Coco Forster

Chantal "Coco" Forster is a nonprofit executive and strategic advisor who helps philanthropic organizations navigate the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology, public policy, and philanthropy, she works with foundations to develop practical AI strategies that strengthen institutional effectiveness while advancing mission.

Coco is the co-author of the Responsible AI Adoption Framework for Philanthropy and former Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG). She began her career in predictive AI at SPSS before earning a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

Today, Coco advises leading foundations on AI governance, organizational strategy, staff capability, and responsible adoption. She also served as one of philanthropy's first AI Strategy Residents, embedded within the Annenberg Foundation to lead enterprise-wide AI strategy develop grantee-focused initiatives. Increasingly, Coco works with foundations to move beyond questions of internal adoption to consider how AI is changing the operating environment for the communities, institutions, and issue areas they seek to influence.

A nationally recognized thought leader, Coco writes and speaks frequently on AI’s implications for the social sector, with work featured by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Center for Effective Philanthropy, and Inside Philanthropy.

Beyond her professional work, Coco is a wetlands steward, certified forest therapy guide, and beekeeper, rooted in Southwest Michigan and Chicago and is deeply connected to the ecosystems she serves.