The TRUST Framework
A complete guide to evaluating AI in fundraising through an ethical and equity lens. Five essential questions every development team should ask before implementing any AI tool.
Five Questions. One Standard.
Can you explain this clearly to donors and the public? If you can't describe what you're doing in plain language, that's a sign something may be off.
Did donors knowingly share their data for this purpose? Consent is about honoring the implicit agreement donors made when they shared information with you.
Who might be harmed, excluded, or deprioritized? AI tools optimize for what they're trained on. If that data reflects historical inequities, the AI will perpetuate them.
Who had input on this decision? The people closest to donors and communities often see risks and opportunities that executives miss.
What decisions should never be fully automated? AI should support human judgment, not replace it—especially in relationships built on trust.
More Than a Framework—
A Complete Toolkit
Deep-Dive Analysis
Each TRUST component explored with guiding questions, real-world examples, and red flags to watch for in your organization.
Decision Worksheet
A fillable template for documenting AI evaluations—so your team has a consistent, defensible process every time.
Board Presentation Outline
Sample scripts and key talking points to help you make the case for responsible AI adoption to leadership and trustees.
Organizational AI Policy Framework
A template to build your own AI guidelines—customizable for your org's size, culture, and risk tolerance.
Three Practice Scenarios
Real-world situations to help your team apply the TRUST Framework before they face them in practice.
FAQs on AI Adoption
Answers to the questions your team and board are already asking—but may not feel comfortable saying out loud.
Development Professionals Navigating AI
with Integrity
CDOs & Development VPs
Build a defensible AI strategy, create organizational policy, and lead your team through AI adoption with confidence. Go from reactive to proactive.
Development Directors
Evaluate AI tools before implementing them, protect donor trust, and answer tough questions from leadership—with evidence-based frameworks behind you.
Fundraising Teams
Use AI ethically in your daily work, understand the boundaries, and advocate for responsible practices within your organization.
Tara Quarrie
President & CEO of Quarrie Development Group and a Fractional Chief Development Officer with 20 years of experience in equity-centered fundraising leadership.
She has led development strategy for organizations including USC Athletics and Heifer International, raising major and principal gifts while building teams grounded in ethical, donor-centered practice.
Now she helps nonprofit leaders navigate AI adoption with integrity—translating emerging technology into practical, values-aligned strategy.
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Ready to Evaluate AI Ethically?
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