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Meet Cherian

With more than 25 years of experience in leadership, Cherian Koshy has the expertise to help organizations rethink their strategies and create sustainable revenue streams.

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Struggling to fund your projects and programs?

With 25+ years of experience, Cherian Koshy is one of the organization’s most sought-after trainers and speakers. As a coach and consultant, he’s led organizations to scale their revenue growth and build stronger teams, helping struggling organizations find strategies that give them back time and develop sustained success.

When you work with Cherian, you’ll learn how to:
Think differently
Apply the data effectively
Create a custom strategy that fits your needs
Transform your organization

About Cherian

Cherian Koshy is a transformative leader in the social impact sector, with over 25 years of expertise driving change through innovation and strategy development.

His credentials, including the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designations, illustrate a deep understanding of financial strategies and philanthropic efforts that resonate across various sectors.

As the treasurer of the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, he has influenced philanthropic standards worldwide. He is the past chair of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and the recipient of the 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award. He is also a Kentucky Colonel. 

Koshy’s creation of the NonprofitOS (now engage), an AI-driven platform, revolutionized operational efficiency in social impact and served as a model for organizational transformation in any sector, culminating in a significant acquisition by a leading market player. His role as Vice President of Product Strategy at Kindsight, a global technology firm, showcases his ability to integrate advanced technology with strategy and social impact, offering lessons in innovation and efficiency relevant to any industry.

As an international speaker, Koshy energizes and equips a wide range of audiences with actionable strategies. His thought leadership has also been featured in leading publications including Yahoo Finance and Forbes, where he is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council. Cherian is also recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice.

His approach translates complex ideas into practical solutions, proving valuable for professionals in social impact, business, and beyond, seeking to leverage technology and strategic insights for sustainable success.

Cherian lives in Iowa with his wife Betsy, 2.3 kids, and their little dog too.

Note: This is my personal site, blog, and resources, and its content represents my own views and opinions, not those of any other group or organization. In some cases, I include affiliate links when recommending books or products.

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Current & Previous Board Memberships

  • Association of Fundraising Professionals Global
  • Rogare: The Fundraising Think Tank
  • Crossworld
  • Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (Volunteer Iowa)
  • Rotary Club of Des Moines
  • Soteria Des Moines
  • Waukee Planning and Zoning Commission
Frequently Asked Questions

About Cherian's Keynotes

What is your in-person keynote fee?

My keynote fees vary depending on the time of year, location, and the nature of the event. Typically, fees range from $5,000 to $20,000, inclusive of all travel-related expenses. To get a specific quote for your event, please fill out the inquiry form on my website, and we’ll respond promptly—usually within a few hours!

What does your speaking fee include?

My speaking fee is comprehensive and includes the keynote presentation or workshop delivery, customized content preparation tailored specifically to your audience, and all travel expenses including airfare, ground transportation, and accommodation. Additionally, the fee covers any pre-event consultation calls needed to ensure that the presentation aligns perfectly with your event’s objectives. Generally, keynotes include promotion on my social media channels, website, and even custom videos. These can be produced by my team or the event organizers. Depending on the keynote, supplementary material such as ebooks, workbooks, or other value-adds may be included in the fee. This all-inclusive fee structure is designed to ensure transparency and ease of budgeting for your organization.

Do you speak for free?

Generally, I do not speak for free. However, if you represent an AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) chapter events where cost is a concern, please submit the form and I will do my best to work within your budget. These opportunities are available on a limited basis and are evaluated case-by-case.

What topics do you cover in your keynotes and workshops?

I specialize in topics related to leadership, social impact, innovative strategies, and the application of technology, particularly AI, in philanthropy. Each presentation is customized to the specific needs of your audience, whether it’s inspiring action, deepening knowledge, or providing practical tools for change. Current keynotes include: Authenticity in an Age of Artificiality, Unforgettable Leadership, and Unforgettable: The Magic of Memory. For more information on these programs, click here.

Can you customize your presentation for our specific audience or industry?

Absolutely! I believe that the best impact is achieved when the content resonates specifically with the audience. I work closely with organizers to understand their audience’s unique challenges and opportunities, customizing the presentation to maximize relevance and engagement.

Note: I differentiate between a customized version of a prepared keynote and a brand new keynote for your audience. I typically spend months researching, planning, and rehearsing keynotes with some of the greatest writers and speaking coaches in the world. You will always get a keynote that is battle-tested to ensure you and your audience gets exactly what you expect. If you are hoping to commission a brand new keynote, please reach out so we can discuss in more detail!

How long are your presentations?

My presentations can be adjusted to fit the schedule of your event, ranging from 30-minute TED-style talk to full-day workshops. The most common format is a 60-minute keynote, which might include time for a Q&A session to engage directly with the audience.

Do you offer virtual presentations or webinars?

Yes, I provide virtual presentations and can deliver webinars via various platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others. These virtual events are designed to be interactive and engaging, utilizing the latest online engagement tools to ensure a valuable experience for all participants.

What do you need from us to make the event successful?

For a successful event, I require a few basic technical arrangements such as a lapel microphone and a projector with HDMI connection. All of my keynotes can be presented with or without slides. Additionally, understanding your audience in advance helps me tailor the content more effectively. I carry a lot of equipment with me and prefer to use my own laptop and clicker, if possible, to avoid any technical issues.

How can we book you for our event?

Booking me is simple: start by filling out the booking form on my website with details about your event. My team will get back to you promptly to discuss details and finalize arrangements.

Do you have any requirements for travel and accommodations?

For events requiring travel, I request that the fee include round-trip airfare, transportation at the destination, and hotel accommodations. I will generally arrive a full day before the keynote and depart after the event depending on timing. These details are typically handled directly by my team and are included in the speaking fee. Since I am often travelling from one speaking event to another, keeping unique receipts can be challenging. However, if this is important to you, we can arrange for reimbursement of actual costs.

A Note from Cherian

I've spent my entire professional life working in and with organizations that are creating an impact in the lives of real people. I have seen lots of them perpetually struggle because they ask the wrong questions (and then get the wrong answers) and that's why I provide so many resources for free. I want you to feel encouraged and empowered to create a better world. If you'd like to take the next step and work with me, I would be humbled and honored to help you ask the right questions and find the unique answers that will propel your impact.

To your sustained success,
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.

Play Video

Cherian's Approach to Speaking & Storytelling

Don't Just Take Our Word for It

Transformed Organizations

Cherian Koshy is a fantastic presenter on many topics (I'm a fan!). And in this instance, he excelled even more. Trying to make sense of budgeting in the midst of this COVID crisis is an extremely daunting task. Cherian was honest about the challenges (a welcome relief!) and then offered actionable steps for how to do the best possible in uncertain, volatile times. This session helped me move from dismay to conviction on how I can, and must, act to sustain my nonprofit.

Karen Schofield-LecaAmerican Nurses Association

It's rare when I encounter a webinar in which I experience every piece of information shared to be extremely valuable. This is one, no question. Mr. Koshy not only knocked it out of the park, he knocked it a mile out of the park.

David Luna

The presenter was extremely knowledgeable, very well versed in nonprofit work, and gave real and useful information for a spectrum of budget in crisis organizations during this scary pandemic. I appreciated the uplifting sentiments that we are all amazing and extremely intelligent, too.

Jenny DeRuntzThe YWCA Berkeley/Oakland

Jam-packed with information that is backed by research and experience as well as new ideas and inspiring, thought-provoking content. Highly recommended!

Danielle NaplesYMCA of Greater Pittsburgh

Cherian shared very useful tools and strategies for getting things moving quickly in fundraising. It was a lot of information to take in and process, and some of the steps aren't as easily accomplished (i.e., quickly) as others. However, he outlines a very practical process that covers all the bases in developing a successful fund-raising strategy.

Timothy Voss

Book Cherian for your next event today!

Book Cherian to Speak

Meet Cherian Live & In-Person

Sept 9

OneCause Raise Conference

Ahead of the Curve: Navigating Future Fundraising Trends
and Unforgettable Leadership: Navigating Adaptability, Influence, and Technological Change

Sept 17

Finnish Fundraising Association

Enhancing Fundraising with AI.

Sept 26

Board Symposium

Get Your CEOs and Boards to Use AI and Technology for Good

Oct 1

fundraising.ai summit

AI-Powered Fundraising Intelligence: Profiling, Personalizing, and Protecting Donor Data

Planning Your Next Event?

Let’s inspire your audience to take action!

Book a Free Call with Cherian Today!