Giving Thought

THE FUTURE OF DOING GOOD

What will new technologies and social trends mean for giving?

BLOGS

Our world is changing rapidly. New social trends and developments in technology will transform the ways in which we help others and address the biggest challenges facing our society.

Here we explore the key social and technological trends that will shape the world in the coming years, and the challenges and opportunities they will bring for civil society.

  • AI robot 275 blue
    22 May 2018

    What does Theresa May’s speech on artificial intelligence in the NHS mean for charities?

    It’s clear from the Prime Minister’s speech that she expects charities to play a crucial role in achieving the Government’s target of reducing cancer deaths by 10%. Fortunately, medical charities have already built up a head of steam, acting as early adopters of exciting technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • WEF blog 275px
    27 April 2018

    Where are Charities in the Great AI Debate?

    In this blog for the World Economic Forum, CAF's Head of Policy Rhodri Davies argues that civil society organisation need to engage with the debate over the future development of AI, and that governments and the tech industry need to make eforts to engage civil society to ensure that a broad range of views are heard.
  • Civil Society Futures
    26 April 2018

    A quick take on the Civil Society Futures first year report

    The independent inquiry into Civil Society Futures has just released a report detailing the findings from their first year of research and engagement. What does this tell us about the challenges facing civil society, and the actions we need to take?
  • Bitcoin 275px
    1 March 2018

    From HODL to GIEV? The opportunities and challenges of cryptophilanthropy

    The massive rise in the value of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has seen a new class of "crypto-wealthy" emerge. Could this wealth be harnessed for philanthropy, and what are that challenges to doing so?
  • artificial intelligence piano 275
    31 January 2018

    It is more vital than ever that charities get to grips with AI

    Speaking to Civil Society magazine, Rhodri Davies calls on the charity sector to get up to speed with AI, to engage meaningfully in ethical debates about its uses.

NEWS

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House of Lords report on AI suggests key role for civil society

The House of Lords’ Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence has today released a report entitled “AI in the UK: ready, willing and able?”

VIDEO AND PODCASTS

Giving Unchained: Could blockchain technology revolutionise charitable giving?

Rhodri Davies talks about our report Giving Unchained, which explores the potential for blockchain technology to transform giving.

CAF at Tech:UK Blockchain for Good Event

Rhodri Davies talks about our work at a Tech:UK event in May 2017

Rhodri guests on blockchain & Effective Altruism podcast

Rhodri Davies joins Rhys Lindmark on his 'Creating a Humanist Blockchain Future' podcast

DOCUMENTS

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CAF submission to House of Lords call for evidence on AI

This is CAF's submission to a call for evidence from the House of Lords Select committe on Artifical Intelligence (AI). We outline the work we have done in this area and how we think this technology will affect charities and donors.
This is CAF's submission to a call for...
Decentralised (128)

Blockchain, DAOs and the decentralised future of charity

In 'Losing the Middle, Keeping the Heart' we explore the ways in which the decentralising effects of blockchain technology could transform philanthropy and the structure of charitable organisations.
In 'Losing the Middle, Keeping the Heart' we...
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Using blockchain technology to create and regulate civil society organisations

In 'Block and Tackle' we ask whether blockchain technology could be used to create charities and other civil society organisations. This could transform how charities operate and the ways in which they are regulated
In 'Block and Tackle' we ask whether...
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Giving Unchained: Philanthropy and the blockchain

The blockchain is the technology that makes Bitcoin possible, and experts now believe it has far wider applications in all sorts of areas. In this paper we explore some of the ways in which blockchain tech could transform giving.
The blockchain is the technology that makes...
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Giving a Bit(coin): Cryptocurrency and philanthropy

In this paper we look at some of the unique features of new 'cryptocurrencies' such as Bitcoin, and how they could bring benefits for philanthropy and the work of charities.
In this paper we look at some of the unique...

RELATED CONTENT

Future World Giving

This project created a policy framework to help governments seize the potential for rapidly growing middle class populations to engage in philanthropy.

Visit the Future World Giving project ► 

Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology

Here you can find all of our publications on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, together with some extra video content

Explore Bitcoin and Blockchain ► 

Future:Good

Our project to create a world where new technologies and social trends have a positive impact on the future of civil society.

Visit the future ► 

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