Meet Cherian Koshy

Neuroscience-Based Strategist for Trust, Influence & Impact

Cherian Koshy — USA Today Bestselling Author of Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making (Wiley, 2025)

USA Today Bestselling Author Cherian Koshy is a leading expert on the neuroscience of generosity and the author of “Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making” (Dec. 9, 2025, Wiley). A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), he helps mission-driven organizations harness behavioral science, neuroscience, and ethical AI to inspire authentic giving. As Treasurer of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Global Board and a member of The Giving Institute and Forbes Nonprofit Council, Koshy shapes the future of philanthropy through research, teaching, and practical frameworks that connect science, strategy, and the human spirit.

Cherian spoke at more than 100 events in 2025 alone. Dates fill quickly—hold yours now to explore bringing Cherian to your next event.

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Creator of the Neurogiving Concept

Cherian’s groundbreaking work and proprietary research in Neurogivingchallenges traditional fundraising and leadership tactics that rely on persuasion, urgency, or manipulation. His thesis is simple but radical: people already want to give—the key is making it easier.

Through the lens of neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics, Neurogivingreveals how trust, identity, emotion, and memory shape decision-making—and how to design strategies that align with the way people are wired to say “yes.”

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Trusted Advisor Across Sectors

Cherian holds both the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designations, and his influence extends well beyond the nonprofit sector.

As Vice President at Kindsight, a global technology firm, and the creator of NonprofitOS (now Engage)—an AI-driven platform acquired by a leading provider—Cherian’s work bridges the gap between technology, empathy, and evidence-based strategy.

He’s advised and trained hundreds of organizations across healthcare, higher education, environmental causes, arts and culture, healthcare, workforce development, and international philanthropy. His work helps mission-aligned teams unlock sustainable growth, faster decisions, and stronger engagement.

Internationally Recognized Keynote Speaker

Whether he’s addressing executive leaders, board rooms, or conference stages, Cherian blends science, story, and strategy into every keynote and workshop.

His talks are custom-built to match your audience’s goals—grounded in research and rich with actionable insight. You won’t get surface-level content or recycled talking points. You’ll get practical, brain-aligned strategies your audience will remember and use.

Cherian spoke at more than 100 events in 2025.

Dates fill quickly—hold yours nowto explore bringing Cherian to your next event.

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Featured Thought Leader

Cherian’s work has been featured in leading outlets including Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and CEO Weekly, and he serves as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council. He is also recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, where his work on generosity, trust, and innovation reaches thousands of professionals weekly.

He currently serves as Treasurer of the Global Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, is the past Chair of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, and is a Kentucky Colonel, an honor recognizing service, influence, and leadership.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op714oe4nN4

He’s not just a thought leader—he's a passionate advocate for using technology to foster social impact.

A Human Who Happens to Be a Strategist

Cherian lives in Iowa with his wife Betsy, their three delightfully unpredictable kids, and a dog who believes she’s the real CEO.

He believes generosity isn’t something to be forced or faked—it’s already there. His mission is to help leaders make it easier to act on.

Note: This website and its content represent my personal views and work—not those of any organization I’m affiliated with. Occasionally, affiliate links are included when I recommend books or tools I personally use and trust.