# #153 The Neuroscience of Philanthropy, with Cherian Koshy

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Podcast: [Learning Bayesian Statistics](https://stenobird.com/podcast/learning-bayesian-statistics)
Published: 2026-03-11T17:29:30+00:00
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Duration seconds: 4152

## Resource

• Support & get perks ! • Bayesian Modeling course (first 2 lessons free) Our theme music is « Good Bayesian », by Baba Brinkman (feat MC Lars and Mega Ran). Check out his awesome work ! Takeaways : Q: Is generosity a natural human trait? A: Yes, generosity is hardwired in our brains and is essential for social interaction. Q: Why do people say they care about causes but not act on it? A: There is often a disconnect between stated care for causes and actual action. Understanding the conditions under which generosity aligns with a person's identity is crucial for bridging this gap. Q: How should fundraising efforts be approached? A: Fundraising should primarily focus on belief updating rather than mere persuasion. Q: What are the benefits of being generous? A: Generosity has significant mental and physical health benefits, as the brain's reward systems activate when we give, making us feel good. Q: How do our beliefs relate to our actions? A: Our beliefs about ourselves strongly influence our actions and decisions, including our decision to be generous. Q: Can generosity impact a community? A: Yes, generosity can be a powerful tool for improving community dynamics. Q: How can technology like AI assist institutions with donors? A: AI could help institutions remember donors better, improving the donor-institution relationship. Chapters: 00:00 What's the role of Behavioral Science inPhilanthropy 19:57 What is The Neuroscience of Generosity? 24:40 How can we best understand Donor Decision-Making? 32:14 How can we achieve reframe Beliefs and Actions? 35:39 What is the role of Identity in Habit Formation? 38:06 What is the Generosity Gap in Philanthropy? 45:06 How can we reduce Friction in Donation Processes? 48:27 What is the role of AI and Trust in Nonprofits? 52:11 How…

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