explainability. Designed for foundation leaders, CIOs, program officers, and strategy directors, this dynamic session will provide practical guidance on navigating AI - from governance to innovation. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate AI into their work ethically, balancing innovation with fairness and accountability, and with actionable strategies to implement AI tools responsibly, for themselves and their grantees.