Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast

SCOTUS Thinks Homelessness Is A Crime ⚖️ (news)

Supreme Court Ruling Criminalizes Homelessness

In a controversial decision, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 vote that the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, did not violate the Eighth Amendment by criminalizing homelessness. This ruling has far-reaching implications, allowing cities to enforce ordinances that penalize behaviors associated with being unhoused, such as sleeping or camping on public property. Justice Sotomayor, in her dissent, emphasized the cascading harm this decision could cause to the already vulnerable homeless population. The ruling has been met with shock and dismay by advocates for the homeless, who argue that it is both unconstitutional and inhumane.

Los Angeles Public Schools' AI Chatbot Fails

The Los Angeles Public School District's $6 million investment in an AI chatbot named Ed has come to a sudden halt. Developed by the startup All Here, the chatbot was intended to assist students with academic and mental health resources. However, the company faced financial difficulties, leading to the CEO's departure and staff furloughs. This incident raises significant concerns about the sustainability of AI startups and the ethical implications of using AI in sensitive educational contexts.

Nonprofit Sector Faces Burnout and Staffing Issues

The Center for Effective Philanthropy's 2024 report highlights ongoing challenges in the nonprofit sector, particularly burnout and understaffing. A staggering 95% of nonprofit leaders cited burnout as a major concern, with many organizations struggling to retain staff due to budget constraints. Despite these challenges, the sector shows signs of financial stability, with most nonprofits experiencing balanced budgets or surpluses. However, leaders facing budget deficits are contemplating difficult trade-offs that could exacerbate burnout.

Nonprofit Buys Building for Migrant Housing

Breaking Ground, a nonprofit organization, has purchased a building in East Harlem for $172 million to create housing for migrants. The building, currently used as a temporary migrant shelter, will be renovated to provide 261 units for people transitioning out of homelessness and additional units for low-income families. This initiative addresses the urgent need for physical space and infrastructure to support migrants in New York City.

Feel-Good Story: In Tandem Cycling Expands Programs

In Tandem Cycling, a New York nonprofit that pairs sighted riders with blind and low-vision riders on tandem bikes, is expanding its programs. These activities offer not just exercise but also socialization, mental health benefits, and teamwork for participants. The organization's efforts highlight the positive impact of community sports and inclusive activities.

Closing Thought

The stories covered in this episode underscore the complex and interconnected challenges facing the nonprofit sector, from legal battles and technological missteps to staffing issues and innovative housing solutions. As always, the resilience and creativity of nonprofits continue to shine through, offering hope and inspiration.

Trust & Safety From Fires Nonprofit News (news)

Nonprofit News Feed Podcast Recap: Trust in Nonprofits Rises, Local Journalism Fund, and Innovative Solutions

Main Host Update

This week's episode is a special solo edition hosted by Nick Azulay. George, CEO and founder of Whole Whale, is on paternity leave after welcoming a new baby. Congratulations to George and his family!

Key Topics Covered:

1. Increase in Nonprofit Trust:

   • Independent Sector Report: After four years of decline, trust in nonprofits has increased by 5%, now at 57%.
   • Comparative Trust: Nonprofits are more trusted than media and government, especially in bridging social and political divides.
   • Challenges: Despite this, 74% of respondents believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, and 94% worry about increasing division.
   • Nonpartisan Advocacy: There's growing wariness about nonprofits' involvement in nonpartisan advocacy and political engagement.

2. AP Fund for Journalism:

   • Associated Press Initiative: Launching a $100 million fund to boost local journalism, addressing the financial strain on local news outlets.
   • Impact: This fund aims to support local journalism through financial aid and knowledge sharing, essential for combating misinformation and fostering informed communities.

3. Rebuild Paradise Foundation:

   • Innovative Solution for Fire Victims: Offering grants for building gravel buffers around homes in Paradise, CA, to prevent fire spread.
   • Insurance Premiums: Aims to help homeowners negotiate lower insurance premiums by making homes more fire-resistant.

4. Cafe Momentum’s Expansion:

   • Nonprofit Restaurant in Atlanta: Employs justice-involved youth, providing them with skills and opportunities to reduce recidivism.
   • Impact: Highlights the importance of empowering youth through practical skills and supportive environments.

5. Nonprofit Theater Highlights:

   • Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Receiving rave reviews for its interpretation of "Much Ado About Nothing."
   • Public Theater in NYC: Renovating the Delacorte Theatre, home to Shakespeare in the Park, with free streaming of past performances available on PBS.

Critical Insights and Quotes:

• "Nonprofits are seen as more reliable when it comes to providing solutions to bridging social and political divides in America."
• "Transparency and third-party certifications are key to building trust with donors."

Calls to Action:

• For Nonprofits: Emphasize transparency and trustworthiness through clear communication, financial transparency, and third-party certifications.
• For Listeners: Check out the Independent Sector report and support local journalism and nonprofit theaters.

Closing Thought:

In a time of widespread distrust, nonprofits hold a pivotal role in fostering community trust and bridging divides. Their ability to remain transparent, nonpartisan, and community-focused is essential for their continued impact.

Feel-Good Story:

• Nonprofit Theater Excellence: The Oregon Shakespeare Festival's innovative take on a classic play and the Public Theater’s upcoming renovations and free streaming options highlight the vital role of nonprofit arts in enriching communities.

Joke of the Week:

• What do you call a nonprofit theater spamming your email inbox with ticket promotions? Spamlet

Stay tuned for more updates and special guest appearances from the Whole Whale family in upcoming episodes!

AI Transparency, Environmental Impact, and Ethical Tech Shifts (news)

Nonprofit News Feed: AI Transparency, Environmental Impact, and Ethical Tech Shifts

Hosted by George Weiner and Nick Azulay of Whole Whale

Main Topics:

1. Adobe's AI Controversy:

   • Adobe faces backlash over changes to its terms of service, sparking fears that user data might be used to train its generative AI models without consent.
   • Adobe clarified it does not train its AI models on customer content and committed to updating its terms by the end of June.
   • The Department of Justice has filed a suit against Adobe for its opaque subscription models, adding to the company's woes.

2. Transparency Issues with OpenAI-Backed Nonprofits:

   • Nonprofits backed by OpenAI, like Open Research and UBI Charitable, have stopped disclosing financial statements and internal policies, breaking previous transparency pledges.
   • George emphasizes the importance of transparency in research, especially in universal basic income (UBI) studies to maintain credibility and trust.

3. Environmental Impact of AI:

   • AI's significant compute power demands are leading to increased carbon emissions and higher operational costs.
   • Google's new AI search feature, rolling out to a billion users, is estimated to use 30 times more energy than traditional search methods.
   • The conversation touches on the broader implications of AI's energy consumption and the potential for more efficient models in the future.

4. Ethical Concerns in Tech Infrastructure:

   • The discussion extends to the physical infrastructure required for AI, including the ethical implications of mining precious metals.
   • George notes the importance of monitoring the human rights impacts of resource extraction and the need for innovative solutions to mitigate these effects.

Feel-Good Story:

• ProtonMail's Shift to Nonprofit Foundation:
  • Proton, known for its secure email service, is transitioning to a nonprofit foundation model, prioritizing mission over profit.
  • This move echoes Patagonia's shift and reinforces trust in nonprofit tech companies' commitment to user privacy and data security.

Critical Insights:

• Transparency and ethical considerations in AI and tech are paramount to maintaining user trust and ensuring sustainable practices.
• The shift of tech companies to nonprofit models can offer a more trustworthy alternative, free from shareholder pressures.

Call to Action:

• Stay informed about changes in terms of service from tech providers and advocate for transparency and ethical practices.
• Consider supporting and using tech services that prioritize privacy and nonprofit values.

Closing Thought:

• The nonprofit sector continues to lead by example in prioritizing ethical practices and transparency, underscoring the importance of mission-driven work in tech and beyond.

Are These Organizations Really Nonprofits? (news)

Are These Organizations Still Nonprofits? A Deep Dive into Nonprofit Status and the Blurring Lines

Overview

This week on the Nonprofit Newsfeed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Senior Manager of Digital Strategy at Whole Whale, delve into the complex and evolving landscape of nonprofit status. They question whether certain large organizations still meet the true spirit of what it means to be a nonprofit.

Key Topics and Highlights

1. NCAA's Historic Settlement:

   • The NCAA, a nonprofit with nearly $1 billion in revenue, recently settled to pay college athletes $2.7 billion. This raises questions about whether the organization still aligns with its original nonprofit mission of fostering amateur sports.

2. PGA Tour and Saudi Investment:

   • The PGA Tour, another nonprofit, announced a merger with the Saudi Public Investment Fund's LiveGolf. This billion-dollar deal casts doubt on whether taxpayer dollars should support such ventures.

3. OpenAI's Nonprofit Status:

   • OpenAI, which started as a nonprofit, now controls a highly profitable LLC valued at $80 billion. This shift has led to legal scrutiny and questions about whether it still adheres to its nonprofit mission.

4. The Linux Foundation:

   • With $177 million in revenue and high executive salaries, the Linux Foundation faces scrutiny about its contribution to the public good and whether it still qualifies as a nonprofit.

Critical Insights and Quotes

• George Weiner: "When you cross that line toward profiting off the community you're trying to protect, it's time to review that."
• Nick Azoulay: "Should your tax dollars be subsidizing the Saudi investment into American golf influence? That's a hard pill to swallow."

Calls to Action

• For Nonprofits: Reflect on whether your organization still aligns with its original mission and the broader public good.
• For Donors and Volunteers: Scrutinize the nonprofits you support to ensure they adhere to their stated missions and use funds responsibly.

Closing Thought

The conversation highlights the need for a national discussion about what truly constitutes a nonprofit. As organizations grow and evolve, it's crucial to revisit their missions and ensure they continue to serve the public good.

Additional Stories

• Universal Analytics Data Deletion: A reminder for organizations to download their data from Universal Analytics before it is permanently deleted.
• Robin Hood AI Poverty Challenge: An exciting opportunity offering up to $1 million for innovative projects addressing poverty in New York City.
• National Foundation for Transplant Closure: The closure of this organization leaves many organ transplant patients without critical funds.
• Feel-Good Story: The Growhaus nonprofit in Denver is planting vegetable gardens in food deserts, providing fresh produce and empowering families.

AI in the Nonprofit Sector: Revolutionizing Social Change (news)

Hosts: George Weiner (Chief Whaler, Whole Whale), Nick Azualy (Senior Manager Strategy, Whole Whale)

This week's episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed dives deep into the growing influence of AI in the nonprofit sector. George Weiner and Nick discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities, highlighting key stories and developments.

Main Topics

1. AI in Nonprofits:

   • Featured Article: Chronicle of Philanthropy’s June cover story on AI nonprofits.
   • Key Organizations:
     • Quill.org: Uses AI to provide interactive exercises and personalized feedback in classrooms.
     • Khan Academy: Partnered with OpenAI to create generative AI tools for personalized student learning.
     • Justice Lab: Developed AI-powered chatbots and translation tools to assist immigrants with legal processes.
     • FairBio: Uses AI for antibiotic research.
     • The Contingent: Employs AI in foster parent recruitment.

2. Ethical Considerations and Risks:

   • The importance of ethical AI deployment to avoid potential harms, such as the misuse of deepfakes by students.
   • The balance between leveraging AI for educational benefits and addressing the digital divide.

3. OpenAI’s Nonprofit Pricing Tier:

   • OpenAI introduces a new pricing tier for nonprofits at $20 per seat per month.
   • Encouragement for nonprofits to adopt paid, trusted AI tools to avoid data leaks and ensure security.

4. Google Search Overview Controversy:

   • Google’s new AI feature generates bizarre and inaccurate responses, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of AI in search.
   • The discussion on the implications of these errors and Google's response to public backlash.

Critical Insights

• AI in Education: AI can revolutionize education by providing personalized learning experiences, but it must be implemented ethically to avoid widening the educational gap.
• Nonprofit AI Adoption: Nonprofits are encouraged to adopt AI tools cautiously, ensuring data security and ethical use.
• Google’s AI Challenges: The rollout of Google’s AI search feature highlights the need for careful oversight and accurate information dissemination in AI applications.

Quotes

• George Weiner: "AI allows students to learn at their own pace in a way I don't really think has ever quite been possible like now."
• Nick: "With any new technology, there's tremendous upside, but there are also tremendous risks."

Calls to Action

• Nonprofits interested in AI tools should explore OpenAI’s nonprofit pricing tier and consider the ethical implications of AI use.
• Listeners are encouraged to stay informed about AI developments and advocate for responsible AI implementation in their organizations.

Closing Thought

The episode underscores the transformative potential of AI in the nonprofit sector, while also emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and responsible implementation. As AI continues to evolve, nonprofit professionals must navigate these changes thoughtfully to maximize positive social impact.

Roundup for charity on the rise & Slack AI Policy Fail (news)

Would you like to round-up for charity?

 

Point-of-sale donations, especially "round-up" campaigns, have seen a significant surge in recent years, raising millions of dollars for various charitable causes. In 2022, these campaigns brought in $749 million, a 24% increase from 2020. A recent survey conducted by Binghamton University faculty revealed that 53% of Americans give impulsively to charities at the checkout, with certain demographics being more likely to donate. Women, Black respondents, and middle-class individuals under 50 who have not attended college were found to be the top-giving demographics, contrasting with traditional donors who are usually older, higher-earning college graduates.

 

The success of round-up donations can be attributed to several factors, including the perceived lower "pain" of donating spare change, the human preference for round numbers, and the subtle guilt induced by declining a low-cost request. Taco Bell Foundation, for example, doubled its annual fundraising by switching from asking for $1 donations to a round-up strategy. Similarly, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raised $138 million in 2022 through point-of-sale campaigns, accounting for a third of its total fundraising.

 

However, the ubiquity of these requests may lead to donor fatigue, and some consumers express concerns about the transparency of where their donations are going. Despite these potential drawbacks, the success of round-up campaigns is undeniable, and they have become a significant source of funding for many nonprofits, raising the profile of local organizations doing fantastic work in customers' own communities.

 

Melinda French Gates says she's donating $1B to women's rights | NBC News   Melinda French Gates is committing $1 billion over the next two years to support women's rights, including reproductive rights, through her organization Pivotal Ventures. This decision comes amid growing political violence against women and maternal health issues, with Gates highlighting that only a small fraction of charitable giving supports women-focused organizations. Her initiative aims to improve mental and physical health for women and girls and includes a $250 million grant for grassroots groups. How might this significant funding shift the landscape for women's rights globally?

Slack users horrified to discover messages used for AI training | Ars Technica Slack users were shocked to find out their messages were being used to train AI models, sparking a backlash that has the company scrambling to clarify its policies. Despite reassurances from Slack engineers that customer data isn't used for training large language models, the existing policy's ambiguity has left users uneasy. Salesforce, Slack’s parent company, promised to update privacy principles to better explain data usage, but the lack of an easy opt-out mechanism adds to users' frustrations.   Current Policy: Privacy principles: search, learning and artificial intelligence | Legal | Slack Updated AI statement:  How Slack protects your data when using machine learning and AI How to opt-out Contact slack to opt out. If you want to exclude your Customer Data from Slack global models, you can opt out. To opt out, please have your org, workspace owners or primary owner contact our Customer Experience team at feedback@slack.com with your workspace/org URL and the subject line ‘Slack global model opt-out request’. We will process your request and respond once the opt-out has been completed.

Seth Godin on Unlocking Positive Auctions for Fundraising with GoodBids.org

This episode is also available as  video on our channel  youtube.com/wholewhale 

In this episode of the Whole Whale Podcast, host George Weiner sits down with Seth Godin, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of GoodBids.org, to discuss how nonprofits can innovate their fundraising strategies and engage donors more effectively.

Seth introduces the concept of positive auctions, a new approach to fundraising where every bid is a non-refundable donation, creating a gap between the winning bid and the total amount raised for the charity. GoodBids.org, Seth's latest venture, is a platform that facilitates these positive auctions, incorporating game dynamics to encourage participation and virality.

Throughout the conversation, Seth emphasizes the importance of empathy in marketing and the need for nonprofits to offer donors a sense of belonging and satisfaction. He suggests that nonprofits should focus on creating tension and providing unique, desirable auction items that generate excitement and conversation to attract new audiences.

Seth also shares his insights on collaborating with influencers and involving them in the brainstorming process to create more successful fundraising campaigns. He stresses the significance of nonprofits stepping out of their comfort zones and taking risks to solve interesting problems and make a lasting impact.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of AI on various industries and the importance of embracing it as a teammate rather than a competitor. Seth encourages nonprofits to use AI tools to enhance their work and stay ahead of the curve.

This thought-provoking episode is a must-listen for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to revolutionize their fundraising strategies and make a genuine difference in their communities.

Key points:

1. Nonprofits face challenges in engaging donors and raising funds, often resorting to ineffective methods like galas or traditional charity auctions.
2. GoodBids introduces the concept of positive auctions, where every bid is a non-refundable donation, creating a gap between the winning bid and the total amount raised for the charity.
3. The platform incorporates game dynamics, such as free bids for early bidders and referrals, to encourage participation and virality.
4. Seth emphasizes the importance of empathy in marketing and the need for nonprofits to offer donors a sense of belonging and satisfaction.
5. To attract new audiences, nonprofits should focus on creating tension and providing unique, desirable auction items that generate excitement and conversation.
6. Collaborating with influencers and involving them in the brainstorming process can lead to more successful fundraising campaigns.
7. Seth discusses the impact of AI on various industries and the importance of embracing it as a teammate rather than a competitor.

 

 

Exploring AI in Nonprofits: Insights from Seth Godin & Latest Tech Updates (news)

📌 This week on the Nonprofit News Feed: Join George Weiner, Chief Whaler at Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist, as they dive into the latest developments affecting the nonprofit sector.

🔹 Special Guest: Get insights from Seth Godin on raising over $70,000 through positive auctions with GoodBids.org. 🔹 AI Advancements: Discover the implications of OpenAI's GPT-4.0 and Google's new AI-driven search overviews for nonprofits. 🔹 Fundraising & Tech: Learn about Whole Whale's latest rollout of GPT-4.0 for Omni and Gemini image generation with DALL-E 3. 🔹 Google Ad Grant Cohort: Hear about the clever foundation that secured 10 seats for their grantees and the upcoming hands-on learning session. 🔹 Policy Alert: Understand the potential impacts of House Republicans attempting to cut funding for LGBTQ nonprofits. 🔹 Fraud Prevention: Minnesota Attorney General shuts down 17 sham nonprofits defrauding the federal child nutrition program. 🔹 Feel-Good Story: Celebrate the success of Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Build in Charlotte, NC, providing a home for veterans George and Karen.

Transcript:

This week on the nonprofit news feed. Well, my name is George Weiner. I'm the chief whaler of Whole Whale. And we have Nick Azulay, the digital strategist at Whole Whale. We're excited. You know, we bring you nonprofit news, of course, but we also want to start talking a little bit about what's going on at Whole Whale.

I'm excited because this week we are also dropping our interview with Seth Godin and His work with good bids. org and how they just in their pilot raised over 70, 000 with positive auctions, all of that to come on this feed on our YouTube channel. Also had a busy week last week because we rolled out GPT 4 0 0 for Omni across all cause writer customers.

And also rolled out the Gemini image generation alongside DALI three. So we're always pushing the newest and best models to give access to the folks in our cause writer AI. Also, it was pretty funny. There was somebody who reached out for our Google ad grant cohort, a very clever foundation that bought up 10 seats of the ad grant cohort for their grantees and, you know, snapped up all of the early birds.

Very, very smart play by them for our Google ad grant cohort hands on learning coming in July. We have seven seats available as of this recording and you know, they are certainly valuable and going quick and hopefully we can help everyone interested in joining that hands on Google ad grant cohort.

All right, Nick. About Whole Whale, what about the news? George, this is a big one. And I think that, you know, we're not on just a, any tech podcast, right? We care about nonprofits and tech and digital, but I think last week's announcement, announcements are too important not to talk about because they will have major implications for nonprofits.

So last week, both. Open AI and Google and then later Microsoft made various announcements about AI offerings. So open AI released its new GPT 4. 0 model. That was the big announcement from them. The big announcement from Google, at least from our perspective is the rollout of search overviews.

You heard us mentioning just last week on the podcast that SGE was coming, search generated experience. Lo and behold, 48 hours later, it was here. So users across the continent of the United States are now seeing AI generated results on their search engine result pages, or SERPs, for a multitude of searches.

We write, as we talk about now we don't yet know whether this is reflected in Google search console. We don't know really what the implications will be or have dedicated data to prove how this is impacting search at large. But of course there are pretty major implications, NGOs that rely on organic traffic to drive their mission.

So those are the two big announcements. George, there's so much to unpack here, and I think we should I think listeners would really enjoy hearing our thoughts about OpenAI and Google's announcement in particular. But what were your takeaways from this week of just like crazy AI updates from Big Tech?

I think I am always of the mindset of like paying attention to like what happened on like page five. Like there's always the front news. There's always the like, hey everybody look over here. Yet the most groundbreaking things, the things that will have The biggest impacts are like happening deeper in the paper.

And you have to look a little deeper. And that AI overview is not to be underestimated. We've been talking about it for over a year. We have been preparing our clients and preparing mitigation strategies at a high level. It's not just the nonprofit sector, but everyone in media, they understand what this means.

Immediately that they are being disintermediated from the flow of information from this discovery process that we have, frankly, given to Google. We gave them our data and information in exchange for attention measured in clicks. And now those clicks are going to go away. However, I think there's enough, you know, fear, uncertainty and doubt floating about I'm beginning to position our team, our strategy and our clients around a new idea, which is a larger digital footprint.

And that footprint goes beyond our website. It goes beyond the four walls of our tiny little postage stamp on the internet. And rather, what is our larger footprint as it relates to measurable attention across platforms. That attention also, I am like every day refreshing the Google search console. The Bing search console, right?

I'm refreshing these things so that I can see when they give us access to information about where and how we show up in that AI search overview, understanding how we then influence this LLM. A new vector of LLM optimization, right? Where we say, I get what we used to write and how we used to write, how do we shift toward that I think is part of our new diet in addition to that.

Our text, which you've traditionally written those next 10 articles about the information about an apple tree, about a primate, about whatever that topic is, is going to be commoditized by.   A GPT that can write the same thing that can answer the same question in that world. I think you have to change how you compete by producing.

And providing more intellectual property,   more original research things that a GPT doesn't have access to. And that's, you know, can come in the form of surveys can come in the form of original research. You can begin to get more creative though. And so I think I'm excited in that sense of, like, it's going to open up.

Creativity rather than treating us all like little dictionary writers of like, I need the dictionary page for this. Like, frankly, that was always inevitably going to become commoditized if you really looked at it with a large enough lens. So I you know, we're watching it and that's just top of the top of the mountain what I'm thinking right now.

Yeah, no, totally George. Subscribe to my sub stack. No, I'm kidding, but I think you bring up some really good points. Right. And, and back to the search overview piece, we've been talking about this before. We have links in the nonprofit newsfeed newsletter, which you should all be subscribed to. But even in the GPT 4 0 model.

That is now like available to plus users on chat GPT. It is pinging the internet in real time. We were talking about this yesterday. You used to have to use a plugin and it would kind of like go through Bing and it didn't really work. If you ask it right now, what is the. The news over the past four hours, it will know and it will tell you, right?

So that brings up real major implications for the dissemination of news, the dissemination of information misinformation, disinformation, like that, that whole nexus, that whole environment. We knew we were going to get there. I don't quite knew I did. I don't think anyone quite realized we were going to get there last week.

So that is, I, for me. From a kind of like an anthropological standpoint, right? Like how are, how is this tech interacting with people? That's among the most major updates we've had is you now have these tools that are interacting with news stories in real time, both with search overview on Google's side and native internet access within GPT 4.

0 which is now being rolled out. So I think just to continue that. That conversation and you know, there's so many ways we can talk about this. We can talk about, okay, what's Microsoft copilot doing? What's the whole Scarlett Johansson thing? Like there's so many different angles here. And I think a lot of people have a lot of questions.

What's important, though, is, and something that we've been talking about a lot with our clients, right, is, if you're listening to this podcast, you work at a non profit and if you haven't already realized this already, you can't avoid these conversations, you can't avoid this technology. It is coming, have those conversations with staff, have the conversation about what ethical use of these tools look like within your workflow and your processes.

Talk about the risks, talk about the amazing opportunities, but like have that conversation. And we have some great resources on how to have those conversations, how to draft AI use policies what type of things to think about when it comes to transparency and, and data privacy. The benefits of the API versus when you're using the free tools, you know, if You're not paying for the product.

You are the product kind of thing. So a lot to think about. But again, go to our website. Cause George, George is really passionate. I will say about this, go to cause writer. ai go to whole whale. com. There's tons of free resources. There's paid resources, but we're really just trying to work hard.

So that nonprofits don't get caught lagging behind everybody else. And I think that that's really important. So, stay tuned, dig into it, and we'll take it from there. More rants, more rants to come, don't worry. This is true.

All right, George, I'll take us to our next one. This one comes from Independent Sector, a outlet that we love. And they talk about the value of volunteer time. So in collaboration with the do good Institute independent center announced that the value of a volunteer hour has risen to 33 49 an hour, marking a 5.

3 percent increase in the previous year. And this figure is based on 2023 data, and it underscores really the, the contributions that volunteers are making to nonprofits. So, essentially, this is applying a, a, an hourly wage assessment to the value of volunteers as they contribute within the nonprofit kind of ecosystem.

And That's a high number. And George, we talked about this. I don't think the non profit sector fully recovered from the pandemic still, and the value of non profit volunteers is increasing, probably in concert with a decrease in supply. Yeah, that's a say, you know, like this is the positive framing of it and the value there, but also hopefully what you can do is use this as a narrative for why invest in volunteers because it unlocks it.

But to be clear, volunteer management is work. It's not like people showing up for free. I think it is one of the, you know, it's on my top 10 list of major misnomers, things under misunderstood about the nonprofit sector. Why don't you just, you know, get volunteers to do it is because it takes staff time.

It takes staff planning. Takes organization to properly execute a volunteer program. And so I'm happy to see this value go up because I think it makes that case internally to be like, when we do it right, we can unlock true value of, of time for for a cause. And what's more, a volunteer is 10 times more likely to donate to your organization than a non volunteer.

Those are data from. volunteer match over a decade ago, but I will repeat it as many times as I possibly can because it is directionally true. Once someone has become invested with their time, the dollars are easy.

Yeah, George, I think that that's a great point. It'll be interesting to see whether this trend continues going forward. We shall see. I'll take us to our next story. This one comes from MSNBC, and it's that House Republicans are trying to quietly gut funding for LGBTQ nonprofits. So, House GOP leaders are attempting to block funding for LGBTQ nonprofits through the budget process.

They were targeting community centers and services had limited success because Democrats controlled the Senate. However, new rules set by the House Appropriations Committee chair aim to make all nonprofits ineligible for certain federal funds which could broadly impact social services.

So, George, I think that the key here is that So many nonprofits that provide vital services to communities homeless outreach communities for migrants and immigrants and that kind of thing may very well also provide services to LGBTQ folks particularly LGBTQ, like, youth or homeless folks, et cetera, et cetera.

And it's disconcerting to see that coming under attack from Congress. I would have hoped at this point, it was a bipartisan agreement that LGBTQ youth are deserving of federal funding, nonprofits supporting this group. I just wish it was moved into the window of, all right, we can both support this. We can both support the troops.

We can both support. So many fundamental basic human rights at that level. So, it's a little dark to, to see that. And also I hope that alarm bells are raised that like, this is maybe on the list of consequences for regime changes out there to, to motivate anyone who has family, friends, connections, interactions with

Yeah, I think that's entirely true. Listen, everybody. Get out and vote. That's all I'm going to say. Vote, because God only knows we need you. All right, this one comes from redlakenationnews. com, but Minnesota Attorney General Ellison has shut down 17 sham nonprofits that were accused allegedly of defrauding the federal child nutrition program following a court order by a judge.

So these nonprofits were created or revived to, to misuse funds meant for feeding children. When they were just. It's a, you know, a fraud scheme while providing no legitimate activities and failing to comply with investigators. And you can see the names of some of these sham non profits.

But George, I think the takeaway here is our long running theme on this show 501c3 status doesn't mean you are doing good work. Two, if you are a legitimate non profit doing good work, it's really important for you to communicate that through all sorts of transparency, have clear mission vision statements, have your Form 990s up there use those annual reports, instill zoner confidence because every time something like this happens, people get a little bit more skeptical, so, you know.

Don't know what more to say than that other than I guess they caught them. It seems like nonprofit fraud often goes under investigated. So I guess this is good. Yeah. The federal child nutrition program actually was was a target of a disproportionate amount of fraud from the way it was distributed and the speed it needed to be done.

So there's sort of a natural gravity, unfortunately, to people taking advantage of the system. I added the list of names here, not to name and shame, but just to frankly, but more to draw awareness to names that sound like other names, right? Names that may be close to your organization's name. More and more, I think it's important about defending as much as possible.

And understanding your digital footprint and your brand footprint of your name. And so, frankly, if your name is the, you know, Academy for Youth Excellence, that was one of the names used here. How do you potentially understand how that's showing up in Google search and then also AI overview of your organization saying if somebody's looking for Your organization asking questions about it.

Are they going to find this type of fraud history or are they going to find your reputable work? There's a whole new level of brand reputation that is going to need to take place. And that kind of circles back to the LLM optimization that I think is a different way of playing the game, but it's going to be very important because if your name is similar to the Academy for Youth Excellence.

Well, you were one of 17 nonprofit defendants that were dissolved by court order in the great state of Minnesota, or were you, or were you associated?

Yeah, George, I think that's fair. You can always take the easy way out and name, name your organization whole whale and forever be associated with the largest mammal ever to roll in the air, no, I kid. But no, I think it's a great point, George. Some of these organizations, right, and this is what they do.

This is what the fraudsters do. You know, the American Heart Academy, right? That sounds a lot like other things, but, you know, not real. The Youth Higher Educational Achievement. That sounds legit. Who doesn't want to give to youth higher education? So, be on the lookout.

All right, George, how about a feel good story? What do you have? This one comes from Habitat of Humanity of the Charlotte region. Habitat Charlotte. Veterans George and Karen were lifelong residents of Charlotte, North Carolina. Carolina. But because of unabordable housing and limited stock, they faced barriers to entry in buying a home.

And thanks to Habitat's Humanity Veterans Build, which engages military personnel to construct homes for fellow veterans, they're now building a peaceful, spacious home in Statesville to enjoy with their 22 grandchildren. Congratulations. George, if you don't know the Habitat for Humanity model, They got it figured out.

It's a very sustainable model. They have stores that sell goods. The Restore, that goes back into profits for the organization. It goes into, to paying folks who work there, finding employment. They hire people to build homes. It's, it's it's, it's the best. I think of what nonprofits can be in a very holistic and kind of sustainable approach to social impact.

So take a look at what the folks down at Habitat Charlotte are doing. Also, interestingly enough to note Habitat is kind of like Uh, like a franchise, right? There's a national habitat, but 99 percent of the builds you see, et cetera, et cetera in the United States are actually run by regional habitat organizations that fall under the national umbrella.

So a lot of them are kind of, financially interindependent. So, see which one is near you and considering getting involved. Great volunteer opportunities too. So many like different and great volunteer opportunities. Go volunteer for a day, volunteer at the store. Just so many fantastic ways to get involved.

And they really, really make an impact. Yeah. And full disclosure, we have done work with some of these habitat networks and we have loved every minute of it. All right, Nick. I have a question for you. How how did the nonprofit get injured by what they wrote? Oh, gosh, I don't know. They got scraped by Google.

Oh, man, scraped. That's really good. That's really good. George. That's that goes on a t shirt. 📍 Yeah. All right, Nick. Thanks for helping us understand the news. Thanks George. Thanks.

Navigating Google Core Updates for Nonprofits (news)

Episode Summary: Navigating Google's Core Update and Nonprofit Impacts

In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azoulay, Digital Strategist at Whole Whale, delve into the recent Google core update and its implications for nonprofits. They also cover other significant news, including personnel changes at the Gates Foundation and new grant opportunities from Amazon Web Services.

Main Topics:

1. Google's March 2024 Core Update:

   • Impact on Nonprofits: George and Nick discuss how the recent Google core update has led to a substantial decline in organic traffic for many nonprofits, including a 40% drop in some cases at Whole Whale. This update prioritizes content quality and credibility over links, which could disadvantage smaller nonprofits.
   • Search Generated Experience (SGE): The anticipated rollout of Google's SGE will prioritize AI-generated answers over traditional search results, potentially reducing visibility and engagement for nonprofit websites.

2. Melinda French Gates Resigns from Gates Foundation:

   • Transition: Melinda French Gates steps down from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to focus on her personal philanthropic efforts, particularly around women and families. The foundation will now be chaired solely by Bill Gates and renamed the Gates Foundation.
   • Implications: This significant change could impact the foundation's strategic direction and funding priorities.

3. Amazon Web Services Imagine Grants for Nonprofits:

   • Grant Details: AWS is offering grants to nonprofits to leverage cloud technology for mission-critical projects. Categories include Pathfinder Generative AI Award and Go Further, Faster, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.
   • Application Window: Open from May 3rd to June 3rd, these grants provide financial support, promotional credits, and implementation guidance.

4. Black Lives Matter vs. Tides Foundation:

   • Lawsuit: The BLM Global Network is suing the Tides Foundation for allegedly diverting $33 million meant for them. The case raises questions about fiscal sponsorship and fund allocation.
   • Fiscal Sponsorship: George explains the benefits and potential pitfalls of fiscal sponsorship for nonprofit organizations.

5. Feel-Good Story: Arizona Champions of Change:

   • Awards: Arizona Big Media announces finalists for the Champions of Change awards, highlighting visionary nonprofit leaders in the state. This initiative underscores the importance of recognizing local heroes in the nonprofit sector.

Critical Insights:

• Google's Update: Nonprofits must closely monitor their organic traffic and adapt their SEO strategies to maintain visibility. Regular traffic reports and proactive adjustments are essential.
• Philanthropic Shifts: Changes in leadership at major foundations like the Gates Foundation can have wide-reaching effects on funding and strategic priorities.
• Grant Opportunities: Nonprofits should explore tech-centric grants like AWS Imagine Grants to innovate and modernize their operations.

Call to Action:

• Nonprofits should review their organic traffic metrics and SEO strategies in light of Google's core update.
• Explore grant opportunities and consider applying for AWS Imagine Grants to boost tech infrastructure.
• Recognize and celebrate local nonprofit leaders through community awards and initiatives.

Seasons of Growth: A Gardener's Approach to Nonprofit Expansion

**Embracing the Seasons of Change: A Fresh Perspective on Nonprofit Growth with Michael Randel**

In an enlightening episode of our nonprofit-focused podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Randel, the visionary founder and director of Randel Consulting Associates. Michael, a distinguished member of the nonprofit ISD network, shared his innovative framework known as the "Seasons of Change," offering a fresh lens through which nonprofits can view growth and development. 

**Seasons of Growth: A Gardener's Approach to Nonprofit Expansion**

Michael introduced a compelling metaphor likening nonprofit growth to the cyclical process of gardening. This approach breaks down into three key phases: Preparing, Cultivating, and Harvesting. Each stage demands specific actions and considerations, mirroring the thoughtful stewardship of a gardener tending to their land with an eye towards both present vitality and future sustainability. 

**Preparing Phase: Setting the Stage for Growth**
In the preparing phase, organizations are encouraged to assess their current resources and readiness for expansion, much like a gardener evaluates their land before planting. This involves identifying and addressing potential obstacles and ensuring the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place.

**Cultivating Phase: Nurturing Development**
During cultivation, the focus shifts to actively supporting and nurturing growth. This means not only expanding services and outreach but also strengthening internal processes, staff capabilities, and organizational culture to sustain increased scale and complexity.

**Harvesting Phase: Reaping and Reflecting on Success**
The final phase emphasizes consolidating gains and integrating new developments into the organization's ongoing operations. It's a time for reflection, celebration of achievements, and strategic planning for the next cycle of growth.

**Challenges and Insights: Beyond Quick Fixes in Fundraising**
Michael critically addressed the common pitfalls of rapid expansion, particularly the dangers of scaling up too quickly in response to sudden influxes of funding, such as those from generous donors like Mackenzie Scott. He stressed the importance of holistic growth that enhances the quality and comprehensiveness of services, rather than merely expanding for expansion's sake.

**A Call to Action: Embracing a Holistic View of Growth**
The conversation with Michael Randel serves as a call to action for nonprofit leaders to adopt a more nuanced and strategic approach to growth. By embracing the "Seasons of Change" framework, organizations can ensure they are not only expanding their reach but also deepening their impact and securing their sustainability for the future.

**Conclusion: Nurturing Sustainable Growth in the Nonprofit Sector**
Michael Randel's insights into the "Seasons of Change" offer invaluable guidance for nonprofits navigating the complexities of growth and development. By adopting a gardener's mindset, organizations can cultivate a thriving future that honors their mission and serves their communities effectively.