Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast

How The Weekend Helped Civic Organizations & Nonprofits (news)

Exploring the Impact of a Four-Day Workweek on Nonprofits

In this week's episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, George Weiner and Nick Azulay dive into the potential effects of a four-day workweek on the nonprofit sector. As digital strategists and nonprofit enthusiasts, they explore how this shift, gaining traction in places like Tokyo and parts of Europe, could influence volunteer availability and nonprofit operations.

Nick highlights the growing trend towards shorter workweeks, noting that it could alleviate burnout among nonprofit staff, often overworked and underpaid. This change might also lead to an increase in volunteer hours, as people could have more free time to contribute to causes they care about. George adds that advances in AI and digital tools could streamline volunteer coordination, making it easier for nonprofits to manage their resources efficiently.

The discussion also touches on the broader implications of a shorter workweek, such as a shift in how productivity is measured—focusing on outcomes rather than hours. This shift could open up new opportunities for nonprofits to fill the "purpose gap," engaging more people in meaningful work beyond traditional employment metrics like GDP.

Legislative Update: Nonprofits Face Potential Threats

The episode also covers the reintroduction of HR 9495 in the Senate, a bill that could allow the U.S. Treasury to strip nonprofits of their tax-exempt status if deemed to support terrorism. The hosts express concern over the lack of due process in this legislation, which could expose nonprofits to abuse and harassment. With Congress's session ending soon, the bill's fate remains uncertain, but advocacy efforts continue to highlight its potential dangers.

Challenges in Nonprofit Funding Transparency

Another topic discussed is the financial struggles of OpenSecrets, a nonprofit dedicated to government transparency and tracking money in politics. Recent layoffs at OpenSecrets reflect a broader trend of dwindling support for transparency-focused organizations, posing a risk to public understanding of political finance.

Mackenzie Scott's Continued Philanthropic Impact

Ending on a positive note, the hosts celebrate Mackenzie Scott's recent $65 million donation to Enterprise Community Partners, an affordable housing nonprofit. This gift underscores Scott's ongoing commitment to addressing critical societal issues through substantial philanthropic efforts.

The Promise & Pitfalls of Bluesky ☀️⛈️ (news)

Navigating New Social Media Frontiers and Celebrating Giving Tuesday Success

In this week's episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, hosts George Weiner and Nick Azulay delve into the evolving landscape of social media for nonprofits and celebrate a major milestone in charitable giving. The discussion kicks off with an analysis of BlueSky, a burgeoning social media platform touted as a polite alternative to Twitter. Originally a Twitter project, BlueSky has gained traction with approximately 21 million active users. However, George and Nick caution nonprofits about a significant vulnerability in BlueSky's API, which allows extensive data access that could pose risks to brand identity and security in the context of AI data usage.

Key insights include the importance of treating all social media posts as public and the need for nonprofits to establish clear social media guidelines and conduct AI risk audits to safeguard their brand reputation. The hosts emphasize that while BlueSky offers a promising platform, nonprofits should remain vigilant about data privacy and the potential implications of AI-driven content analysis.

Shifting gears, the episode celebrates Giving Tuesday's impressive achievement, with donations reaching $3.6 billion, closely matching Whole Whale's prediction. This success signals a hopeful trend for increased investment in the nonprofit sector, driven by economic tailwinds and potential shifts in public funding.

The episode wraps up with a feel-good story from Metro Detroit, where high school students raised over $146,000 for a children's charity through a creative public speaking program. This initiative highlights the impact of youth-led philanthropy and community engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore new social media platforms like BlueSky cautiously, ensuring data privacy and brand protection.
• Celebrate the continued growth of Giving Tuesday as a key moment in the nonprofit calendar.
• Encourage youth involvement in charitable activities to foster future nonprofit leaders.

Reflection: As the nonprofit sector navigates new digital landscapes and celebrates philanthropic successes, it remains crucial to balance innovation with vigilance, ensuring that missions align with evolving opportunities and challenges.

What We Were Watching This GivingTuesday (news)

Giving Tuesday and Nonprofit Challenges

In this week's episode of the Nonprofit NewsFeed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Senior Digital Strategy Manager at Whole Whale, dive into the aftermath of Giving Tuesday and the ongoing debate about OpenAI's nonprofit origins.

Main Topics:

1. Giving Tuesday Predictions and Economic Context:

   • The team discusses their prediction for Giving Tuesday donations, hoping to surpass $3.5 billion, a hopeful 11% increase from 2023's $3.1 billion.
   • Despite the lack of immediate data, they highlight positive economic indicators like cooled inflation, high consumer confidence, and strong stock market performance as promising signs for nonprofit fundraising.

2. Elon Musk vs. OpenAI: A Legal Battle Over Nonprofit Integrity:

   • Elon Musk has filed an injunction against OpenAI, challenging its transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit model, which he claims violates its original mission.
   • The conversation touches on the broader implications for tech companies exploiting nonprofit status and the ethical considerations of such transitions.

3. Cautionary Tales in Fundraising: Cleveland's Balloon Fest Disaster:

   • The episode revisits the 1986 Balloon Fest by United Way of Greater Cleveland, a well-intentioned fundraiser that turned disastrous, emphasizing the importance of aligning fundraising efforts with an organization's mission and relevance rather than spectacle.

Critical Insights:

• Economic Indicators: The current economic climate, with rising consumer spending and a robust stock market, suggests potential growth in charitable giving despite previous stagnation.
• Nonprofit Integrity: The legal scrutiny of OpenAI's nonprofit-to-profit transition raises questions about the ethics of leveraging nonprofit status for financial gain.
• Fundraising Strategy: The Cleveland Balloon Fest serves as a reminder to prioritize meaningful engagement over attention-grabbing stunts in fundraising efforts.

Calls to Action:

• Nonprofits should assess their fundraising strategies to ensure alignment with their mission and relevance to their audience.
• Stakeholders in the nonprofit sector need to remain vigilant about the ethical implications of organizational transitions and funding models.

Closing Thought:

The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of authenticity and integrity in the nonprofit sector, especially in times of economic uncertainty and rapid technological evolution. As the landscape of philanthropy continues to shift, organizations must adapt while staying true to their core values and mission.

What Does The Election Mean For Nonprofits? Engaging Different Perspectives… (news)

Navigating Nonprofit Growth Amidst Political Shifts: Insights from Whole Whale

In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler at Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Senior Strategy Manager, dive into the evolving landscape of the nonprofit sector. They discuss how historical trends might mirror the potential growth and challenges nonprofits face in light of political shifts and economic changes.

Key Topics and Insights:

1. Historical Context and Future Predictions:

   • George Weiner draws parallels between the nonprofit boom of the 1980s and the anticipated growth in the 2020s, driven by government restructuring, workforce transformation through AI, and a significant wealth transfer.
   • The conversation highlights the importance of nonprofits adapting to potential reductions in government social services and leveraging increased funding opportunities.

2. Legislative Concerns:

   • A critical discussion centers around the controversial bill HR 9495, which could allow the Department of Treasury to unilaterally revoke nonprofit status by labeling organizations as terrorist-supporting. This has sparked widespread opposition from major nonprofit coalitions due to concerns over executive overreach and lack of due process.

3. Volunteerism Rebound:

   • Encouraging news from AmeriCorps reveals a significant rebound in formal volunteering rates post-pandemic, with 75.7 million Americans participating in 2023, contributing nearly 5 billion hours of service.

4. Philanthropic Movements:

   • Mackenzie Scott's recent donation of Amazon shares signals another major round of charitable giving, emphasizing the importance of nonprofits telling compelling stories to attract such transformative funding.

5. Community Impact and Seasonal Giving:

   • The episode closes with a heartwarming story from Valley Santa in Pennsylvania, which is gearing up to provide Christmas gifts to thousands of children in need, showcasing the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

Call to Action:

• Nonprofits are encouraged to prepare for upcoming changes by strengthening their storytelling, engaging with digital tools, and actively participating in advocacy efforts against potentially harmful legislation.

Reflection: This episode underscores the resilience and adaptability required of nonprofits in navigating political and economic landscapes. It highlights the potential for growth and the critical role of strategic planning and community engagement in sustaining impact.

Scaling Nonprofits: Mastering HR Challenges

Host George engages with Dr. Tiffany Slater, founder and CEO of HR TailorMade, to delve into the complexities of human resources within nonprofit organizations. As nonprofits grow, they often encounter HR challenges that can impede their mission-driven work. Dr. Slater's company serves as a fractional HR department, providing tailored solutions to nonprofits across the United States.

Key Insights:

• Growth and HR Challenges: As organizations expand, they face critical HR inflection points, often every three to five employees. Each new hire brings unique personalities and needs, complicating internal dynamics. Dr. Slater emphasizes the importance of intentional onboarding to integrate new team members effectively and ensure they understand their roles and the organizational culture.
• Onboarding and Retention: Effective onboarding is crucial for employee retention. Dr. Slater advises creating a structured onboarding plan, including a 30, 60, 90-day framework, to equip new hires with the necessary tools and knowledge. This process not only helps employees succeed but also fosters long-term commitment to the organization.
• Managing Difficult Conversations: One of the toughest HR challenges is addressing performance issues when employees do not recognize their shortcomings. Dr. Slater stresses the importance of clear communication and documentation to manage expectations and guide performance improvements.
• Litigious Challenges: The conversation touches on the inevitability of lawsuits, emphasizing the need for meticulous documentation of HR processes and interactions to protect the organization legally.
• Performance Documentation: Regular performance reviews and documentation are essential. Providing feedback helps employees grow and aligns their efforts with organizational goals. It also serves as a critical tool in managing underperformance and potential terminations.

📜 U.S. Congress Fast-Tracked (Now Failed) Bill To Strip Nonprofits of Their Status Without Due Process (news)

Nonprofit Sector Faces Legislative and Financial Challenges Amid Innovative Solutions

In this episode of Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist, delve into pressing issues and inspiring initiatives in the nonprofit sector. They begin with the failed U.S. House bill H.R. 9495, which sought to give the Treasury Department unilateral power to revoke nonprofits' 501(c)3 status if deemed to support terrorism. Although the bill was defeated, the discussion highlights concerns over due process and the potential for abuse, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting nonprofit rights.

Next, the duo explores a Los Angeles Times story about nonprofits facing financial strains due to the city's mansion tax. Two organizations, the Motion Picture and Television Fund and Los Angeles Jewish Health, incurred significant taxes despite their missions aligning with affordable housing goals. This situation underscores the complexities of nonprofit tax laws and the need for legislative reform to prevent financial burdens that hinder mission-driven work.

Shifting focus to solutions, the hosts discuss Bloomberg's report on Acumen's ambitious $1.5 billion investment in agricultural technology startups across developing nations. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and improve yields for small-scale farmers, marking a significant shift from traditional aid models to sustainable, systems-based approaches.

Finally, a feel-good story from CBS News highlights "Adventures in Training with a Purpose," a nonprofit offering wellness services to veterans and first responders. Founded by former Pittsburgh Steelers player John Kalb, this organization provides comprehensive support to improve mental and physical health, celebrating its impact with a fundraising event featuring Steelers legends.

Critical Insights:

• The defeat of H.R. 9495 demonstrates the power of civil society in protecting nonprofit rights, but ongoing vigilance is necessary.
• Legislative gaps, like those seen in the LA mansion tax, can impose unintended financial burdens on nonprofits, highlighting the need for reform.
• Acumen's investment exemplifies a strategic shift towards sustainable development in agriculture, addressing significant funding gaps in climate resilience.

Call to Action: Nonprofit professionals and advocates are encouraged to stay informed about legislative developments and support initiatives that drive systemic change. Engaging in policy discussions and advocating for reform can help protect and empower the sector.

Closing Thought: As challenges persist, the nonprofit sector's resilience and innovation continue to shine. By fostering collaboration and leveraging strategic investments, the sector can navigate obstacles and create lasting impact.

"Extractive Empathy" & The Hidden Costs of Donation-Based Crowdfunding Platforms 🤫 (news)

Exploring 'Extractive Empathy' and the Dynamics of Nonprofit Fundraising

In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, hosts George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist at Whole Whale, dive into the intricacies of nonprofit news with a focus on the concept of "extractive empathy." The episode begins with a discussion on the palpable anticipation in the social impact space surrounding upcoming elections, which could influence strategic planning and decision-making.

A key highlight of the episode is the introduction of "extractive empathy," a term coined by Whole Whale to describe the use of emotionally charged personal narratives to drive donations on crowdfunding platforms. This approach, while effective in generating immediate financial support, often overlooks long-term community needs and sustainable solutions. The conversation references a study showing that individuals with higher incomes raise more funds due to expansive social networks, emphasizing the imbalance in crowdfunding dynamics.

The hosts critique this approach by pointing out how platforms like GoFundMe prioritize individual stories over systemic change, which can exacerbate inequities. They suggest strategies to mitigate these issues, such as implementing an "overflow" system where excess funds beyond a set goal are directed to designated charities.

In the latter part of the episode, George and Nick discuss a new report on U.S. charitable giving trends, highlighting an increase in donations from both individuals and institutions. However, they note that a small percentage of donors account for a significant portion of total donations, underscoring the growing influence of high-net-worth individuals in philanthropy.

The episode wraps up with a feel-good story about an Austin-based nonprofit providing free English lessons to Afghan refugee women, showcasing grassroots efforts to support displaced communities. Despite the heavy topics, the hosts inject humor and encourage listeners to engage with these critical discussions.

Key Takeaways:

• "Extractive empathy" highlights the challenges of relying on emotional narratives for fundraising, which can divert attention from systemic solutions.
• The increasing role of wealthy donors in philanthropy necessitates tailored strategies to engage high-net-worth individuals effectively.
• Grassroots initiatives, like language classes for refugees, play a vital role in community support and integration.

Reflective Thought: As the nonprofit sector navigates these complex dynamics, it's crucial to balance immediate fundraising needs with long-term, equitable solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms.

💻😳 Fallout Continues Between Wordpress & For-Profit Competitor (news)

In this week's episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed by Whole Whale, hosts George Weiner, Chief Whaler, and Nick Azulay, Senior Digital Strategy Manager, delve into significant developments affecting the nonprofit sector. They kick off with an enticing offer from Whole Whale University, providing a substantial discount on their end-of-year course bundle, aimed at empowering nonprofit professionals with essential digital insights and strategies.

WordPress vs. WP Engine: A Tech Showdown

The episode’s main story unpacks the escalating tension between WordPress and WP Engine, a hosting service provider. The conflict, rooted in trademark disputes and accusations of unfair profit-making, has led to public legal threats and internal turmoil within WordPress. With WordPress powering over 43% of global websites, including many in the nonprofit sector, this drama has significant implications. George and Nick discuss how these tensions might affect nonprofits, especially those using WP Engine, and emphasize the importance of understanding the tech landscape that supports nonprofit operations.

Veblen Giving: A New Perspective on Philanthropy

George introduces the concept of "Veblen Giving," a term he coined to describe donations made primarily for social prestige. This type of giving is becoming more prevalent as fewer individuals account for the majority of charitable donations. The hosts discuss the implications of this trend, highlighting the need for nonprofits to tailor their communication strategies to engage high-net-worth donors effectively. George's innovative approach to redefining philanthropy in the context of AI and SEO strategies is also explored, illustrating how nonprofits can adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

Addressing Homelessness: Contrasting Approaches

The episode also covers contrasting strategies to tackle homelessness in San Francisco. The city's aggressive homeless encampment sweeps, part of a broader revitalization plan, have faced criticism for lacking long-term solutions. In contrast, the nonprofit GLIDE advocates for a more compassionate approach, focusing on relationship-building and sustainable transitions to permanent housing. This segment highlights the critical role of nonprofits in addressing complex social issues through innovative and empathetic strategies.

Feel-Good Story: Broadway's Philanthropic Impact

Closing on a positive note, the hosts celebrate the philanthropic efforts of Broadway, particularly the musical "Hell's Kitchen," which has donated over $1 million to Alicia Keys’ Keep a Child Alive organization. This gesture continues Broadway's long-standing tradition of charitable giving, as exemplified by the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS initiative, which has raised over $300 million since 1988.

Navigating New Cybersecurity Threats: A Deep Dive into a Sophisticated Scam

Navigating Nonprofit Cybersecurity and Global Funding Challenges

In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist, delve into pressing nonprofit sector issues, with a focus on cybersecurity threats and global funding challenges. They also highlight a significant philanthropic initiative by Melinda French Gates.

Key Topics and Insights:

1. Cybersecurity Threats to Nonprofits:

   • George and Nick discuss a sophisticated phishing attempt targeting Whole Whale, emphasizing the growing threat of AI-enabled social engineering scams. They caution nonprofits to enhance cybersecurity awareness and train staff to recognize suspicious activities.
   • The conversation includes insights from Joshua Pesky of Roundtable Technology, highlighting the need for vigilance against phishing scams, particularly those exploiting power dynamics and urgency.

2. Melinda French Gates' Philanthropic Initiative:

   • Melinda French Gates has pledged an additional $250 million to support women's health globally through the "Action for Women's Health" grant competition. This initiative, managed by Lever for Change, aims to provide unrestricted funding to at least 100 nonprofits, signaling a shift towards more open and transparent philanthropic processes.

3. Global Humanitarian Funding Gaps:

   • The New Humanitarian reports on record-wide funding gaps in the global humanitarian sector, with UN appeals only 45% funded in 2023. The discussion highlights the strain on resources due to prolonged crises and the challenges faced by local aid organizations in securing funding.
   • George and Nick draw parallels between global and local nonprofit sectors, noting similar challenges in transparency, efficiency, and funding.

4. Voter Participation Initiatives in Alabama:

   • The episode concludes on a positive note with the "Defend the Ballot" initiative in Alabama, aimed at increasing voter participation amid restrictive state laws. The effort seeks to address low voter turnout and empower citizens to exercise their voting rights.

Call to Action: Nonprofits are encouraged to prioritize cybersecurity training and awareness to safeguard against evolving threats. Additionally, organizations should explore opportunities for funding through open calls like Melinda French Gates' initiative and remain informed about global and local funding trends.

Reflection: The episode underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in the face of cybersecurity risks and funding challenges. By fostering a culture of vigilance and leveraging innovative funding opportunities, nonprofits can continue to make a significant impact.

How Agencies & Nonprofit's are Getting Scammed

A Close Call with Cybercrime: Anatomy of a Modern RFP Scam

For agencies, opportunities can come knocking at any moment. For George, the founder of a successful agency, that knock came in the form of an enticing email from what appeared to be Banana Republic. The message dangled a lucrative contract, promising a monthly budget that would make any agency salivate. It seemed too good to be true – and as George would soon discover, it was.

At first glance, the scam was impressively crafted. A LinkedIn profile for the supposed Banana Republic representative lent an air of legitimacy. The email contained links to the actual Banana Republic website, further disarming suspicion. But it was the Dropbox link that truly showcased the scammers’ cunning. Hidden among genuine Banana Republic marketing materials was an innocuous-looking executable file – the true payload of this elaborate ruse.

Intrigued but cautious, George decided to pull on this thread, engaging in a back-and-forth with the “representative.” As the conversation progressed, red flags began to appear. The contact’s name changed multiple times, from Sarah Gomez to Sarah Lopez, and finally to Ella Brown. The LinkedIn profile URL didn’t match the supposed sender’s name. These inconsistencies piqued George’s suspicions, prompting him to dig deeper.

Seeking expert insight, George reached out to Joshua Peskay, a cybersecurity specialist. Joshua’s analysis revealed the true nature of the threat: the executable file was malware, likely a sophisticated keylogger designed to steal sensitive information and transmit it to the attackers via Telegram.

The implications were chilling. Had George or someone on his team fallen for the scam and run the file, the consequences could have been dire. From ransomware attacks to data exfiltration and extortion, the potential damage to the agency and its clients was immense.

As Joshua explained, this scam represented a new breed of cyber threat, one supercharged by advancements in AI and language models. Gone are the days when broken English or obvious grammatical errors would give away a scammer. Today’s cybercriminals can craft persuasive, contextually appropriate messages in any language, making their lures harder to spot.

The incident served as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity practices:

1. Scrutinize unsolicited offers, especially those that seem too good to be true.
2. Verify email domains and LinkedIn profiles for inconsistencies.
3. Be extremely cautious when downloading files, particularly executables.
4. Implement strong endpoint detection and response (EDR) software.
5. Use least-privilege access principles for daily computer use.
6. Conduct regular tabletop exercises to prepare for potential incidents.