The Formation Frontier: How Neuroscience and Technology Shape the Hearts of Givers
Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP

In a world shaped by screens, notifications, and digital noise, the work of ministry fundraising is no longer just about inspiring generosity, it’s about forming it. This webinar explores how scripture, neuroscience, and today’s digital habits intersect to shape the hearts of both donors and ministry leaders. This session takes a broader and deeper look at the technologies that influence spiritual practices, attention, empathy, and identity. Drawing on insights from "Neurogiving," Cherian's new book, we’ll examine how giving reshapes the brain; how digital environments affect trust and connection; and how ministry leaders can steward technology in ways that cultivate, not compromise, discipleship. Participants will discover how giving becomes a spiritual formation practice; how digital communication can either nurture or numb generosity; and how leaders can design rhythms, messages, and systems that reinforce the Imago Dei in every interaction. You’ll leave with practical frameworks for building donor engagement that is pastoral, purposeful, and grounded in the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Explain how generosity acts as a spiritual formation practice, supported by both biblical teaching and neuroscience findings on reward, empathy, and identity
• Identify the ways digital environments shape donor attention, trust, and emotional responses, and assess how their current communication practices reinforce or hinder healthy engagement
• Apply principles from scripture and brain science to create donor experiences that strengthen belonging, mission identity, and spiritual growth rather than transactional giving
• Evaluate ministry technologies through a discipleship lens, discerning which digital habits and tools cultivate empathy, reflection, and connection, and which contribute to distraction and burnout
• Design simple, repeatable digital rhythms (emails, giving flows, follow-up patterns) that guide donors toward consistent, joyful generosity, grounded in the Imago Dei

Remember that webinars are FREE to ALL ACF members, and we just need you to RSVP. Webinars are $75 for nonmembers. Not a member? Attend your first webinar free to experience ACF! Registration link coming soon.

Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP, is a globally recognized expert in fundraising strategy and innovation. As the author of "Neurogiving," he blends behavioral science with real-world experience to transform how organizations inspire generosity. A sought-after keynote speaker and advisor, he helps mission-driven teams adapt, grow, and lead with impact.

Cherian serves on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and on the board of The Giving Institute. He received the 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award for his leadership with Volunteer Iowa. A LinkedIn Top Voice and member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, his insights appear in CEO Weekly, Yahoo Finance, and other leading publications. He founded the AI-powered platform NonprofitOS, which was acquired by Kindsight, where he now serves as Vice President.

His work at the intersection of ethics, technology, and philanthropy positions him as a leading voice shaping the future of social impact.

Cherian will also be a keynote speaker at the Faith & Fundraising: Chicago 2026 conference, and this will be a great preview of his insights.