Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast

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.

 

Deepfake AI & Nonprofits (news)

🌟 Episode Highlight: Adapting to Google's Algorithm Updates and the Power of AI in Nonprofit Marketing

In the most recent episode of Whole Whale's nonprofit news feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler, alongside digital strategist Nick Pazerle, embarked on a comprehensive discussion beginning with the pressing challenges presented by Google's recent core updates. These updates, particularly those in October 2023 and March 2024, have significantly impacted organic traffic, leading to a 40% drop for Whole Whale. The key takeaway? Google's shift towards prioritizing content that offers genuine value, pushing nonprofits to rethink content creation strategies in the AI era.

🔍 Deep Dive into Deepfakes: A Call for Nonprofit Vigilance

The conversation took a critical turn towards the alarming rise of deepfake technology. A highlighted incident involved a Maryland high school principal falsely accused through deepfake audio, illustrating the urgent need for nonprofits to educate and protect their communities against the misuse of AI. This segment underscores the importance of media literacy and the role of nonprofits in fostering a discerning and informed public.

🐎 Highlighting Horse Racing's Dark Side: A Nonprofit's Crusade

The episode also shone a light on Horse Racing Wrongs, a nonprofit advocating against the cruel realities of horse racing. With a focus on the protest at the 150th Kentucky Derby, the discussion emphasized the ethical considerations and the push for more humane practices within the sport, reflecting on the broader implications for animal rights and welfare.

💡 Google's Bold Move: Addressing Homelessness with Direct Financial Support

An innovative approach to tackling homelessness and poverty in the San Francisco Bay Area was also a topic of discussion, courtesy of Google.org's All Ads Up program. This initiative, which provides up to $1,000 a month to homeless families, is a part of a larger $4.5 billion commitment to improve housing availability. The program's potential to offer a fresh perspective on universal basic income and its impact on housing stability, income, and mental health was highlighted.

🏃 A Feel-Good Finale: The Office-Themed 5K Race for Community Improvement

The episode wrapped up on a lighter note with the story of an Office-themed 5K race in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Organized by the nonprofit Valley in Motion, the event not only celebrated the beloved TV show but also brought together over 1,500 participants globally to support local community improvements, showcasing the power of creativity and community in nonprofit initiatives.

Digital Frontiers and Legal Battles over Homelessness (news)

**Whole Whale Podcast Episode: Innovations, Advocacy, and the Future of Nonprofit Strategy**

In this enlightening episode of the Whole Whale Podcast, George Weiner, alongside digital strategist Nick Azoulay, unravels a series of compelling updates and discussions that span the gamut of nonprofit innovation, legal advocacy, and strategic insights aimed at navigating the dynamic landscape of the nonprofit sector.

**Whole Whale's Google Ad Grant Cohort Announcement**
George Weiner kicks off the episode with exciting news about Whole Whale's Google Ad Grant Cohort. Despite initial hesitance due to a busy schedule, the overwhelming interest from nonprofits has led to the program's return this summer, starting July 17th. Limited to 25 organizations, with priority given to internal clients, this initiative has been pivotal in advancing nonprofits' capabilities in managing the $10,000 a month Google Ad Grant. The cohort is designed to significantly boost participants' proficiency in digital advertising, akin to training them as members of the Whole Whale ads team.

**Supreme Court's Examination of Homelessness Criminalization**
The conversation shifts to a critical legal development as the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) scrutinizes the criminalization of homelessness, spotlighting a contentious case from Grants Pass, Oregon. This case challenges anti-camping laws under the Eighth Amendment, questioning the constitutionality of penalizing the unsheltered when no adequate shelter options are available. Activists and major advocacy organizations argue that such laws exacerbate the homelessness crisis, urging for more humane and inclusive solutions. This discussion underscores the complex, systemic issues surrounding homelessness, with George and Nick expressing deep concerns over the punitive approach and its implications.

**FCC Restores Net Neutrality**
The episode then delves into the FCC's landmark decision to restore net neutrality, a move that has sparked debate across political and business spectrums. This reinstatement ensures that broadband providers are classified as common carriers, promoting a free and open internet. While some critics fear it may hinder innovation and increase regulatory burdens, George and Nick highlight the broad support for net neutrality among nonprofits and advocacy groups, emphasizing its importance for equitable access to information and digital rights.

**M&R Benchmarks for 2024**
George and Nick analyze the latest M&R Benchmarks report, revealing trends in nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Key findings include a slight decline in online revenue, a significant increase in monthly giving, and the continued dominance of desktop devices for larger donations despite the prevalence of mobile traffic. The data presents a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities, with a notable shift towards increased advertising investments, particularly in radio spending. This segment offers valuable insights for nonprofits looking to refine their marketing and fundraising strategies.

**The Pitch: A Philanthropic Spin on Shark Tank**
Ending on a high note, the episode highlights "The Pitch," an innovative event hosted by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in North Texas. This philanthropic twist on Shark Tank sees five local nonprofit startups competing for $275,000 in funding, presenting their solutions to community issues before celebrity judges and a live audience. George and Nick applaud this creative approach to fundraising and awareness, recognizing its potential to foster community engagement and spotlight the impactful work of nonprofits.

In closing, the episode not only informs but also inspires, urging nonprofits to embrace innovation, advocate for justice, and strategically navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. With a blend of humor and heartfelt discussion, George and Nick provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments affecting the nonprofit sector.

Wow AI Music: Party of Bloom vs Party of Doom

  📍  📍 So I want to play something for you, but first want to call out that in 1905, John Philip Sousa predicted that recordings like the   📍 phonograph would lead to like the demise, the ruining.  Of music. So I'm going to play this real quick.

  📍  📍  📍  📍  I've been writing till my thoughts expired Found soul in the tunes I've spun  Lost it to the code and data 

There's no telling where my songs have been  Been wondering about the muse that's flown  Hoping notes still flutter better 

All the  cold that replaces The  end Inspiration  from those faces of musicians 

long ago. 

 

  📍 That was created.  By a program called UDIO a U D I o.com, which is absolutely crushing it right now in terms of being able to generate music. Generate music from a just single series of prompts and basic editing inside of an AI driven creation. That is not a human, that is not a musician in the background. 

  📍 That is not. Lifting are stealing direct tracks, though. It clearly has been trained on a massive Corpus of artistic creation.  And it's disturbingly. Good. And I don't know how I feel about that. And I think there's two classical mindsets here.   📍 Ah, there's the party of doom or the sort of party of bloom. 

  📍 More, more is better. More is abundance and I can wear both hats, but going back to that   📍  📍  📍 1905, John Philip Sousa, who was an American composer and conductor. In that late romantic era, he was the primarily known for, I guess, the American military marches. The March king, as he was known.   📍 And his concern encapsulated in the following   📍 quote.  

   📍  📍 The time is coming when no one will be ready to submit. Himself to the enabling discipline of learning music. Everyone will have their ready-made or ready pirated music in their cupboards. The Nightingale song is delightful because the Nightingale herself gives it forth.  

 I think there is an element of truth in that, and, you know, Every single technical advance has always had that party of doom Sayer in it. And.  I'll also note that this is somebody who is coming from a significant amount of privilege in a generation where the,   📍 for example, music of Beethoven could only be appreciated. By those who could afford the entry to the concert halls. 

Not saying other communities didn't have access to music, but it would be music that they were creating. And so.   📍 I think. This is one of those moments where we're going to see people on both sides, but artists especially saying. You know, this has been stolen or trained or lifted. This is going to be, you know, taking our livelihoods.  And I think there's a case to be made on that side for sure. It it's amazingly good. And clearly, you know, there is probably. A folk songwriters singer out there. 

  📍 Who's like, that is basically my voice, but not my voice. Though it is an amalgam of AI generated information.  That was created on it.  However, I also want to say on the party of bloom side, right?   📍 The opportunities that this may grow, the pie, turn more people into musicians, create music for one. How might this may, you know, may even help people may be suffering from certain pain or loss. Or just letting them create something that is just for them and speaks to their experience and helps them. 

  📍 And I think there's maybe some amazing things that can be done if we explore it that way. But.  I don't know what party I'm in right now for this, but I just thought I would, I would bring it.  To.  The nonprofit audience and. I'm just curious about how other folks begin to use this. I encourage you to play with it. And just understand what it can do. 

And that's U D I o.com. And I'm curious about.  Probably more so how you bring this to community stakeholders that it could help potentially unlock more creativity. 

And personalization for a purpose.  📍  📍 

 

I also have to bring up that we love bringing you tools. AI built custom solutions for nonprofits with cause writer.ai that builds on your data, your brand and your purpose, and then says, what are the 5, 6, 7 types of specific things you want created? In your way with your voice, with data that you own and can grow over time.