Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast

2025 in Review: Navigating AI Shifts and Nonprofit Challenges (news)

In the latest episode of the Whole Whale Podcast, hosts George and Nick reflect on the transformative themes that shaped the nonprofit sector in 2025. With a focus on AI's impact, they explore how answer engine optimization (AEO) has redefined nonprofit discovery and engagement. AI's rapid adoption has led to decreased organic traffic for nonprofits, necessitating strategic pivots in content and donor engagement.

George highlights a significant increase in AI-generated content, with Whole Whale producing nearly a million words daily. This shift underscores the need for nonprofits to establish internal AI policies and balance AI use with human oversight to maintain ethical standards and foster innovation.

Nick introduces the "crawl, walk, run" framework, guiding nonprofits in adopting AI responsibly. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining human expertise and authority in an AI-saturated world, urging organizations to focus on quality over quantity in content creation.

The episode also revisits key rants from 2025, including Microsoft's controversial changes to its nonprofit grant program and GoFundMe's unauthorized creation of shadow donation pages for nonprofits. These challenges highlight the importance of maintaining autonomy and control over nonprofit branding and fundraising.

Looking ahead to 2026, George and Nick advise nonprofits to prioritize strategic use of AI, leveraging high-quality intelligence tokens to amplify impact while avoiding the pitfalls of AI-generated "slop." They stress the importance of creating original, authoritative content that reflects an organization's mission and expertise.

As they close the episode, George and Nick express optimism for 2026, anticipating renewed energy and opportunities for nonprofits amidst upcoming midterms and sector transformations.

Navigating Donation Platform Risks and AI Opportunities (news)

In this episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into the latest developments in the nonprofit sector, focusing on the aftermath of Giving Tuesday, challenges with donation platforms, and exciting AI opportunities for nonprofits.

Key Topics:

1. Giving Tuesday Overview: The hosts reflect on the impact and outcomes of the recent Giving Tuesday, with hopes that it reached the predicted $4 million mark to kickstart the fundraising season for nonprofits.

2. Donation Platform Concerns: A significant issue discussed is the case of Flip Cause, a donation platform that inadvertently kept "shadow campaign pages" live, leading to a $500,000 loss in donation revenue. The California State Attorney General issued a cease and desist order after nonprofits reported these discrepancies. This incident underscores the risks associated with outdated or unauthorized donation pages, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to regularly audit and verify their donation processes and data integrity.

3. AI for Nonprofits: Anthropic's announcement of Claude for Nonprofits offers a 75% discount on AI access, aiming to enhance nonprofit operations with AI tools for grant writing, engagement, and program evaluation. The hosts compare this offering to Google's AI tools, discussing pricing and the importance of choosing the right AI tools to maximize impact while ensuring data privacy.

4. Mr. Beast and Rockefeller Foundation Collaboration: The partnership between YouTuber Mr. Beast and the Rockefeller Foundation aims to engage young people in philanthropy by combining storytelling with data-driven philanthropy. The discussion highlights the potential impact and pitfalls of influencer-led philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of ethical storytelling and the need to avoid reinforcing negative narratives about aid recipients.

Unapologetic Ambition: The "Badass Softie" Leader with JJ Peterson

Redefining Leadership for Sensitive Ambitious People: Dr. JJ Peterson on Badass Softie

In this episode of the Using the Whole Whale podcast, Dr. JJ Peterson discusses his journey as a sensitive but ambitious leader, which led to the creation of the Badass Softie podcast. Peterson explores the misconception that ambition and empathy must be separate in leadership and explains how combining these qualities can enhance team success. He highlights the importance of clarity and specific goals in achieving meaningful outcomes, and shares insights on how AI can support, but not replace, human empathy and leadership. Peterson also touches on the challenges nonprofit leaders face and offers strategies for effective communication and problem-solving.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges

00:43 Introducing Dr. JJ Peterson and Badass Softie

01:17 Defining Badass Softie

02:50 Balancing Ambition and Empathy

04:41 The Dance of Leadership Styles

07:13 Standing in Your Authority

13:42 Communicating with Clarity

17:29 Setting Clear Goals and Themes

21:16 The Problem with Ambiguous Values

22:16 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership

23:18 Ambition Without Clarity

26:14 Case Study: Charity Water's Ambitious Goals

32:34 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Creativity

39:26 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

 

From Impressions to Impact: Leveraging LinkedIn for Nonprofits

In this episode of the Whole Wheel Podcast, host George engages with Mario Hernandez, co-founder of Impact Circle, to discuss the power of LinkedIn for nonprofits. Mario shares insights into the importance of value-driven content over mere posting frequency, and how organizations can leverage LinkedIn to secure corporate partnerships. Through practical tips and personal anecdotes, the conversation delves into strategies for building genuine relationships, utilizing LinkedIn's features effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls like over-relying on AI or playing the virality game. Mario also offers valuable advice on resisting the temptation of pay-to-play options and focusing on long-term relationship building for sustainable growth. The episode highlights the challenges and opportunities for nonprofits in a changing landscape, emphasizing innovation, empathy, and methodical engagement on LinkedIn.

 

Find Mario on LinkedIn

 

Topics Covered

00:00 The Myth of Posting Frequency

00:33 Introducing Mario Hernandez and Impact Circle

01:35 The Challenges Nonprofits Face Today

02:32 The Power of LinkedIn for Nonprofits

05:39 The Importance of Personal Branding on LinkedIn

12:13 The Role of AI in LinkedIn Content

16:16 Effective LinkedIn Tactics for Nonprofits

23:51 Maximizing LinkedIn Connection Requests

24:25 Challenges with LinkedIn Video Engagement

25:56 Effective LinkedIn Posting Strategies

27:51 The Importance of Authentic Engagement

31:31 Case Study: Nonprofit Success on LinkedIn

38:01 Balancing Personal and Professional Content

38:40 Navigating LinkedIn's Algorithm and Engagement

43:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

 

 

Scary Truth about Nonprofit Mergers & Failing | Kate Harris Group

Interview with Kate Harris: https://www.kateharrisgroup.com/who-we-are 

In this episode of the Whole Whale podcast, host George speaks with Kate Harris, founder and principal of the Kate Harris Group, about the often misunderstood and stigmatized concept of collaboration and mergers in the nonprofit sector. Kate explains how her organization helps nonprofits navigate significant transitions, often involving mergers or shared services, to better align their mission and structure. They discuss the benefits of structural changes, the nuances of different types of mergers, and the vital role of funders in these processes. Kate also emphasizes the importance of continuous collaboration and adaptability for nonprofit survival and growth, and the need to normalize conversations about mergers and organizational changes to better serve communities.

 

DEVELOPING: GoFundMe Backtracks After Backlash to Millions of Auto-Generated Nonprofit Donation Pages (news)

*****UPDATE: After we recorded this episode, GoFundMe announced they would reverse their stance on auto-generated nonprofit donation pages made without their consent making them opt-in instead of opt-out. Unclaimed Nonprofit Pages, they wrote in a public response, would be removed and de-indexed.*****

 

In this episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, digital strategist at Whole Whale, dive into a startling discovery involving GoFundMe's creation of 1.4 million shadow donation pages for US nonprofits. Without outreach or consent, GoFundMe auto-generated these pages, raising significant concerns within the nonprofit community.

• Discovery of Shadow Pages: The hosts note how they discovered that many nonprofits, including Whole Whale clients, had active GoFundMe pages soliciting donations without their knowledge or consent.

• Potential Ramifications: The hosts discuss the implications of GoFundMe using nonprofit logos and public information without permission. The platform also initially set a default tip for itself at 16.5%, which has since been reduced following public backlash.

• Impact on Nonprofits: The episode emphasizes the risk to nonprofit brand management, especially with the upcoming end-of-year giving season. Nonprofits now face the challenge of ensuring their brand integrity and donor relationships are not compromised.

• Recommendations for Nonprofits: George and Nick outline a "claim, clean, and correct" strategy. They advise nonprofits to claim their GoFundMe pages, correct any inaccuracies, and make the pages private to protect their brand and donor data.

• Broader Implications: The conversation extends to the potential impact on AI systems that rely on indexed information from such pages, affecting how nonprofits are represented in digital spaces.

Government Shutdown's Impact on Nonprofits & A $500M AI Initiative (news)

In this week's episode the hosts delve into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and its implications for the nonprofit sector. The shutdown, now extending over half a month, poses significant challenges for nonprofits that rely on government partnerships. With 750,000 federal workers furloughed, nonprofits face operational hurdles, particularly in grant management and accessing social services like SNAP benefits. The shutdown's ripple effects could increase demand for nonprofit services as more workers remain unpaid and public services remain halted.

In brighter news, a consortium of ten major philanthropic foundations has announced a $500 million initiative, Humanity Forward, to explore AI's societal impacts. This collaborative effort includes the Doris Duke Foundation, Ford Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation, among others. The initiative aims to investigate AI's influence on democracy, economy, culture, and education, with funds being distributed as early as fall 2025. The episode highlights the importance of nonprofits actively engaging with AI to drive innovation rather than being passive participants.

The hosts also introduce a fun, albeit tongue-in-cheek, mini-game created by Whole Whale. The game serves as a metaphor for the challenges nonprofits face in fundraising, emphasizing innovative content strategies to engage audiences beyond traditional written articles. This interactive approach underscores the potential for nonprofits to leverage AI and technology in new ways.

For nonprofits navigating these uncertain times, the episode underscores the importance of strategic planning and adapting to technological advancements. The discussion encourages nonprofits to explore AI's potential and consider how these tools can enhance their mission-driven work.

SHUTDOWN. How The Closure of the U.S. Government Will Impact Nonprofits. (news)

Nonprofit Sector Faces Challenges Amid Government Shutdown and Advocacy Efforts

In this week's episode the focus is on the implications of the U.S. government shutdown and recent advocacy efforts within the nonprofit sector. The episode tackles two primary topics: the immediate impacts of the government shutdown on nonprofits and a coalition's response to political challenges against the Open Society Foundations.

Government Shutdown Impact on Nonprofits

The episode begins with a discussion on the current government shutdown, the first since 2018. George and Nick outline the immediate consequences, such as non-essential federal employees facing furloughs and potential delays in grant disbursements. This could lead nonprofits to seek high-cost loans, cut services, or reduce staff if the shutdown persists. Organizations like food banks and those relying on government contracts are particularly vulnerable. The hosts suggest nonprofits explore temporary lines of credit to manage cash flow during this period.

Advocacy Against Political Retaliation

The episode also highlights a broad coalition of nonprofits, including the ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund, condemning political retaliation against the Open Society Foundations. The coalition argues against the Department of Justice's investigation, viewing it as a threat to free speech and democratic values. The hosts emphasize the importance of advocacy and coalition building in protecting civil society from political interference.

Are you asking for the right asset? Fundraising Secrets with the Philanthropy Guy

Navigating the Philanthropy Landscape with the 'Philanthropy Guy'

In this episode, host George Weiner sits down with Rick Peck, also known as "The Philanthropy Guy," to discuss strategies for nonprofits preparing for the crucial Q4 giving season, commonly referred to as the "nonprofit philanthropy Super Bowl." Rick, a seasoned consultant in the nonprofit space, shares insights on donor engagement, effective fundraising strategies, and the importance of cultivating relationships with major donors.

Main Topics:

• Rick Peck, a consultant helping midsize nonprofits engage with larger donors, shares his expertise.
• Discussion on the importance of diversifying revenue streams amidst shrinking grant availability.
• Emphasis on building a strong case for support and soliciting non-cash asset donations.
• Insights into donor personas and the nuances of engaging high-net-worth individuals.

Critical Insights:

• Many nonprofits face a "quiet panic" as they scramble to prepare for year-end giving, often due to a lack of preparation and over-reliance on grants.
• Peck advocates for a strategic approach, urging nonprofits to develop a strong foundational case for support and to consider soliciting non-cash assets, such as real estate or stocks, to maximize donations.
• Understanding donor personas—such as "drivers" and "expressives"—can significantly improve donor engagement strategies.
• The role of donor-advised funds (DAFs) is explored, highlighting both their potential benefits and the complexities they introduce into the philanthropic landscape.

DEBATE! 📽️ 🎬 🎞️ Emmys Charitable Donation Stunt Raises Money, And Eyebrows (news)

Emmy's Gamification of Charity: A Hit or Miss?

In a recent podcast episode, the hosts dissect the unconventional charity initiative at the Emmy Awards, where host Nate Bargatze pledged $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The twist: the donation amount would decrease based on the length of celebrity speeches, while shorter speeches would add to the fund. Despite the initial $100,000 dropping by $60,000 due to long speeches, Bargatze and CBS ultimately donated $350,000.

The hosts debated the merits of this gamified approach to philanthropy. Critics argue it cheapens the serious work of nonprofits and aligns charity with guilt and shame. Conversely, supporters highlight the significant funds raised and the increased visibility for the Boys and Girls Clubs, as evidenced by a spike in Google searches. They argue that such creative fundraising efforts engage the public and inject fun into philanthropy.