"What Gives"- The Philanthropy Podcast · Erin Satzger

AI for Good: Future-Proofing Philanthropy with Matt King

June 3, 2025·36 min·3 clips
Meet Matthew King, the wizard behind the curtain transforming philanthropy with technology.
This episode of "What Gives" explores the intersection of technology and philanthropy with guest Matthew King. Hosts Erin and the unnamed co-host interview King, who serves as the technological architect for their foundation. The conversation traces their collaborative relationship, which originated from a shared interest in cryptocurrency. King recounts his early involvement with the Northern Cincinnati Foundation through its Youth and Philanthropy program. He describes the foundation's traditional model of managing donations and scholarship funds. A pivotal moment occurred when King contacted the hosts about integrating Bitcoin mining into their philanthropic work. The hosts admit they initially possessed little knowledge of cryptocurrency at that time. King emphasizes the challenge of engaging a new generation of donors within established charitable institutions. He frames technological innovation as essential for maintaining relevance and excitement in philanthropy. The episode positions this initial crypto experiment as a foundational step in their ongoing partnership. A key insight is that accessible leadership within foundations can enable unconventional collaborations. The story reveals how a personal hobby in Bitcoin mining evolved into a professional consultancy. King's perspective is that traditional philanthropic models, while effective, require fresh approaches to attract future donors. The hosts highlight King's behind-the-scenes role as crucial to their foundation's modern operations. Their recollection of filming Bob Castellini Jr. two years prior establishes a timeline of growth. The episode suggests that a willingness to explore unfamiliar technologies can redefine an organization's trajectory. The tone is informal, conversational, and reflective, featuring personal anecdotes and shared history. The style is interview-based, with hosts prompting the guest to recount their collaborative origin story. Listeners interested in the practical integration of emerging tech into nonprofit work would enjoy this episode. Those seeking a deep, technical analysis of specific AI or crypto applications might find the content too introductory.
Listen to the show on