Nonprofit News Feed Podcast

Supreme Court Ruling Shakes Up the Voting Rights Landscape and Nonprofits Brace for Change In this week’s episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, the hosts delve into the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision that significantly guts the Voting Rights Act. In Louisiana v. Callais, the 6–3 conservative majority found that a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana constituted an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. In short, Democrat-held districts representing large Black populations, designed to enfranchise historically marginalized communities (such as those in Memphis), face the threat of elimination in states with conservative legislatures. With states rapidly redistricting, nonprofits involved in civil rights and voter mobilization face the challenge of adapting to new political boundaries and shifting voter demographics. Key Insights: The Supreme Court’s decision could lead to the dilution of political power for historically marginalized communities by breaking up established districts. This rapid redistricting process disrupts the groundwork laid by nonprofits for upcoming elections, necessitating quick strategic pivots. Nonprofits must reassess their geographic impact and reforge relationships with new district representatives to continue their advocacy effectively. Other Stories: The episode also touches on the ongoing legal battle involving Elon Musk and OpenAI, highlighting concerns about nonprofit and for-profit intersections. Whole Whale’s Nonprofit Wellness Index, offering a snapshot of the sector’s health, shows improvement from last year, suggesting a recovery from previous downturns. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post SCOTUS' Voting Rights Rulings Will Have Immediate Impact On The Ground 🗳️ (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

This week’s Nonprofit Newsfeed explores key issues in the nonprofit sector: fraud allegations, significant mergers, and employment challenges. Fraud in Disaster Relief Nonprofits An Oregon nonprofit is under scrutiny for misusing disaster relief funds on casinos and strip clubs, underscoring vulnerabilities in the disaster relief fundraising ecosystem. The conversation highlights the need for better vetting processes, especially as AI tools might inadvertently promote unverified campaigns. Southern Poverty Law Center Indictment The Southern Poverty Law Center faces federal fraud charges for allegedly misusing funds to pay informants from hate groups. This development is viewed as part of broader political attacks on progressive nonprofits, potentially undermining their 501(c)(3) status. Merger of Mental Health Nonprofits The JED Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention announced a merger to form the largest nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention. This strategic move is seen as a positive development, enhancing their impact on mental health issues. Impact of USAID Dissolution A New York Times article highlights struggles faced by former USAID staff after the agency’s dissolution. The ripple effects of job losses extend to local NGOs and workers on the ground. While the broader nonprofit sector shows signs of recovery, specialized roles remain scarce, requiring professionals to adapt. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Nonprofit Newsfeed: Fraud, Mergers, and Sector Shifts (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, Whole Whale delves into the complexities surrounding AI’s role in the nonprofit sector and advertising. George and Nick share insights into job displacement fears and the uneven impact of AI across the workforce, particularly affecting technology professionals. Main Topics: AI and Job Displacement: Discussion on how AI tools are widely adopted but raise concerns about job security, even among tech-savvy audiences. Advertising Double Standards: An investigation into Meta’s revenue from “high-risk” ads, revealing a double standard that affects nonprofits trying to reach sensitive audiences. Nonprofit and Technology Challenges: A look at the hurdles nonprofits face when advertising on platforms like Meta, especially when targeting vulnerable populations. Critical Insights and Quotes: Meta’s internal documents show $16.5 billion in revenue from ads classified as high-risk, leading to discussions on the ethical implications for nonprofits. George highlights, “If you have under 2000 students and an endowment under $100 million, you face significant challenges in today’s academic environment.” View Episode Transcript [George]: Welcome back to the Nonprofit Newsfeed. Today we are talking about AI’s impact and Meta’s double standard. [Nick]: It’s a huge issue, George. Meta’s internal documents show $16.5 billion in revenue from ads classified as high-risk, while nonprofits struggle to reach sensitive audiences. [George]: Exactly. We also have to look at the endowment threshold. If you have under 2000 students and an endowment under $100 million, you face significant challenges in today’s academic environment. [Nick]: The workforce impact of AI is also uneven, hitting technology professionals particularly hard despite adoption. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post AI's Impact on Nonprofits and Advertising: Unpacking the Double Standard (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

This week’s episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts delve into significant legal developments affecting major tech companies and their broader implications for nonprofits. They discuss two landmark lawsuits involving Meta and YouTube, focusing on their platforms’ addictive features and false safety claims. These cases, settled in California and New Mexico, respectively, highlight a shift towards holding tech giants accountable through civil litigation, despite the relatively small damages awarded. Key Insights: Tech Accountability: A California jury found Meta and YouTube liable for creating addictive platform features harmful to young users’ mental health, awarding $6 million in damages. In New Mexico, Meta faced a $375 million penalty for violating state consumer protection laws by making false safety claims. Impact on Nonprofits: These legal precedents underscore the changing reputational and regulatory landscape surrounding tech platforms. Nonprofits operating on these platforms must remain aware of these shifts and consider diversifying their engagement strategies to avoid potential risks. Legal Advocacy: The episode emphasizes the role of legal advocacy as a tool for holding tech companies accountable, drawing parallels to the tobacco industry’s historical legal challenges. This approach may inspire similar future lawsuits targeting social media’s impact on youth. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Big Tech Found ⚖️ Liable ⚖️ for Mental Health Harm In Groundbreaking Verdict 🧑‍⚖️ (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Exploring Google’s AI Innovations and the Philanthropy Pledge Dilemma This week’s episode of the Nonprofit News Feed the hosts delve into two significant developments impacting the nonprofit sector. First, they discuss Google’s latest AI offerings for nonprofits, highlighting the integration of the Gemini model across Google Workspace tools. This development promises to enhance productivity by seamlessly connecting applications like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, and Sheets. Although Gemini may not yet rival other chatbots, its integration into existing Google tools provides a unified, secure platform for nonprofits to explore AI capabilities without additional cybersecurity risks. The second major topic is the recent critique of the Giving Pledge, which was featured on the New York Times’ business front page. The pledge, initiated by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet in 2010, aimed to encourage billionaires to commit a significant portion of their wealth to philanthropy. However, new signups have dwindled, and there’s skepticism about the actual follow-through on these pledges. The episode explores how cultural shifts and critiques from figures like Peter Thiel might influence billionaire philanthropy, questioning the effectiveness and sincerity of such pledges. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Google Workspace For Nonprofits Shows The Real Potential Of AI-Unified Systems 🤖💼 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed, the hosts delve into significant challenges impacting the nonprofit sector, focusing on two major stories: the Flipcause donation platform’s bankruptcy and the legal troubles faced by Greenpeace. Flipcause Bankruptcy and Nonprofit Losses The episode opens with an update on Flipcause, a donation platform that went bankrupt, leaving nonprofits in financial turmoil. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nonprofits maintaining control over their payment gateways to avoid similar pitfalls. Greenpeace Legal Challenges The episode also covers a $345 million verdict against Greenpeace in the Dakota Access Pipeline lawsuit, highlighting the vulnerability of nonprofits involved in activism. View Episode Transcript This week on the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner and Nick Azulay discuss the Flipcause donation platform’s bankruptcy and Greenpeace’s significant legal battle. Flipcause Bankruptcy Fallout Eagle-eared listeners may recall the beleaguered Flipcause platform—a donation tool that went underwater last year. Recent bankruptcy filings reveal the company owes million to over 3,200 nonprofits. Despite a self-valuation of million, a recent bidding process valued the entire platform at just ,000. For nonprofits like the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund (owed .2 million) and the Loveland Foundation (owed ,000), the prospects of recovery looks slim. The California Attorney General has issued a cease and desist order, and 29 organizations have filed a lawsuit alleging fraud. The core takeaway: nonprofits must maintain direct control over their payment gateways (like Stripe or Braintree) to avoid having their funds held in third-party “safe” accounts that can evaporate. Greenpeace Legal Battle The sector is also watching a million verdict against Greenpeace in a North Dakota lawsuit related to the 2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. This case is seen as a “SLAPP” suit (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), which targets activist organizations. The hosts discuss the existential threat such litigation poses to nonprofits involved in direct action and environmental advocacy. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library On a lighter note, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library reached a massive milestone in Alabama, sending free books to over 9,600 children in Madison County alone. The program aims to increase literacy and interest in reading for children from birth to age five. Dad Joke: What did the nonprofit dog shelter call their new meditation program? A “werewolf.” -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Flipcause Bankruptcy Fallout and Greenpeace Legal Battle (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In the latest episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, the hosts delve into the intricacies of giving and volunteering across the United States, as well as the pressing environmental challenges facing nonprofits today. The conversation highlights the recently conducted ‘Total Civic Generosity Report’ by Whole Whale, which sheds light on geographic disparities in generosity and the significant contributions of small-dollar donors. View Episode Transcript This week on the Nonprofit News Feed, George and Nick discuss the Total Civic Generosity Report and the current landscape of climate policy. Total Civic Generosity Report Whole Whale recently conducted a comprehensive study on Approach to generosity across the US. A key finding: households earning under $50,000 contribute approximately 14.2% of their income to charity, while those earning over ,000 contribute only 3.9%. Small-dollar donors are the backbone of the sector and deserve strategic focus. Geography also plays a massive role; Utah leads the nation in adjusted gross income giving and formal volunteerism. Nonprofit leaders should consider regional targeting and custom messaging based on state data. Climate Policy Rollbacks The EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases is facing significant challenges with recent administrative rollbacks. The freezing of solar projects and the prioritization of oil and gas represent a seismic shift that threatens decades of environmental nonprofit wins. The hosts reflect on the “ounce of prevention vs. pound of cure” approach to environmental safety. The Kelsey: Accessible Housing A feel-good story from the Kelsey, a nonprofit developer building affordable, disability-focused apartments in San Jose and expanding to Birmingham, Alabama. Their model proves that high accessibility doesn’t necessarily mean higher costs, with units coming in at or below typical affordable housing rates. Dad Joke: How do bees get to their nonprofit school? They take the “buzz.” -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post The Donor You're Undervaluing Is the One Who Gives the Most 🤑 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Key Trends in Donor-Advised Funds and AI’s Role in Nonprofits In this episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, the hosts discuss significant trends shaping the nonprofit sector, focusing on Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and AI’s evolving impact. Main Topics: Website Update: The Nonprofit Newsfeed site has been revamped for better user experience and branding. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Predicted to exceed $450 billion in assets, indicating mainstream adoption. Nonprofits should adapt strategies to include dedicated DAF donation pages. DAFs are becoming accessible beyond ultra-wealthy donors. AI and Nonprofits: The era of “free AI” is ending, with rising costs expected for AI tools. Nonprofits need to strategize for continued AI access, possibly through collaboration. Digital inequity concerns as AI access may widen the gap for underserved communities. Candid’s Strategy: Candid aims to become a key AI data source amid workforce reductions. Reflects challenges in content monetization due to AI-driven changes. Innovative Community Solutions: The Nomad Alliance in Utah operates a mobile shelter for the homeless, showcasing empathy-driven innovation. Key Insights: DAF growth offers new fundraising avenues but requires strategic adaptation. Rising AI costs necessitate proactive planning by nonprofits. Candid’s pivot highlights changing data dissemination dynamics in philanthropy. Community-driven solutions like the Nomad Alliance demonstrate impactful innovation. Call to Action: Evaluate and update fundraising platforms for DAF contributions. Explore collaborative strategies for AI tool access as costs increase. Draw inspiration from innovative community projects for addressing local needs. https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/rjbbbgt9drug6u5u/riverside_nick_george_feb_20_2026_011_nonprofit_news_feed991pv.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download View Episode Transcript This week on the Nonprofit News Feed brought to you by Whole Whale, a B Corp. digital agency focused on analytics, advertising, and AI capacity. My name is George Weiner. I’m the Chief Whaler of Whole Whale. And I have Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist at Whole Whale. How’s it going, Nick? How are you enjoying the new facelift I gave the Nonprofit News Feed website? Hey, George, it’s going great. Yes, NonprofitNewsFeed.com got a glow up, if you will, new brand identity, totally new UX. So for dedicated listeners to this podcast, go check it out. It’s just fun. And we need a little fun, brevity, and uplifting branding in times like these. And I’m very excited for the new site, George. You did an awesome job. Yeah, serious topics covered in an unserious way. I think we’re trying to bring entertainment at least a little bit to some of this. And as we focus the brand, it is a complete detour from the much more, well, it was ugly as all get out before, but it has, I think, a bit more color and flair. So also thanks to our designer at Whole Whale, Carrie, who gave us that direction. And it’s like one of those things, like I didn’t like it and I didn’t get it at first. And then when I looked at it again, I was like, oh, I get it now. Yeah, sometimes it takes a year or two or six to really see what needs updating. Is it our sixth year, George? I think it is. Oh my gosh, yeah, I think we started in 2020. Yep, yep. New dawn, new year. And George, that takes us to our first story because not only is it a great year for the nonprofit newsfeed, but it’s also been a great year for DAFs, Donor Advised Funds. So George, I want to lead us off with an interesting stat. $450 billion. That’s the number. I remember that. George, we recently, or you on a podcast, recently talked about DAFs where we learned or predicted that 2025 saw a 40% increase in total donor advised fund assets within the year, pushing past the $450 billion mark. Now, George, the reason why we have to predict this number is because the official number won’t actually get to us until the end of this year for the DAF asset value number of last year. So we’re at about a 12-month delay. But we do think it was a record-breaking year for several reasons. We had a stock market that kept going up. Late 2025 tax changes pushed funds now decide later behavior. So some of that big, beautiful bill had various tax implications that might have increased contributions to these funds. And George, we also surpassed, we believe, the 3.5 million household holding DAF account number. That means that DAFs have gone from a niche kind of ultra-uber-wealthy donor vehicle to something a bit more mainstream. And that is why we wanted to talk about it today, George, because not only are we seeing the massive value of these DAFs increase, but we’re also seeing their overall mainstream adoption increase. And we wanted to talk about what nonprofits need to know. But George, at the top, what should listeners be thinking about? Yeah, just to rehash these numbers coming from the DAF Research Collective. They released these numbers. They pulled them from a number of aggregated sources, which is tough because after our conversation and you listened to this podcast and this podcast feed where we talked with Mitch from Chariot, givechariot.com, where they were also helping us realize what these numbers meant. And albeit they are a year old, in 2024, $326 billion was sort of reported with the total assets under management of these donor advised funds, which range across like 1,400 different institutions. The piece that I think you pointed to that is curious to me is the number of people holding DAFs in and reported for 2024 that we only just found out in the following year, December of 2025, was about 3.5 million, 3.5 million accounts. Now, an account can remember be owned by multiple people. Usually there’s a partner like two people or a family potentially that guides. So when you just think about your total addressable market, it is bigger than I previously thought and growing. I thought in the past when we talked about DAFs, donor advised funds, that we’re talking about high net worth individuals, folks with considerable means such that they would have a whole account and a whole tax structure, right? It’s a give now, realize that benefit now, and then distribute over time. And that distribution rate hovers around about 20 to 25%. But the mandated amount that they have to give out is technically zero. So it is nice that that distribution rate exceeds what the mandate is, but the market and the overall assets are growing even still far faster than that. So the friction for creating accounts is dropping. Groups like daffy.org and GoFundMes, they have these giving accounts. It’s becoming easier, reduced friction for the middle of the charitable market to create these accounts and then participate in this way as a giving mechanism. And I just think that has implications for how you communicate, how you build donation pages actually on your site, whether or not you have that as an avenue. Like one of the folks we work with is the giving block for donating crypto. And we trust them, have worked with them for a long time, but make no mistake, we think it’s a very good idea to have a separate crypto donation page. What about daff giving page? And this goes far beyond like one line of text at the bottom of your page. So right now, as far as I can see, you know, that is an opportunity for how you communicate and set up potentially your next round of giving and the fact that this is explosive growth. And I think within probably a decade, and I’m still sort of mapping out the numbers. But if we just look at charitable vehicles in the United States, if you look at foundations, we’re talking about roughly 1.5 trillion of funds. And this will be closing in on half a trillion, if our prediction is close. And at that growth rate, if we still see these types of things, it’s not long until that becomes comparable, and potentially eclipses. Yeah, George. So I think what’s so interesting about it is it’s so new. And so many organizations maybe are not necessarily thinking about how to engage with these vehicles of giving. So I think that is the impetus for why we wanted to highlight this story. Yeah, I mean, 2020, like we talked about, we started this podcast in 2020. That is with the daff research collaborative, they have data going back to 2020. In 2020, they estimated that and measured 165 billion in total assets. And now we’re talking in 2024 326 billion, and we’re estimating 450 for the previous year. And I don’t see anything that would slow that. Yeah, yeah. And that’s all I have to say about that. Great, George. Yeah, I think really important. And speaking of long term trends, and things nonprofits should be thinking about our next story comes as an opinion piece from the Stanford Social Innovation Review. Great outlet, if you’re interested in all things philanthropy and nonprofit trends. But there’s an article that they just published about how the free AI era is ending and nonprofits aren’t ready. And George, the TLDR of this article, basically, is that these AI companies have been subsidizing AI, to an extent, for the general public. Prices have been lower, there have been free tier access, they have been ad free. All of that is going to slowly change because the reality is, George, these mega companies worth billions of dollars, despite their value are still losing money because AI is expensive to operate and run. And they’re going to start recouping that money at some point. So I think, George, this is a little bit of the, you know, the Uber model of get everyone hooked, and then and then start kind of increasing the price situation. And the article makes the argument that nonprofits should prepare for this by pooling resources, potentially engaging with local or community nonprofit networks to start figuring out ways to build resilience as AI both becomes more expensive, but also increasingly integral into our processes, our operations, and so forth. So kind of a cautionary tale. And I think, George, this is going to be a big year for AI changes, we’re going to start getting AI ads, potentially other kind of user experience changes within AI platforms themselves. This will be a big year. And this is important for nonprofits to pay attention to. I think this story by Philip Allah, and Philip is the executive director of the Center for Augmenting Intelligence at the University of Detroit. Mercy is so prescient, because this is exactly what we are seeing. And he just puts it into words at like this critical moment where yes, the free lunch cannot last forever. What’s more, he points toward he points toward this new kind of digital of digital inequity. And he’s immediately pinpointing the fact that access to top tier token intelligence is actually something that is going to be tantamount to inequality, and going to have to be something that you pay for plan for. And he’s calling on the sector for plans. He’s calling on, you know, foundations and funders to think about this. You know, at cause writer, this is something I think about a lot, because we’re generating 2.5 million words, per day, for good for nonprofits. And we have a number of free tools that we put out there. But I’ll be honest, I with those free tools, I use tier two, less expensive models, because it’s bleeding money into these API’s. And what’s also interesting is, if you look at the sort of nonprofit free accounts that you can get, they’re not free, they’re still like pay per user per month. Anthropic Microsoft, Google for nonprofits has one, but it’s very, very, very, very throttled. In terms of the free thing that you get with Google for nonprofits AI, there is 350 per user per month, but they all have a price. And I cannot as of like this moment in time find a single place that offers a nonprofit, nonprofit API access to any one of these models. And when you get the API access, that’s kind of like the side door where you just get raw tokens. And you can request as many and put them into something that does not exist. And there’s a reason it doesn’t exist. Because the truth is, if someone gave me that firehose, I could create a platform for nonprofits that would let them create content for free at scale in like an unmetered way. But, you know, we don’t have that every single token is pay to play when we’re in the API landscape. Yes, we’re buying it sort of like Costco wholesale. But this article really points to this as the rising tension that will come. And I think it’s very well done. Yeah, George, I’d like to also add that not only is that access equity argument salient for nonprofits themselves, it’s also salient for the constituents and communities they serve, right? I have had teachers come to me, local community organizers saying, Hey, we are worried about tech access issues in places like, let’s say, underprivileged school districts, where, you know, the very well endowed school districts get access to all this cool new tech, they get the practical education on how to use frontier AI models, and the poorer districts get left behind. And not only do you have that at the local scale, but you also have that at the global scale. And George, it’s almost like a net neutrality kind of a debate, right? And unfortunately, the people that are going to lose out on this are the people who can’t afford these relatively high prices for AI usage, at which point, they use free models, at which point, George, if you’re not buying for the product, you are the product. And what will the ramifications of that be for people who are underserved communities predominantly that are going to be forced, they want to use this technology to interact with models that will train on them and turn them into the product. When you start, you start trending it out, right? This happens at macro, what are those second order ramifications? I don’t think we know something to think about. that read a one pager, and is more than happy to like, guess their way to success is huge, you can drive a bus through that. And I think that is that inequality that we’re talking about. Yeah, I will say, George, the tech sector has a very long and storied history of giving low end tech versions of frontier technology platforms to underdeveloped communities in countries. See also the Facebook free basics program, which gave like a lo-fi version of the Facebook platform to these countries that had very low digital literacy, very few internet governance safeguards, and it had a whole host of bad ramifications. I’m not saying this is that, right? But it’s a similar conversation that we’re going to start entering into. So important to think about. All right, George, our next story we won’t spend too long on. But this also comes from the Chronicle of Philanthropy. And it’s a quick story that Candid, the nonprofit data organization, is betting its future on becoming AI’s data source. They want to be that firehose for the AI models. And the foundation, Candid, by the way, was the merger of the Foundation Center and GuideStar. But they have laid off 42 people, one fifth of its workforce. And this article kind of goes through the future of Candid, emphasizing the value of their organization within AI platforms. Seems like maybe they’ll try to broker some kind of an agreement with these platforms, a la a major news publication outlet type situation. But kind of an interesting trend here, George. What’s going on? I think this is, and I have no insider information whatsoever here. This is all like looking from the outside in on what I have seen in our AI study. Our AI brand footprint study looked at how AIs across the six major players are recommending and referencing charities. And as a charitable data source, yes, those Candid outlets, the GuideStars, they showed up. Charity Navigator showed up. GiveWell showed up. These ranking groups that surface information of the top X number of things based on Y criteria, nonprofits, as third party sources that are referenced by these AI tools that then talk to the humans. The problem that I think these traditional organizations are having is they used to monetize that traffic. People used to come there, they used to donate, they used to subscribe, they used to engage in whatever revenue generating opportunities that were the result of creating and aggregating this kind of content. When you have that type of AI summarization and regurgitation, you don’t get the traffic. You get a fraction of that traffic. We have talked about that quite a bit. That’s when we get into AEO, answer engine optimization, but their organic traffic in all likelihood has done what Whole Whales, what the sectors, what many peoples have done, which is decreased. So too with it potentially your revenue generating opportunities. And so I think this is probably a very smart play. I think their plan to collect real time data directly from foundations rather than waiting for these two year late IRS filings is the right direction and being that source of truth. I don’t think this is about necessarily just making AI, firing people because of AI. This is second order effect of an overall marketplace shift. And we’ll probably cover the newspapers that are struggling across the board with this. So this was not meant to be calling out, candid for like, oh, look at them replacing humans with AI. This is a larger game, I think. Yeah, George, no. And it is for any content publisher, for any content publisher, this is an existential crisis because website traffic has decreased exponentially. It did with social media and now whatever kind of value. Don’t misuse exponential. It’s not exponential, it’s incrementally. It is over under 20%. For groups like HubSpot, it’s closer to 60%. So it depends on the type of content and the type of hit you’re taking. Yeah, for sure. All right, George, we have a feel good story. This is about an organization in Utah called the Nomad Alliance. They operate a converted bus that serves as a mobile shelter for people experiencing homelessness. It’s run by people who previously experienced homelessness. And the best part is the bus features bathroom showers, heating a food pantry and solar panels. And just wanted to highlight this awesome work out in Utah by the group Nomad Alliance, which is given help to people, particularly people who don’t have housing on the street during this very, very cold time of year. So shout out to their great work. Great. Empathy first innovation. Love it. Well, it’s time to suffer through another dad joke for nonprofits. Are you prepared, Nick? I’m ready. Why are DAFs so tough to make dad jokes around? I don’t know, George, why? The punchlines are always pending distribution. It’s more of a dig on slow distribution of funds from DAFs. It’s a real. Oh, oh, oh, I see. Maybe this punchline. Yeah, I that’s I. Yeah. Thanks, George. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Why 2025 Will Set a Record for DAF Asset Growth, and What It Means for Your Nonprofit (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

A New Era of Direct-to-Consumer Giving In this week’s Nonprofit Newsfeed, the hosts delve into a groundbreaking development in philanthropy that was highlighted during the Super Bowl. The episode explores the introduction of Invest America accounts, a federally backed initiative providing tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. children under 18. The Treasury Department plans to seed each account with $1,000 for newborns starting in 2025, with the accounts unlocking in 2026. A standout philanthropic commitment comes from the Dell Foundation, pledging $6.25 billion to deposit $250 into the accounts of 25 million children from low-income zip codes. This marks a shift towards a direct-to-consumer philanthropic model, allowing foundations to target specific communities, akin to how digital ads are targeted. Key Insights: Invest America Accounts: These accounts are likened to retirement accounts for children, maturing over time and unlocking when the child turns 18. Philanthropic Targeting: The Dell Foundation’s targeted approach sets a precedent for how philanthropy can leverage these accounts to support disadvantaged families directly. Nonprofit Opportunities: Nonprofits can play a crucial role in helping families navigate the opt-in process for these accounts, similar to assisting with food stamp applications. Pros and Cons: Pros: Provides a new charitable avenue for direct support; potential to engage low-income families in capital markets. Cons: Opt-in nature may leave many children out; not inherently progressive, as all eligible children receive the same amount regardless of need. View Episode Transcript This week on the Nonprofit News Feed, of course, brought to you by Whole Whale, B Corp, digital agency focused on analytics advertising and AI capacity. My name is George Weiner. I’m the chief whaler and huge nonprofit geek who loves tracking the news, and I’d probably be doing this even if you weren’t listening. And I have Nick Azulay, digital strategist at Whole Whale. Hey, Nick. How’s it going? Nick Azulay It’s going great, George. How are you? George Weiner Doing all right. I feel like all of our predictions about the Super Bowl came true. I wish some of my bets were a bit more accurate, given you definitely called the big news with Bad Bunny putting out a lot of great content. I wanted to take the bet that he would not say a single word in English. I was very, very close. Nick Azulay You were very close. I think we got a God bless America, and then every other country in the Americas. George Weiner Yeah, then it was you wanted to make sure we all understood that one. But hilarious, hearing the after recap by NPR and folks talking about the 135 million folks that came in there, and how actually this is focusing on the future the NFL is looking to bring in those audiences that are going to make sure that the brand sustains, rather than clinging to the old. And in the NPR news coverage of the Super Bowl, they were at the very end, and by the way, the Seahawks won. And I was like, chef’s kiss. Perfect. By the way, there was a football match. There’s a football match that was over five minutes in. Anyway, George, we want to talk we want to pivot real briefly into our main story for the day. And this is an interesting one, George, we actually wanted to talk about something that was promoted at the Super Bowl. It was commercial. And we thought it was actually worth diving into because of its ramifications for philanthropy. So George, we want to talk about the Invest America accounts, also known as and this will be the only time I say it, Trump accounts. What are these accounts? These accounts are a federally backed tax advantage investment account for every US child under 18 who wants one. What is the benefit of these accounts? Well, George, the Treasury Department is going to see each of these accounts with a $1,000 deposit for newborns starting in 2025. Accounts will unlock on July 5, 2026. George, for the investment among us, you can basically think of this as a retirement account for childhood, right? You invest in it as a kid, it matures, you can’t touch it. Once you turn 18, it’s yours. Here’s where it gets interesting, George. The Dell Foundation made a $6.25 billion commitment, the largest single philanthropic pledge tied to the program, depositing $250 into the accounts of 25 million children aged 10 and under. The narrative we want to pull out of this, George, is that we’re now entering a realm, we have a vehicle, if you will, in which traditional means of providing support to disadvantaged families and children, which had previously been in many ways, the sole responsibility of local on the ground nonprofits is now being leveraged by philanthropy at this direct-to-consumer philanthropic model in which philanthropic foundations, corporations, employers, George, maybe even you want to throw something into an account for the kids of our employees, right? Yeah, limit up to $2,500 a year, I believe. $2,500, there you go. George, this is a kind of interesting and exciting development, I think, for youth, particularly investing in accounts. George, there’s ways to invest for your kids already, right? There’s ways to invest in your children’s future without these accounts. But I think the logic is that for underprivileged children or children who may be less financially literate, et cetera, there is now a vehicle in which families can unlock these accounts and start saving based on compounding gains over 18 years, or as long as up to 18 years. So George, there’s a lot to pull out here. What are you thinking? At a very high level, I think it’s amazing this made it through in this administration and is testament to some very, very smart dealmakers behind the scenes, like Brad Gerstner, the Dells, that were trying to architect this and very, frankly, cleverly, let Trump put his name on it. And if you want something done, just let him put his name on it. This may go down as the most lasting positive impact that this administration had in its entirety, full stop, which I think is important to note that as much as you want to hate absolutely everything at times, I think there are components of this that are going to last far, far into the future. I think this is also a toe in the water of UBI, universal basic income at a national scale, distribution of money to people across the board. Now, yes, it’s specifically to children. There are secondary incentives involved here, which are around birth rates, which become more and more important, I think, as we go along and we watch birth rates decline in major developed countries, the cost of living, but also the fact that roughly half of Americans don’t participate in the asset, the capital markets of owning stocks, owning a share of these major companies that are growing into the trillions of dollars. And by doing that, you better wed, I think, the rising generation to the overall rising ships of the economy rather than watching it as though it were a car speeding by on the highway while you stand on the side at the bus stop. Yeah, George, I think that’s a good point. And just kind of mathematically here, I was just plugging this quickly into AI, what happens to $1,000 after 18 years? Assuming a 10.5% rate of return, you’re looking at $6,144. Assuming a 6% return, you’re looking at just shy of $3,000. But of course, George, you also now have this account. So if you start adding $5 to this amount every month or something, obviously, this accrues. And you can go to the Invest America marketplace, and this very lovely marketing is all over. George, we want to do a little pro-con here. You want me to say the cons or do you have a couple of pros? Hold on. Before we get into it, I just want to make an extra note here that is very, very important to the nonprofit sector. Two notes. One, this is opening the avenue for a new set of charitable rails, charitable rails, for getting money to those families at the greatest risk. The Dell Foundation didn’t just sort of spray and pray that money. I don’t know if we really mapped that properly in what you talked about. They’re actually targeting low income zip codes. So in this new setup, you’re actually able to say, actually, we want to fund children that are in Title I schools, Title I school districts, certain areas for this state. You can actually now fundraise, deploy funds, and distribute them toward very specific communities in ways that you can see actually landing in their accounts protected to those children, which is very, very exciting. It’s unique. We’ll go through the pro and con. I think that’s it. So new charitable rails for philanthropic support akin to give directly. The GoFundMe is like, oh, no, we’re going to get cut out of actually helping the direct individuals. This is a direct payment rails to folks in however you want to slice it when you go through their system at Invest America. So that’s like a big new thing. And the other that we’ll get into probably in our pro con, but just to note is it’s opt in. And so the opportunity for nonprofits, just to front run this, the opportunity for nonprofits is also making sure the communities that would overlook this, that would forget this are aware of it. And similar to, frankly, the fact that there are many people that are eligible, for example, for food stamps for government assistance, don’t apply because of the reporting requirements. And the registration requirements are too cumbersome and confusing. A mountain of paperwork separates them from government services and support that they are that they are owed and do. So I think there is a huge opportunity for nonprofits to be working in communities to register families for this, because it’s also eligibility, not just for newborns. I think I cannot find the exact amount, but they say that under 18 year olds, it’s not necessarily $1,000 if you’re sitting there with an eight year old, but there is some money somewhere being distributed. It is not zero. Yeah, George. No, I agree. So what should we say? Should I dive into some cons? Cons. There must be a bad thing here. What are the bad things? You’re going to take, you’re going to take the skeptic. I’m going to take the pro side here. Yes, I am going to take the skeptical side just for educational purposes. Something I want to note, George, is I wonder whether some policymakers might think there is an opportunity cost here in terms of deploying political capital towards these accounts, which fund and in theory, address some of the inequities in child poverty rates in the country. The skeptic might say, why don’t we more urgently tackle things like reinstituting the child poverty tax credit, right? Which like effectually halved childhood poverty in the United States for a couple of years back during the pandemic. That might be one critique. George, what would you say to the critics who might raise that as a concern? You know, this touches on whataboutism, the either or argument certainly plays, frankly, because it was coming up in the same series of bills where obviously things are being cut in favor of other things. I think this is, you know, apples and submarines. Very clearly, like money, you know, money now, that type of support child tax credits is a completely different ecosystem. And I don’t think you were going to get any advances in that. I mean, see health care for one that got ruthlessly cut, and that’s going to be rolled out in 2026. The cuts were coming for those social services and social supports. As sure as the sun was rising in the morning, this actually is the bright spot that somehow was leveraged into that because the alternative wasn’t you were getting child tax credits, which are the smartest freaking thing we should be doing if we care about helping kids today. It wasn’t. That is fair, George. Here’s another con for you. Can’t argue with that. I think this one’s actually a little stronger. Rather, this one is that the many children are going to get left out. And this speaks to what you were saying about the space for nonprofits and opportunity for nonprofits to help folks access this. But George, these accounts are opt in, not opt out. And opt in means you need to have the knowledge they exist, the means to sign up for them. I’m sure there’s also as well, all sorts of documentation that goes with it. If you’ve ever filled out like the FAFSA, right, you know that this stuff can be pretty onerous. And that inherently creates barriers. Not to mention, particularly low income families, right, may be very skeptical of something that’s called a Trump account when they feel victimized by the government for a whole host of a dozen reasons. So that’s just something to kind of call out. Something else I want to call out, George, is this is not really, this is not progressive necessarily, right? This is kind of, even though like philanthropic donors can make it progressive in a way by targeting their donations to specific zip codes, which has all sorts of, I think, interesting and beneficial, but also maybe detrimental second order effects. Everybody gets $1,000, right? If you meet the requirements, right? There’s no income requirements here, which means that wealthy folks are also accessing these accounts. Again, is that a bad thing? No, every child deserves to have a good future, right? But it does kind of call into the question, okay, is there ways to better allocate the funds coming from the Department of Treasury? So, George, those are my two critiques there. One, that it’s opt-in, not opt-out, and it’s not progressive. And I wonder what the proponent of these accounts might respond. Two excellent points. One, this is probably by design, right, where you have to have a social security number for your child. You also have to file the IRS Form 4547 to elect and opt-in to get this money. Yes, there’s going to be an online portal this summer. Who knows how that will be set up and what barriers there will be in the way. And that is the opportunity for nonprofits in your community. You have to be out there on the side of being like, I will fill this form out for you. I spent a number of summers, a number of semesters, I’ll say, in Philadelphia, registering people for food stamps. I think I registered, by the end, 30 to 40 families. And it took time. It was hard. It was like I had to go through and map that out. And that is a ground game. That is the opportunity. That is what I think we’re looking at. And yeah, it is a bit onerous. The other point is incredibly well taken. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that families below the poverty line are getting, for their children, the same amount that those that are deciding which vacation home they’re going to go to this spring break. That doesn’t make any sense at all. What’s more, yes, the advantages of having, frankly, employers that will be able to contribute to this, to have excess money that you’ll be able to contribute to this, is a clear advantage as well that will compound that. But $1,000 is more than $0. And what’s more, these are the charity rails now in place. And the Dell Foundation has done an amazing job of deploying six plus billion dollars toward those zip codes, showing how philanthropies can use this to, frankly, make up for where the government made the mistake, I think, of not making it progressive by any means. It wouldn’t have been hard, I would say. Yeah, George, one last point, and then we’ll move on. I am super intrigued by the granularity of philanthropic foundations or grantmaking organizations to target funds to these accounts, almost like we’d target digital ads to people. What kind of parameters do they have to be like, okay, they can do it by zip code? That’s pretty specific. There’s a lot of zip codes in America. Right? It’s great when your intentions are the best, right? But that also means that when you target something, it means you’re also not targeting other people. And that allows, there’s a lot of assumptions baked into XYZ zip code is more or less rich than another zip code. And that I think introduces a whole host of other kind of downstream consequences when we’re getting kind of that level granularity in philanthropic giving. So anyway, something to think about and munch on. I don’t have a good response. And it’s a great point. When you target someone, there’s somebody outside of that target. And there’s bias inherent in that choice and that structure. But I am still shocked at the ability to target in the ways that it seems like you will be able to for communities that you deem are in the most need based on your estimate of what that need assessment is. There’s one thing that I’m surprised you didn’t bring up is that you actually don’t have real control over the investment component of this. These are like US equities essentially, or a bundle of US stuff that it’s invested in. And it’s the assumption you said 10%, that would be delightful. If you were looking at the markets as of, I don’t know, today, it fluctuates quite a bit. Anything can happen. And so your sort of fate is in the hands of the US market, but that is not a feature. It’s not a bug. It’s a feature of what they want folks being invested in America. And in another way, this actually cycles funds in a way that simply just makes its way back to the market as opposed to helping the need of today. What use is $30,000 when you’re 18, if you grew up without parental support, enough food, proper education, what do you think happens when you dump $30,000 on that person at a point where they weren’t ready for it? There’s a reason the fire department doesn’t take all the money that we, in our taxes, send them and dump that money on a fire. They invest in fire equipment, in water, water network, trucks, equipment. They aren’t dumping money on a bonfire. That does not work. So I want to put that asterisk out there as excited as I am. I’d be more excited if we were also looking at child tax credits, but again, that’s apples and submarines. And I know they’re being thrown together, but they’re different. I love this discussion. I’m excited to see how it sort of matures. We’re going to cover this again. And again, I think definitely in the summer, I’m going to pay attention to that form, how it’s rolling out and positive. I think we needed some positive and this is certainly something that I’m watching. All righty. We have waxed poetic for quite a bit here. Anything else you want to cover? I got a couple more and we can do these both very quickly, George. One is just kind of an interesting one. This comes from the Associated Press. It is that a former USAID division or unit has relaunched as an independent nonprofit called the DIV Fund. They’re backed by $48 million from two private donors. And it plans to disperse about $25 million a year, roughly half of its former government budget. The idea here is that the people working in this particular USAID unit have reconvened independently to continue some of the projects that were actually lost. So this is kind of cool, sad, morbid. Obviously, $48 million is not the billions of dollars that USAID was managing a year. But it’s interesting to see folks turning to this model to kind of close out the remnants of USAID. Yeah. I mean, the private sector allocating toward foundations, nonprofits, picking up the slack, exactly what we have seen. And this is just a, I’d say, in the branded theme, maybe some way of trying to not immediately rug pull people that were dependent on services. For sure. For sure. And George, our other one in the newsletter comes from the Nyman Lab or Nyman Lab. And kind of an interesting one that ICE operations and local hustles and protests and such have actually caused a spike in traffic and attention to nonprofit news outlets. This is kind of cool, right? It kind of shows that in hyper-local but hyper-tense environments, there is still a reliance on local reporting. And it seems that particular papers and news outlets have received jumps in attention as they fill that gap in local reporting. George, of course, the broader news sector has been decimated. Even just last week, we saw 300 journalists laid off at the Washington Post, which is just a huge blow to news in general. But there are these smaller outlets, both local, such as papers focused on Minnesota’s immigrant community, local kind of immigrant-oriented papers in New York and elsewhere, and also larger national nonprofits like ProPublica and the Salt Lake Tribune, kind of holding study there. So just kind of interesting to see that in times of need, the importance of local journalism, many of which are oriented in a nonprofit model, are still really valuable. Yeah. The hope is that some sort of financial compensation model is created for the AIs that ruthlessly scrape this information. The reason why traffic is going there is because there’s firsthand on-the-street reporting that is being vetted and produced and pushed out. And that is something that ChatGPT cannot do. It doesn’t even know what day it is until you literally code it and tell it, because it is a snapshot in time, it is a language model, and it’s only the humans doing the work that pull that information in, vet it, and share it. And I’m hoping and waiting for larger revenue share opportunities for these networks. Yeah. George, where’s Mackenzie Scott on Uneter? Can we resurrect it? Washington Post, second try. Damn. All right. Here’s a bad joke for you, George. Why was the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation so nervous about its investments? I don’t know. They came at a particularly Dell-a-kit moment for the wider philanthropic community. Wait, I told you it was bad. Yeah, you did. You warned me, and it wasn’t enough of a warning. And so I hold you at fault for this one. Thanks, Nick. Thanks. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Direct-To-Consumer Philanthropy: What Invest America (Trump Accounts) Means For The Sector (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

AI’s Impact on Nonprofit Visibility and the Changing Landscape of Foundation Support This week’s episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, the hosts delve into the evolving dynamics of AI’s influence on nonprofit visibility and the current state of foundation support. Main Topics: AI’s Knowledge Windows and Nonprofit Visibility: George and Nick discuss a new beta feature from OpenAI’s ChatGPT called “knowledge windows.” This feature presents information about organizations directly within the AI interface, potentially reducing website traffic as users get essential details without needing to visit the source. This development could significantly alter how nonprofits engage with potential donors and supporters, as AI becomes the gatekeeper of information. Foundation Support and Nonprofit Perception Gap: A report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy highlights a significant perception gap between foundations and nonprofits. While 93% of foundation leaders believe they understand grantee challenges, only 54% of nonprofits agree. The report also notes that foundation responses have weakened post-COVID, despite increased demand for nonprofit services. Podcast: Play in new window | Download View Episode Transcript This week on the Nonprofit News Feed, of course, brought to you by Whole Whale B Corp Digital Agency. My name is George Weiner. I’m the Chief Whaler of Whole Whale. And I have Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist at Whole Whale. And we’re here to, as always, geek out about nonprofit news, trends, things we are seeing. And Nick, why don’t we start off by something curious that I ran across on ChatGPT? Yeah, George. So our first story is an interesting one, an inside scoop, rather. We, George, have experienced among the first users to do so, apparently, a new beta feature inside of ChatGPT. What is that beta feature? It’s not particularly sexy, but for nonprofits, it’s really important. And that is the rollout of Knowledge Windows. So George, if you are subscribed to our newsletter, you’ll be able to see a picture of this. But what are Knowledge Windows, George? They are results that come up to a query or a prompt that you put into a AI chat. And essentially, what it is, is a window that, instead of linking out to a website, fills a window with knowledge, kind of ingesting that website, just as a Google AI overview might, for example. So George, we are seeing OpenAI testing Knowledge Windows inside AI chat services. What does this mean, George? That AI now has found another way to answer questions, reference your website, and in some cases, surface actual web content without ever sending anyone to your organization’s website. So George, for example, when someone asked ChatGPT, top animal welfare charities, they are now getting a slick pop-up card with your mission. They might get the foundation founding date, key facts, all pulled into the AI’s interface. No clicks, no visits to the website required. As an organization, what does this mean? People are learning about your organization without ever accessing your content at its source. George, this is a big development within AI, particularly as we’re studying user and donor behavior and how they’re using AI systems to interact with their organizations. And George, we suspect this is leading towards something very specific. But at this point in time, George, why don’t you just tell us a little bit more about these Knowledge Windows and what it means for organizations getting surfaced within AI prompts? So notice I am currently showing this. For those of you who are just listening, I am on ChatGPT 5.2. This is a paid subscription. So I have not been able to reproduce this on the free version of ChatGPT. And in this case, as I go through, I click on a link like the Humane Society of the United States, and I go and I get this little sidebar window, this knowledge source. Sometimes sources show up on the side. Sometimes they don’t. If I click on those sources, then I am sent somewhere else. Sometimes, honestly, I go to this sidebar, and on the sidebar, there are no sources whatsoever. So in this case, I am looking at the Best Friends Animal Society. I’m interested in animal welfare, and I have what seems to be a link that I could click on. I click on it. It opens the sidebar. There is nothing. And I repeat, zero things I can click on for the source of the information or to click to go to that website. So I’ll just pause on that and just be like, the logical second-order effect of this as a user interface is that you get a zero click, zero click from people that are exploring your concept with regard to your AI brand footprint, right? People that are surfacing your information inside of an AI interaction. Not great. The other sort of potential second-order effects, where I see this going is, what is the action I might want to take? Now, imagine this for shopping, right? And shopping, what happens? We try to disintermediate the endpoint. Could I shop and buy that thing right there? How do I make it easier for this person? How do I use AI agents to support my shopping? How do I use AI agents to potentially make a donation? Let’s say I wanted to donate. Oh, why can’t I just have a donate button or the actions I could take with this organization within this window right here, allowing ChatGPT to become the gatekeeper? What’s more, if I’m clicking on something like the ASPCA or AlleyCat Allies, I have key information that I could, I don’t know, say run ads against. In this case, there happened to be sources. There weren’t, and they’re not always. But I’ll tell you what you could also do. You could shove some advertising into this exploration window. What does ChatGPT need to do and begin to optimize for? Advertising real estate. Where might I find such real estate, you ask? Right here. I don’t know why we happen to get lucky and be able to see this side window. I don’t know why more people are not talking about this, but I think we should pay attention to this right meow, pun intended. Yikes. All right, George. Okay, so we have a demo of what these- Also, shameless plug here also for the fact that somebody, we need to start working around the verified giving protocol. Verified giving protocol, something that I’ve talked about before, is the concept of needing to find a way that would route not just the money, but also the data directly to the nonprofit. Because this is going to happen. They’re going to disintermediate your donation button, but it should still be under your control, under an official way of routing that information and access to your provider of choice, whoever it may be. So, all right. End rant. No, George. I think that’s so important, right? The theme here is ChatGPT, AI in general. They’re doing everything remotely possible to generate revenue for themselves while keeping you in their platform. And we need to be vigilant and see how those products develop and what that means when it comes to cultivating donor flows and recruiting volunteers and XYZ number of actions that your website is promoting, right? They are siphoning our audiences and it’s important that we are able to, in some ways, recuperate the flow. So, George, really important. I want to pivot slightly within the same theme here. We’re really studying very hard, George, what AI is doing for clients and the representation of our clients and our organization’s brands within platforms themselves, right? George, some of our clients are getting tens of thousands of real, authentic web sessions from LLMs directly, purely based on people seeing a result and clicking on a little link, taking them to the website. Tens of thousands of sessions. But, George, we’re starting to see that AI, at least for now, I don’t think this will be permanent, has a junk link problem. And we are seeing it increasingly within the social impact sector. What do I mean by that, George? If you Google, or I’m sorry, if you search, see, we’re no longer, I have to train myself not to use that terminology anymore. If I prompt an AI chat, like chat GPT, top human rights charities to donate to, the top two results are very predictable. It is Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. And you’d say, great, that makes a ton of sense. The link next to Amnesty International probably takes me to Amnesty International’s very, very large, complex global web infrastructure that includes a global organization, national organization, and probably 100 regional or country level websites. No. What does it link to? It links to, George, a super low quality, barely usable farm link website that was written by AI that just farms content for AdSense revenue. George, I don’t think this problem is going to exist in perpetuity. But right now, major organizations like Amnesty International, that probably have larger websites than 99.9% of the internet are losing out to, excuse my language, shitty websites that are siphoning away that traffic and siphoning away those donors. So something to watch out for if you are a nonprofit or a major NGO like Amnesty International, which has billion dollar revenue. Yeah. And to be clear, it’s the top list of this for this and top list of this for this. Those types of sites are getting ingested and used as validating entities for how to answer these questions. So yeah, yeah, it is something you surfaced and something we’re exploring. And I do think it is important to note that it’s for now, not forever. These rules are changing quickly. But right now as it’s played, I thought that was a little concerning as well. A tad bit concerning. All right, George, we have some interesting tidbits I want to turn to. This comes from The Nonprofit Times. George, Whole Whale and Nonprofit Ifs, that’s nonprofit.ist, have released their 2025 consult cost and compensation survey in partnership with The Nonprofit Times. And we have some blockbuster results from this survey. Once again, for listeners who may not know, Whole Whale is us. This is in many ways our survey in partnership, of course, with The Nonprofit Times. But George, the hourly nonprofit consultant rate hit $1.59 an hour. That’s up $8 from last year and a significant jump from $110 just five years ago in 2020. And solo consultants build an average of $97k annually. And those with partners averaged $188k annually. George, we also found that consultants with bachelor degrees actually outbuild those with master’s degrees and doctorates. So degree pedigree is not actually an indication necessarily of higher rates that consultants are charging. And George, most consultants build between 20 and 24 hours per week and spend another 5 to 14 hours on unbillable operational work. Reminder that independent means also running a business, not just doing the work for other people. So George, exciting results in this survey. What were your key takeaways? Yeah, we were excited that we are now the longest running survey for the salary indicators for consultants in the industry and love The Nonprofit Times partnership. They wrote it up. You’re able to get the entire survey. If you’re not a part of the nonprofit network of consultants, you can go and actually purchase all of that information, which has so many more insights, especially as you’re like, well, what about for fundraising? Well, what about for accounting? Well, what about for board development? You can find and parse through that information by going to The Nonprofit Times and paying for that survey. I think for me, this fact that we were $110 on average from 2020 to 159 now, that 43% increase is showing that it’s faster than inflation. That rate is increasing rapidly. And we’re maybe tapering off with only that $8 increase, finding the right price maybe for that. And so that solo consultants build an average of $97K annually, which that’s fairly legitimate for a solo operation, especially when you consider that average number of hours, like that 20 to 24 hours becomes pretty attractive, I’d say for the consultants, at least that we were able to survey. And again, I think we had an N of about 300 folks that took the survey over that number. The other piece that stood out to me, certainly the more degrees is not more money. This sector prizes experience, right? Read all the books you want about how to swim. I’m going to take the person who’s out there in the freaking water, spearfishing. That’s what this sector looks at. They’re looking at the person who’s in the water and actually knows what they’re doing. And that’s what seems to be prized. No offense to the academias out there, academics that you are probably among, but it is no proxy for experience. And then finally, I’d say this idea that spending another five to 14 hours on unbillable operational work screams to me that there is an opportunity for individuals to leverage AI in their own personal operations. The upside of that is tremendous, especially if you look at the value of the billable hour and every hour that you can get back from that operational unbillable monster seems to me very, very, very valuable. You could do it, you get that hour back, spend it however you want. But I’m excited for this industry because of the upside of operationalizing with AI. Yeah. George, once again, if you want to read the full survey, which we definitely encourage, check out the Nonprofit Times. And you can, again, access it, purchase it right through them directly. All right, George, I quickly want to take us to our next story. We have another interesting report that caught my eye. It was kind of teased back in the fall, but the full report itself actually just dropped and has been making some interesting rounds within the philanthropy community. And that is, George, the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s study on foundations and whether or not they’re helping nonprofits and grantees. George, I asked AI to pull out the punchiest insights from this report. It’s a long report. No, I didn’t read it all end to end. But George, this is what I found. And I thought this was interesting. George, 93% of foundation leaders believe they’re effectively understanding grantee challenges, but only 54% of nonprofits agree. Okay. Interesting. On nearly every measure, including responsiveness, communication, and risk-taking, foundations write themselves 30 to 40 points higher than nonprofits rate them. Okay, George, I have a little bit of a little battle of perception happening within the grantor-grantee relationship. Very interesting. That’s one side of it. Another side of it, George, I thought was really interesting is that foundation response has been all around weaker than it was during COVID, even though two-thirds of nonprofits report increased demand for services, and of course, threatening cuts. Only 30% of foundations have increased payout, which I think is particularly interesting, giving the kind of blockbuster bad year for American civil society we had in the year 2025, writ large. So the majority of foundations, George, not really moving here. And I think that might be causing the risk. And then, of course, funding cuts aren’t hitting equally right. Certain sectors are getting hit harder. So George, I think this is interesting. And I think some folks I’ve spoken to within philanthropy have said that the year 2025 is a wake-up call for the sector. This very, very neoliberal model of philanthropy we have in the States, not really meeting the moment. This survey seems to add some credence to that argument. Just wondering what you’re thinking as you hear these numbers. It’s unfair for me to parse out, but maybe you can look up quickly. This seems to be the first that I’ve seen of its kind. And I’m wondering about this 93, the delta, right? The essentially 40-point delta between what the perception of foundations is versus the grantees. How has that changed over time? Is part of this just the nature of an adversarial, I don’t mean to say adversarial, but other side of the marketplace delta? The only one of the major times where I see this type of delta actually comes from the organ donation surveying world. So in organ donations, roughly about when you actually ask people, would you accept a donated organ to save your life? About high 90s, right? High 90s, 95 plus. Say, yeah, I’m going to go ahead and accept that organ. Now, if you actually look at organ donation rates, you live in the mid 50s. That is that 40-point swing, right? And when you are on the other side of a market, give versus take. And in this, maybe I’m not that surprised to see that map out to this. Now, I want to also pause and this demand is worse than COVID. I agree with that, actually. And what I’ve heard just to sit in the chair of a foundation and in that room is that when the government cuts billions, hundreds of billions of dollars, right, from budgets across all of these different programs, state programs, I’ve sat in the foundation room where they’ve literally just done the math. They’re like, we could liquidate all of our assets. And literally, we would only cover maybe six months of that operating deficit that the government left. The scale is important of what these cuts have done. And so do you want that world where the foundation liquidates all of its assets in a flurry to simply keep up with what the government used to do and then have nothing after that six months? So just, I know that that is on the other side. And it’s just a function of math and also something that has been the other wake up call that honestly, I saw running this company, how dependent or the dependencies on frankly trickle down government money. We were more supported by government dollars than I frankly realized, exposed to that risk. And the sector is now really understanding that. And part of it is this new adjustment. You can label it good, you can label it bad, devastating. But the truth is, if you were to look at the numbers, there are some new truths to reliance on government funding and how if that is a variable and it goes away, you simply cannot continue to do business at that level and expect foundations to pick up that check. The truth is government has got a lot of freaking money when it deploys it and you can’t make up that delta. Yeah, George. So I actually asked AI if there was historical reference points within the report and it pulled this out, which is interesting. So in 2025, 54% of nonprofits thought foundations understood them. 93% of foundations thought they understood nonprofits. So George, in 2014, only 52% of nonprofit CEOs agreed their funders were aware of this challenge. So that nonprofit number hasn’t moved at all. But interestingly, in 2014, only 60% of foundations felt that they fully understood the nonprofit. So it seems that the foundation side of it has gotten a lot more confident and their ability to understand their grantees in relation to nonprofits, which is kind of interesting. That is the insight. That is the insight. Yeah. Yeah. I’ll go back. I’ll take a look through this and then read it myself. Someone needs to update this newsletter, I’ll tell you that. There we go. All right, George, I got two jokes for you. Are you ready? Okay. I’m prepared emotionally. Okay, George. Why did the nonprofit break up with the foundation? I don’t know. Why did the nonprofit break up with the foundation? They were being taken for granted. Get it? Granted? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. The foundation makes grants. Great. Oh, man. That’s some of my best work, I have to say. My next one is not as good. George, what did the donor think after a chat GPT prompt for charity recommendations sent them to a content farm? No idea. These results are pretty seedy. Get it? Content farm, seedy. Okay. We’ll get rid of that one. And you know what? See in the newsletter, which people prefer less? Which- Vote one of these off the island. All right. Thanks, Nick. I’m giving us a solid A for this one. I felt like we explored some good topics. So huzzah. I agree. I’ll see you next week. Hats off. All right. See you, George. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Will The Future of Nonprofit Discoverability Be Donations on LLMs? Why We Think It’s Coming…And More! (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

AI Ads: A New Frontier for Nonprofits This week on the Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into a game-changing announcement from OpenAI that could revolutionize nonprofit marketing strategies. OpenAI has revealed plans to pilot advertising on ChatGPT, marking a significant shift in how nonprofits might engage with audiences. Key Highlights: OpenAI&#8217;s Announcement: OpenAI is testing ads in select markets for ChatGPT&#8217;s free and low-cost tiers, aiming to provide more users with access to its AI tools without usage limits. Implications for Nonprofits: With approximately 800 million weekly active users, ChatGPT offers nonprofits a vast audience for targeted advertising. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to engage users during meaningful conversations across diverse contexts, from education to health advice. Concerns and Opportunities: While the prospect of ads in AI raises concerns about data privacy and the influence on AI-generated content, it also opens doors for nonprofits to reach audiences in innovative ways. The challenge will be crafting ad content that complements AI interactions without disrupting user trust. Transparency and Analytics: The move towards advertising may also introduce valuable analytics tools, enabling nonprofits to gain insights into user behavior and optimize their engagement strategies. Nonprofit Wellness Index Update: The podcast also highlights Whole Whale&#8217;s Nonprofit Wellness Index, which tracks sector health through job postings, layoffs, and ad spending. December&#8217;s index hit a record high, indicating a positive rebound from previous lows, suggesting a revitalized nonprofit sector. Feel-Good Story: In a lighter segment, the hosts share a unique fundraising initiative from an Alaskan bird conservation group. For Valentine&#8217;s Day, donors can name a rat after an ex, which will then be fed to a bird of prey, offering both cathartic satisfaction and support for wildlife conservation. <meta itemprop="description" content="AI Ads: A New Frontier for Nonprofits This week on the Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into a game-changing announcement from OpenAI that could revolutionize nonprofit marketing strategies. OpenAI has revealed plans to pilot advertising on ChatGPT, marking a significant shift in how nonprofits might engage with audiences. Key Highlights: OpenAI's Announcement: OpenAI is testing ads in select markets for ChatGPT's free and low-cost tiers, aiming to provide more users with access to its AI tools without usage limits. Implications for Nonprofits: With approximately 800 million weekly active users, ChatGPT offers nonprofits a vast audience for targeted advertising. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to engage users during meaningful conversations across diverse contexts, from education to health advice. Concerns and Opportunities: While the prospect of ads in AI raises concerns about data privacy and the influence on AI-generated content, it also opens doors for nonprofits to reach audiences in innovative ways. The challenge will be crafting ad content that complements AI interactions without disrupting user trust. Transparency and Analytics: The move towards advertising may also introduce valuable analytics tools, enabling nonprofits to gain insights into user behavior and optimize their engagement strategies. Nonprofit Wellness Index Update: The podcast also highlights Whole Whale's Nonprofit Wellness Index, which tracks sector health through job postings, layoffs, and ad spending. December's index hit a record high, indicating a positive rebound from previous lows, suggesting a revitalized nonprofit sector. Feel-Good Story: In a lighter segment, the hosts share a unique fundraising initiative from an Alaskan bird conservation group. For Valentine's Day, donors can name a rat after an ex, which will then be fed to a bird of prey, offering both cathartic satisfaction and support for wildlife conservation." /> https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/f7rgxs8hqjqawdax/riverside_nick_george_jan_23_2026_008_nonprofit_news_feedaecsc.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download <meta itemprop="description" content="AI Ads: A New Frontier for Nonprofits This week on the Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into a game-changing announcement from OpenAI that could revolutionize nonprofit marketing strategies. OpenAI has revealed plans to pilot advertising on ChatGPT, marking a significant shift in how nonprofits might engage with audiences. Key Highlights: OpenAI's Announcement: OpenAI is testing ads in select markets for ChatGPT's free and low-cost tiers, aiming to provide more users with access to its AI tools without usage limits. Implications for Nonprofits: With approximately 800 million weekly active users, ChatGPT offers nonprofits a vast audience for targeted advertising. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to engage users during meaningful conversations across diverse contexts, from education to health advice. Concerns and Opportunities: While the prospect of ads in AI raises concerns about data privacy and the influence on AI-generated content, it also opens doors for nonprofits to reach audiences in innovative ways. The challenge will be crafting ad content that complements AI interactions without disrupting user trust. Transparency and Analytics: The move towards advertising may also introduce valuable analytics tools, enabling nonprofits to gain insights into user behavior and optimize their engagement strategies. Nonprofit Wellness Index Update: The podcast also highlights Whole Whale's Nonprofit Wellness Index, which tracks sector health through job postings, layoffs, and ad spending. December's index hit a record high, indicating a positive rebound from previous lows, suggesting a revitalized nonprofit sector. Feel-Good Story: In a lighter segment, the hosts share a unique fundraising initiative from an Alaskan bird conservation group. For Valentine's Day, donors can name a rat after an ex, which will then be fed to a bird of prey, offering both cathartic satisfaction and support for wildlife conservation." /> https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/f7rgxs8hqjqawdax/riverside_nick_george_jan_23_2026_008_nonprofit_news_feedaecsc.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download View Episode Transcript This week on the Nonprofit News Feed, brought to you by Whole Whale, a B Corp digital agency. My name is George Weiner. I am the chief whaler and founder of Whole Whale, and huge nonprofit geek, but you know that, if you&#8217;ve listened to this podcast at all. I also have Nick Azulay, digital strategist at Whole Whale. Nick, we&#8217;ve been looking through the news. We&#8217;re in January. It&#8217;s January 21st as we&#8217;re recording this. I feel like something big happened over the weekend, at least an announcement. What did we see come across our desk? George, we had a big announcement from the likes of OpenAI this weekend. A big announcement in particular, if you work in social impact marketing, and that is that OpenAI has announced they are beginning to pilot advertising on ChatGPT. What does this mean? Let&#8217;s dive into this announcement. First, I just want to say on the onset that this is not live yet. That we can tell. It appears they&#8217;re testing it in limited markets and some kind of a beta, but there&#8217;s no advertising infrastructure that&#8217;s been broadly rolled out yet. This mostly exists in the form of a press release, but we do want to go through that press release because it gives us something, gives us a lot to think about, and we need to highlight it for this audience as AI continues to completely upend how audiences engage with our nonprofit organizations. George, OpenAI said that they&#8217;ve been working to make powerful AI accessible to everyone through free product and low-cost subscriptions. George, that includes the free version of ChatGPT and this new thing called ChatGPT Go, which is, to my understanding, a very lightweight model designed for low-income countries. But George, what they&#8217;re doing is they&#8217;re going to start to plan for ads testing in the US for the free and Go tiers. So, quote, more people can benefit from our tools with fewer usage limits or without having to pay. They&#8217;re framing this, George, as a, hey, you know, you want it for free? Now you need to give us something in the form of, you know, whatever insane amount of data that you&#8217;re now giving up to OpenAI. And they go through their ads principles, mission alignment, answer independence. They say, conversation privacy, we keep your conversations with ChatGPT private. Great, but somebody knows what you&#8217;re typing, at least vaguely, even if it&#8217;s anonymized. So, George, ads and AI are here. Ads for ChatGPT are here, and they will be fully rolled out, I&#8217;m guessing, within the next couple months. What do nonprofits need to know? I think this is an exciting opportunity to explore a new medium for advertising and for reaching an audience where they are. That is what advertising has always been, and that started with the, you know, ads in newspapers, taking up that type of real estate that offsets the cost of the printed word on the page. It is a new day, same game. I&#8217;m excited, because actually, you know, aside from, I have concerns, but I&#8217;m just going to speak from the excitement side of things, is that with 800 million, thereabouts, weekly active, I think, and climbing users, your audience is there. There are a lot of folks having a lot of conversations. Over half of those conversations, based on that September analytics report from OpenAI, over half of those conversations are non-work-related. But the truth is, this is an unprecedented level of access to communicate with advertising, to communicate to people having real conversations in depth on topics that may be aligned or adjacent to what you work on. I mean, it&#8217;s weird, but there are people that use this for a therapist. There are people that use this for executive coach. There are people that use this for health advice. There are people that use this for education. There are people that use this for work. There are people that use this for fill-in-the-blank. And if your organization is interested in reaching people when they are in that mindset and having that conversation, the ability to target the not just demographic, psychodemographic, but also moment when somebody&#8217;s there is very interesting to me and hopefully presents a tremendous opportunity for nonprofits trying to provide the type of support and guidance from a trusted source on a topic. What I hope I don&#8217;t see is that advertising actually influences the context window in any way of the output of that AI. What we have seen so far from AI overviews and the advertising that is now the inventory related to that, and we have a webinar coming up, do check us out for that coming up in the end of January here, is that the ads show up around, above and below, but not in the response. And I think that&#8217;s important because if you begin to pollute the data sources that the AI is relying on for the answer, you have ruined, capital R ruined, that AI, its trustworthiness, wherever it is, is eviscerated. So I think the architects are aware of that and acknowledge that. And if it happens, then it&#8217;s just game over for the solution. The truth is, there&#8217;s no such thing as a free lunch. We already knew that they were using our data when you weren&#8217;t paying for it. Even sometimes when you are paying for it and you don&#8217;t uncheck the box. But now it&#8217;s clear that the cost of running these things indefinitely for free is not sustainable. Ads were inevitable. And so I choose to say, hey, let&#8217;s pay attention to where the opportunities are. Just as in the early days of Facebook advertising, in the early days of Google ads, holy cow, could you get a deal? Well, people are like, oh, I don&#8217;t know. I&#8217;m going to wait and see. Like, we&#8217;re going to be testing. We&#8217;re on the list. I sometimes also get a little exhausted with the announcement and then sort of silence afterwards. Like, what did you announce? It&#8217;s like the sign in the bar that says free beer tomorrow. Come back tomorrow, free beer tomorrow. And this felt like a little free beer tomorrow to me. Like they announced the thing and they just don&#8217;t have it. So we&#8217;re on the waiting list. We&#8217;re seeing, and we&#8217;re seeing how our clients might benefit from a test ad spend on the platform. But of course, you&#8217;re going to want to measure. I think there&#8217;ll be issues with click-through rates for sure because we have already seen that having that AI overview and having that answer already sort of essentially synthesized and given by the AI means the reason, especially if it&#8217;s informational, like people need to discover the answer to X is gone. So I think there&#8217;s going to be a big difference in how that ad copy goes into play from this, like, learn more about that. Like the AI has already frankly told them about whatever that topic is. So where does your ad fit in that nuance is curious to me. Yeah, George, I think you hit on a lot of key pieces on the visibility note and the click-through rate note. It&#8217;s also interesting how and if advertising placements will impact organic link clicks from AI results, right? A lot of our clients see thousands, tens of thousands of sessions directly from LLMs, particularly our larger ones and whether advertising distracts from that will also be interesting, right? Pushing down, if you will, organic search results, that&#8217;ll be interesting. Something else to note, George, is that TrackGPT, OpenAI rather, notes that during our tests, we will not show ads and accounts where the user tells us or we predict that they are under 18 and ads are not eligible to appear in your sensitive or regulated topics like health, mental health, or politics, which is interesting, George. We see those types of health and mental health restrictions across the platform, but it looks like TrackGPT is going down the realm of no political ads, which is probably a net positive, right? But there&#8217;s also, there&#8217;s repercussions for that, right? That&#8217;s kind of, you know, you&#8217;re privileging certain aspects of the economy and not others. That&#8217;s a whole different discussion. So it remains to be seen broadly what this means, but I think, George, I have concerns about what an advertising economy means in AI because that experience is so much more intimate than even something like a Google search, right? And I wonder what the downstream consequences of that will be What I do know is that for nonprofit organizations that have quality content and the ability to shape what ethical advertising looks like on those platforms can&#8217;t afford to just be hands off and sit on the sidelines, right? What does this look like? How can you help find audiences and connect audiences with your resources? So this is a whole new frontier, George. And I think that these markets, right, this is what open AI is setting up. They&#8217;re setting up market. They&#8217;re setting up little insular market economies. And how this kind of plays out remains to be seen, right? What are costs going to look like? What&#8217;s inventory going to look like? Et cetera, et cetera. It looks like we&#8217;re kind of having text-based ads at this point, kind of akin to a Google search ad. It doesn&#8217;t look like in-stream video at this point or anything like that. But there&#8217;s a lot of unknowns here. Again, kind of vague-ish announcement from opening AI, but we&#8217;ll see what this means because it&#8217;s going to mean a lot one way or another. How great would it have been if they just went straight old school AOL homepage and been like, you get a banner, you get a banner, and it&#8217;s going to be a GIF. I don&#8217;t know. Maybe I&#8217;m too old. Man, GIFs, yeah. The other thing they note here is they have this note, and I&#8217;ll quote it, conversation and privacy. We keep your conversations with ChetchiPT private from average advertisers, and we never sell your data to advertisers. They state that and then also proceed to literally say, we&#8217;re going to let advertisers advertise against essentially the theme and content of your conversations. So I think gold medal for the mental gymnastics linguistic skill displayed by the person that wrote that or the AI that wrote that because I don&#8217;t think I can hold those two thoughts in my head without it imploding into a black hole. I&#8217;m also excited here about the fact that in order to enable ads, you have to do another critical thing, which is add transparency about impressions and impressions around a theme, impressions regionally. The reason we have Google Analytics for free is because of the beautiful advertising engine that prints money like no other system in corporate history for Google with their Google Ads. That&#8217;s why we got Google Analytics for free. And Google Analytics is a tremendous tool for understanding behavior. Right now, we have been operating in this black box for three plus years for who, what, when, where, how queries are happening. We get this sort of batch reports that come out sporadically. We got that one from OpenAI back in September, which was a very interesting report, but doesn&#8217;t allow filtering, doesn&#8217;t allow logging. So what I&#8217;m hoping to see as we are waiting here, certainly at Whole Whale, where we care a lot about the analytics of things, is what information can we glean from looking at the volume based on theme targeting around the keywords or concepts that we&#8217;d be advertising for. It&#8217;s very interesting to us. Yeah. For those listeners who are kind of less in the weeds, what George is asking about&#8230; Our listeners, I&#8217;m sorry. These listeners are freaking&#8230; They&#8217;re in the weeds. You are gardeners. I&#8217;m sorry. If you&#8217;re listening to this, especially at this point, gardeners welcome. Come on now. What I will say is essentially what we&#8217;re interested to see is in some way advertisers will have access to the volume of impressions that searches for the Empire State Building or how to bake a cheesecake. We&#8217;re going to start having specific volumes in some way, whether that&#8217;s impressions or clicks or whatever. We&#8217;re going to start to get data from the inside of this thing that, as you said, has been a black hole of nothing specific. We shall see, George. This is a major change in the game. George, my last question on this topic is, do you think that the other models are going to follow? I suspect your answer is probably, but is open AI kind of trying to get out ahead of the field here? Are they risking alienating their user base? Do they think that, hey, we&#8217;ve kind of dominated the market so far? The kind of competitive dynamics of this are kind of interesting to me. I mean, the truth is this is a company that is burning money every single day. It is desperate for these revenue models to offset. I want to look it up, so I&#8217;m going to look it up. How much AI, how much do you think they&#8217;re losing per day? Oh, it&#8217;s got to be tens of millions of dollars a day, is my guess. You&#8217;re pretty close. Based on 2025 estimates, open AI is spending roughly $15 million a day. The truth is you need something here, right? And if people don&#8217;t want to pay for it and they&#8217;re, obviously, they&#8217;re paying in their data, but it is an inevitability also, I think, for other models. You cannot offer this top tier, frontier models or even tier two models that, based on this increasing insatiable demand for free, you just kind of have to run those ads. Interesting times, George. All right. I think that was kind of, that wraps our discussion up on AI advertising for now. We&#8217;re going to be talking about this with every new development because this is, I think, George, safe to say, potentially the biggest change in digital advertising since the ability to advertise on Web 2.0 social media platforms. This is kind of next-gen advertising here, so we&#8217;ll continue to talk about this. Yeah. And it&#8217;s going to be tough because folks like you who are old-school SEO and understanding things are thinking about keywords. And I think keywords are dead. I think it&#8217;s concepts. I think it&#8217;s thinking in psychodemographics. I think it&#8217;s in emotional targeting because all of those things are&#8230; Yeah. I&#8217;m excited for this new chapter. The old one was, I was getting tired of that book. Yeah. Hey, well, the book, the new series is out. All right, George. Our last thing that we want to talk about is the Nonprofit Wellness Index. George, this is a proprietary index that we at Whole Whale created. What does it do? It measures nonprofit sentiment across the sector in semi-real time because the numbers we get from the Labor Department, we get, what, every couple years or so. This gives us a monthly breakdown of nonprofit sector health. It measures things like job posting layoffs and advertising spend as proxies for sector health. George, what was the key takeaway from our most recent monthly data? Yeah. So again, thank you for walking us through what it is, and we share it every month. And it&#8217;s tough because we adjust it constantly. And in doing that, I&#8217;m sharing the screen for those people watching poorly. Stop sharing this. But here we go. On this, we have a record high for December of 3.75. And that number doesn&#8217;t really matter out of context. In context, this is the highest recording. This is from a zero to four rating, but it&#8217;s weighted against all of our historical data. And again, we&#8217;re pulling data from various sources, including Idealist LinkedIn, meta ads library around charities and nonprofits. We&#8217;re pulling from Glassdoor and other unemployment data. And we&#8217;re merging that all together to get an idea of the health, health as measured by that proxy, as you mentioned, for employment and whether or not nonprofits are advertising. And the number and direction has gone up since June. The numbers when we started, to give you an idea, it was below two and we had a rough summer. It starts to climb a bit as we move into October and November and then hitting a high in December. Now, these numbers may be lower in the future, but this directionally is showing that the nonprofit sector is beginning to rebound from the dramatic cuts and downturn that we saw, I think a historical lows in 2025. So I think we&#8217;re seeing things pull in the right direction and we can break this down by Glassdoor, LinkedIn, meta ads and see this. There was a sudden bump. There was a big bump in Glassdoor postings for nonprofit related jobs that went away. So maybe like a bit of a seasonal bump. And so over time, this is just going to get frankly smarter and give us a better pulse on what&#8217;s going on as we move into the year over year. And job counts that happened for these things. All right. I&#8217;ll stop the share. Thanks, George, for that insight. Before we let everyone hop, George, word on the street is you have a quick cheeky joke. Not just joke. I have the feel good story. So I want to call out a very clever tactical Valentine&#8217;s Day focused fundraising idea being pushed out there by a group. And I&#8217;m pulling this up. This is the it&#8217;s an Alaskan group that does bird conservation and they essentially are titling it Love Hurts the Valentine&#8217;s Day for those hurt by love. And essentially you can name a rat after an ex or somebody that has wronged you. And one of their delightful birds of prey will eat that rat and they will record this rat getting eaten. I think it&#8217;s brilliant. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. So they&#8217;ve got the Raptors revenge, for instance, for just fifty dollars. You can relish a video of a snowy owl ghost or a bald eagle basically consuming a frozen mouse or rat symbolizing your ex. So, you know, make it make it happen. I think there&#8217;s something very cathartic about that. And by the way, you&#8217;re helping Alaska&#8217;s wild bird population. I love that George. Nothing says the season of love like revenge and retribution. OK, here&#8217;s my dad joke. You ready? All right. Why do frogs just like love working with fundraising databases? I don&#8217;t know, George. They just really enjoy eating whatever bugs come out of those CRMs. I see. Love eating bugs. Nonstop bugs. Salesforce joke. Nonprofit database administrators don&#8217;t think I pay attention. I read the comments. Those are those are the real heroes. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post AI Ads Are Here: A New Frontier for Nonprofits (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

This week on the Nonprofit News Feed, the hosts dive into pressing digital safety issues and uplifting philanthropic news. The episode covers the alarming rise of deep fakes and their implications for nonprofits, and celebrates a significant donation to support LGBTQ+ youth. Main Topics: Global Crisis of Deep Fakes: The episode highlights the disturbing trend of deep fakes, particularly on the AI platform Grok, which is generating non-consensual and sexualized images. The hosts stress the urgent need for nonprofits working with vulnerable groups to advocate for stricter regulations and educate communities on digital safety. Implications for Nonprofits: The conversation emphasizes the critical role of nonprofits in combating AI-enabled cyberbullying and gender-based violence. Organizations are called to update internet safety protocols and engage in advocacy to protect affected communities. Mackenzie Scott&#8217;s Transformative Gift: In a beacon of hope, Mackenzie Scott&#8217;s $45 million unrestricted donation to the Trevor Project is celebrated. This lifeline comes after federal funding cuts and highlights the importance of substantial, unrestricted support for nonprofits in crisis. Dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: The episode also covers the dissolution of this vital organization due to funding cuts, impacting local journalism and broadcasting. The hosts discuss the potential repercussions on local news and the need for new revenue streams. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Grok’s Deepfake Crisis Is Forcing a Global Reckoning on AI, Platform Safety, and Accountability (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

<meta itemprop="description" content="Episode Overview: Fraud in Minnesota's Social Services: Federal prosecutors have uncovered widespread fraud in Minnesota's social safety programs, with fewer than 100 individuals exploiting pandemic-era funds, resulting in over $1 billion in misappropriations. The lack of effective oversight allowed fraudulent activities to flourish, leading to significant repercussions for the Somali community in Minnesota. The &quot;blast radius&quot; effect highlights how a few bad actors can have widespread negative impacts on an entire community, affecting funding and perception. Flipcause Bankruptcy Fallout: Flipcause, a fundraising platform, has filed for bankruptcy, owing over $29 million to more than 3,200 nonprofits. The insolvency raises questions about the platform's financial management practices, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to maintain control over their payment processing systems. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Strategic Shift: The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has withdrawn support from Forward Us, an immigration nonprofit, citing a strategic focus on science and education. This decision reflects a broader trend of philanthropic organizations re-evaluating their commitments to social justice initiatives." /> https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/99g282j975b4xevk/riverside_nick_george_jan_12_2026_008_nonprofit_news_feed8hnjm.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download Episode Overview: Fraud in Minnesota&#8217;s Social Services: Federal prosecutors have uncovered widespread fraud in Minnesota&#8217;s social safety programs, with fewer than 100 individuals exploiting pandemic-era funds, resulting in over $1 billion in misappropriations. The lack of effective oversight allowed fraudulent activities to flourish, leading to significant repercussions for the Somali community in Minnesota. The &#8220;blast radius&#8221; effect highlights how a few bad actors can have widespread negative impacts on an entire community, affecting funding and perception. Flipcause Bankruptcy Fallout: Flipcause, a fundraising platform, has filed for bankruptcy, owing over $29 million to more than 3,200 nonprofits. The insolvency raises questions about the platform&#8217;s financial management practices, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to maintain control over their payment processing systems. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative&#8217;s Strategic Shift: The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has withdrawn support from Forward Us, an immigration nonprofit, citing a strategic focus on science and education. This decision reflects a broader trend of philanthropic organizations re-evaluating their commitments to social justice initiatives. <meta itemprop="description" content="Episode Overview: Fraud in Minnesota's Social Services: Federal prosecutors have uncovered widespread fraud in Minnesota's social safety programs, with fewer than 100 individuals exploiting pandemic-era funds, resulting in over $1 billion in misappropriations. The lack of effective oversight allowed fraudulent activities to flourish, leading to significant repercussions for the Somali community in Minnesota. The &quot;blast radius&quot; effect highlights how a few bad actors can have widespread negative impacts on an entire community, affecting funding and perception. Flipcause Bankruptcy Fallout: Flipcause, a fundraising platform, has filed for bankruptcy, owing over $29 million to more than 3,200 nonprofits. The insolvency raises questions about the platform's financial management practices, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to maintain control over their payment processing systems. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Strategic Shift: The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has withdrawn support from Forward Us, an immigration nonprofit, citing a strategic focus on science and education. This decision reflects a broader trend of philanthropic organizations re-evaluating their commitments to social justice initiatives." /> https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/99g282j975b4xevk/riverside_nick_george_jan_12_2026_008_nonprofit_news_feed8hnjm.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download <meta itemprop="description" content="Episode Overview: Fraud in Minnesota's Social Services: Federal prosecutors have uncovered widespread fraud in Minnesota's social safety programs, with fewer than 100 individuals exploiting pandemic-era funds, resulting in over $1 billion in misappropriations. The lack of effective oversight allowed fraudulent activities to flourish, leading to significant repercussions for the Somali community in Minnesota. The &quot;blast radius&quot; effect highlights how a few bad actors can have widespread negative impacts on an entire community, affecting funding and perception. Flipcause Bankruptcy Fallout: Flipcause, a fundraising platform, has filed for bankruptcy, owing over $29 million to more than 3,200 nonprofits. The insolvency raises questions about the platform's financial management practices, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to maintain control over their payment processing systems. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Strategic Shift: The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has withdrawn support from Forward Us, an immigration nonprofit, citing a strategic focus on science and education. This decision reflects a broader trend of philanthropic organizations re-evaluating their commitments to social justice initiatives." /> https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/99g282j975b4xevk/riverside_nick_george_jan_12_2026_008_nonprofit_news_feed8hnjm.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download View Episode Transcript All righty, this week on the Nonprofit Newsfeed, of course, brought to you by Whole Whale, a B Corp digital agency. My name is George Weiner. I&#8217;m the chief whaler of Whole Whale, and I have Nick Azulay, chief. No, you&#8217;re not a chief. You should be a chief, but you are a digital strategist at Whole Whale. Forgive me, Nick, because we haven&#8217;t talked, and I haven&#8217;t gotten to give your proper intro in a couple of weeks. I hope you had a good break. Nick Azulay Yeah, I did, George. Nice and relaxing. I worked very hard during the end of my graduate master&#8217;s program, so it&#8217;s been a lot of hard work for me, but I&#8217;m excited to get back into it. And George, I would posit that I am, in fact, chief podcast co-host, even though that title does not extend to any other aspects of my responsibilities at Whole Whale. But nevertheless, George, we have a story to kick us off, and we want to talk about a story that&#8217;s kind of been simmering in the background but I think is worth talking about. We also want to disaggregate it from some broader, potentially more toxic political narratives that have spun out of this story, and that is, George, the major social safety fraudulent schemes that have been transpiring in the state of Minnesota. So, federal prosecutors say that about 100 individuals, fewer than about 100 individuals, exploited high-trust pandemic and social service programs, such as funding for childhood day care programs, and stole more than $1 billion across food aid, housing assistance, and all sorts of other initiatives. So, think like pandemic-era fraud, but apply it to other social services. The programs were designed for speed and not scrutiny here, right? So, these funds were often front-loaded to organizations. Oversight came after payments were issued, and agencies struggled to respond to red flags during the early 2020s. George, it&#8217;s worth noting that we&#8217;ve actually talked about some of the fraud within this overall bucket in Minnesota as prosecutors began prosecuting criminally folks at certain food charity organizations, and we&#8217;ve been talking about some of those instances as long ago as 2022 and 2023, right? Yeah, Feeding Our Future is what you&#8217;re referring to. I think $250 million in COVID misappropriation, and they had since been called out and adjudicated. Exactly, exactly, George. So, this problem is kind of compounded by the fact that this is still kind of ongoing in a way, and perhaps hasn&#8217;t gotten the national attention it deserves, and George, certain conservative YouTubers and- Yeah, Nick Shirley, like a kid in like actually a sweatshirt. You&#8217;re wearing a sweatshirt. It&#8217;s like a kid in a sweatshirt in his like 20s who is, yeah, so conservative-leaning journalist, semi-quotes. I put a finer point on that later. This video now racking up millions of views, and on one level, I&#8217;d encourage you to watch it just to understand this style of shift in media of what&#8217;s happening. Like walks around like place to place to place where money was technically given, listed from the public Minnesota site, and said, I am here at this daycare center, and it says misspelled learning on the top of the thing and shows that they&#8217;re getting millions of dollars each year, and there&#8217;s just no children around. And his work has been fact-checked since, and in his like sort of cluster of daycare centers that he was focused on and some healthcare centers, it turned out that like about 10%, maybe less, were actually in operation. He just went during an off time because guess what? Daycare happens after school hours, but on the whole, he was frankly spot on in calling out these individual actions and situations of fraud that were pretty blatant if you just sort of like stood there, and you&#8217;re like a kid in a sweatshirt and a YouTube camera, and like an iPhone. Yeah, George, I think that&#8217;s a good point, and I just want to contextualize, right? This has been a major story on the right in particular, particularly on platforms like Twitter over the past week. I think Elon Musk has tweeted about it and so forth, right? But George, this is not necessarily new, right? This pattern is not unique to Minnesota. We&#8217;ve seen this before. We use the term asymmetric fraud. There&#8217;s a few bad actors who are able to exploit larger systems. We saw that with the PPP loans in general across the United States, massive amounts of fraud, very little of which ever was or ever will be prosecuted. The FTX scandal, the Bernie Madoff scandal, and you see a lot of this in emergency aid contexts, right? When you dump lots of money at a problem, maybe rightfully, right, there&#8217;s going to be inefficiencies and potentially dramatic inefficiencies and or misuse of funds in those situations. And George, in my coursework, write a lot about Haiti, right? And just the absolute kind of blatant mismanagement of funds in the various humanitarian contexts in Haiti, particularly after the 2020 earthquake, you had thousands of NGOs descended on the country. You had billions of dollars in official development assistance going to the country. And what is there to show for it? Not much, right? International aid is different from social services in Minnesota. Principled, though, George is the same. And the political fallout of this is going to be pretty immense. Governor Tim Walz announced that he&#8217;s not going to run for another term, which is a big deal. And George, federal agencies are now freezing funds to Minnesota. They&#8217;re suspending childhood daycare funding for the state. And George, you bring in to the conversation this concept of kind of understanding the blast radius of this. George, how do you think about how a small volume of actors, bad actors, can create ripple effects that have blast radiuses that are larger than they may be intended to be or should be? What are you thinking about here? Yeah. This is a sort of a soft fallacy, but the blast radius fallacy effectively is misjudging the scope of potential damage to blast radius from a single point of failure. What we, and you just mentioned, is asymmetric fraud. The actual blast, the actual grenade that went off is actually of less than 100 people so far. Those 100 bad actors have been sort of found and are being prosecuted, and the number will grow, but it&#8217;s not going to grow from 100 to 100,000. In terms of the way that this journalist quotes, Nick Shirley approached it was to really sort of paint it as Somali&#8217;s perpetrating this. He was in Somali communities. He did find that. But again, the number of actors is small, yet the penalty, the blast radius, the number of people that will be penalized for this is going to be closer to 100,000. That&#8217;s what happens when there is this sort of overreaction and attack on an entire culture for the actions of a few people, 100 people, 100,000 community strong Somalis-ish in Minnesota. I&#8217;m also looking at, to be honest, the failure of oversight, which is very, very real here, because the truth is if you leave a bank door open and you leave it open long enough, one person will not just take some, but all, or as much money as possible. We see this in financial crimes constantly. How much do they take? As much as they could. So to that end, compassion without controls is ruinous. Compassion without controls is ruinous. These policies that don&#8217;t have oversight end up hurting the community because it doesn&#8217;t direct funds to where they should go. And in the end, you end up with situations like this, which is this community now that is going to be descended upon by these other me-too shitty journalists with cameras running around. And by the way, this, Nick Shirley, the way that when you watch it, you actually have to subtly realize that he&#8217;s walking around with a security detail that looks a lot like ICE. And so he was also scaring the shit out of people. And so yes, I had mentioned when I&#8217;m looking at the CBS follow-up reports of how many of those were actually like actual, actual fraud. In that handful of cases, there are daycares and people that are now going to, are in unsafe situations because there&#8217;s so many of these follow-on wannabes that are going to be doing this type of thing to smaller communities and other communities like this and social service programs. And that&#8217;s especially not all right when children are involved and the safety of children at scale. So I think where he succeeded was actually bringing attention to fraud, money that wasn&#8217;t finding its way to helping children, helping this community. Where he fails is when he&#8217;s talking about the also judge, jury, and execution of things, also the fear tactics, present the facts. It would have been a stronger video in some senses and work if he had not brought the blatant agenda in there and the like, we should put elected officials in prison. Like, why aren&#8217;t we putting Tim Walz in prison? You&#8217;re like, that&#8217;s not for you, fella. That&#8217;s not the journalist&#8217;s job to decide. And also you should be doing a touch more research of like, hey, are we showing up at this place during hours when children are coming in and out? Are we like showing up with security detail that looks like ICE agents and then saying like, why did you do this fraud? As opposed to like, hey, we stake this place out. Like, nobody came. Here&#8217;s the numbers. We talked to him, couldn&#8217;t get it. Like, here are the facts. That&#8217;s more journalism. This is more rage baiting of something that like people saying like, why wasn&#8217;t the news covering this? Like the New York Times on November freaking 30th had a in-depth article about billions of fraud going on potentially through healthcare, through all of these other things. Like, issue is out there. Yeah. George, I think to take us out for a second and place this more within the macro environment, this is another risk factor for nonprofits. Last year, listeners will remember we saw executive orders targeting nonprofits and philanthropy associated with terrorism. You know, pretty much any organization that funds, you know, left leaning groups in America might count under that definition. We&#8217;ve seen the weaponization of the government and agency and investigations over nonprofits. And this opens up additional avenues for that. This is going to obviously invite a ton of scrutiny, right? It could potentially have a chilling effect. You know, I know for one, I wouldn&#8217;t, you know, be about to open a nonprofit in Minnesota, right? Like there&#8217;s downstream consequences of this when you place it within the larger environment. And I think we need to be kind of aware of the stakes when we talk about fraud. And George, I have to be honest with you. The IRS does not do a great job of investigating nonprofit fraud. There are a lot of shitty nonprofits that are doing shitty things with, you know, staff of like one or two. And it turns out it&#8217;s like a conglomeration of kind of like shell nonprofits that lead back to some marketing company that like, you know, telefund raises millions of dollars from there&#8217;s there&#8217;s a lot of deception that just goes completely unregulated by the IRS. And that is a problem. However, we&#8217;re talking about it in terms of social securities fraud, social program fraud, the risk factor for the sector as a whole is immense. So let&#8217;s be vigilant. And hopefully, we have good lawyers on our side. As we move into this new year, which George, Happy New Year. I don&#8217;t think I said that. So I&#8217;ll just say it then. You really buried that Happy New Year. Yes. Happy New Year to you, Nick. What else? What else do we have? Yeah, George. So we have the story from Engadget. And this story is about the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, CZI. And just a quick story, George, but the organization has completely severed financial and governance ties with an immigration nonprofit that they were intimately involved with for many years. So in 2025, CZI provided for the first time since 2013, zero funding to the organization forward.us, immigration advocacy and placement organization. Senior leadership also resigned from the group&#8217;s board. CZI cites a strategic focus saying it&#8217;s winding down social advocacy programs, funding to concentrate on science, education and other investments. But George, I think this is yet example number 47 of certain aspects of philanthropy pulling back from potentially divisive social justice oriented programs. Of course, this is hardly surprising for the leader of one of America&#8217;s largest tech companies, but the writing&#8217;s on the wall, right? And just kind of another example worth shouting out. Yeah, you wonder as the political wind changes that, you know, this should essentially be called the meta foundation. It is much more about the perception, I feel like, of what the company needs it to be to fall in line with the administration rather than what a focused philanthropy that holds and maintains a steady goal over a long period of time because hard things take a long time of steady focus rather than like, sticking your finger up in the air being like, Oh, I guess the wind is going southwest today. Cool. Let&#8217;s do that. That&#8217;s not how you do, you know, longitudinal impact. Yeah, I agree, George. All right, George, this is a follow up, quick follow up, and a major one, I suppose. I&#8217;m reading this from KGNU.org, local news, but George, at least 74 Colorado based nonprofits have been affected by collapse in fundraising by the company Flip Cause. We have talked about Flip Cause before. Essentially, they accepted donations on behalf of nonprofits, even though apparently now they&#8217;re completely insolvent because they just filed for bankruptcy, George. So we knew about these nonprofits that had organized this kind of lawsuit. They had a cease and desist from the Attorney General of California. But George, we have new numbers now. And apparently, the company owes more than 3,000 nonprofits a sum of over $29 million. And because the organization has collapsed, it&#8217;s very likely none of that money will make its way to organizations. Or if they do, you know, what if they&#8217;re ever just scrape up? I don&#8217;t know. But George, Flip Cause, completely insolvent, they have no more cash, completely bankrupt. I imagine, George, that the severity of this means that we&#8217;re not looking just at bankruptcy, we&#8217;re looking at potentially more legal, potentially criminal ramifications here. But this is just devastating, George. And this is the kind of BS that I think you and I have a laser eye focus on in a sector that kind of gets away with too much Wild West when it comes to fundraising. Yeah. And, you know, I&#8217;ve been posting this and seeing people be like, well, how are we supposed to decide when there&#8217;s so many of these platforms out here being like, oh, we don&#8217;t take any fees or use this like, and like everyone is sort of jockeying for that, like, hey, use us. And then the lock-in is pretty tremendous. But the thing that kills me here is that in some of the filings, and I&#8217;m looking at the State of California Department, Oakland Voice is reporting as well that this $29 million owed to over 3,200 nonprofits, you know, in standard bankruptcies, they&#8217;ll do a liquidation of assets, right? And then they&#8217;ll pay out the debtor, the people that are owed money, right? The filing details coming from this chapter 11 essentially lists approximately 30 million in liabilities against 20 million in assets, right? So you&#8217;re like, oh, well, maybe it&#8217;s not everything. However, in those assets, they assume that 15 million of those assets value is the company&#8217;s website and web platform. Okay, so there goes 15. And then the company reportedly only had $70,000 in a bank account at the time of filing. I just like, let it sit in that like, this isn&#8217;t a, ah, well, we know we can&#8217;t make ends meet. This is something if you have $70,000 in your bank account, and you&#8217;re, oh, you&#8217;re owing people $29 million. You think about what happened quarter after quarter after quarter of like, well, wait a minute. How, you know, how can we be processing this and not paying it out? And I will say a different way, like this is called pass-through accounting, right? And so when, when Whole Whale, right? Like we manage millions of dollars in ads, and sometimes it&#8217;s pass-through. We have a separate freaking account. That money goes into that account. We don&#8217;t run payroll off of it. We don&#8217;t pay bills against it. It sits there. And every quarter we adjust and we put it in there and like, hey, here&#8217;s the account. Here&#8217;s our asset liabilities. This is the money we can&#8217;t freaking touch because if I touch it, right? And I can&#8217;t pay it back. That&#8217;s called fraud. This is called standard accounting. What do you, what do you take away from this? Right? What do you take away is, is one thing that I&#8217;ve seen. And I, regardless of the platform that you push for, we are friends with many, we watch many, we call out some. And one thing that I seem to really find is that the smartest thing for whatever platform you&#8217;re doing is to own your own Stripe portal and login. Such that the money actually, you&#8217;re paying the company for right. The fundraising company for the technology, the, the AB testing, the cool whiz bang database, fine, all that great. But you, at the end of the day, that credit card payment and that credit card connection is in an account you own inside of Stripe or Braintree or whatever solution. And that goes to your account. Like you don&#8217;t need them to hold that money for you. You should be routing it to something that you own. Here&#8217;s the other reason why, because last year we also talked about the way that if you have reoccurring donors in a system like that, they all go away because you don&#8217;t have that credit card ID, that transfer, that, that whatever crypt, cryptographic connection to the ability to process those all get lost. All of those reoccurring donors get lost if you switch and you don&#8217;t on your Stripe. So this is a painful lesson of make sure you own your payment portal. Yeah. And George, one thing quickly before we wrap up for today is that they had 70K cash on hand. That means they were barely able to make payroll, let alone operate. They&#8217;ve been running this thing into the ground for a while. If you see something, say something. If you think that your, your, your donation platform is about to go under, get out of there. You know, I think the writing was probably on the wall for a while here. And you know, it sucks for those organizations, but yeah, just be vigilant. Yeah. And one of the, the alarm bells should be if, if there, if there are so much as a minute late and the processing of payments and transferring a minute late, you must, you switch that to urgent. You switch that to urgent. And even if you are hearing this and you&#8217;re like, wait a minute, do we own our own straight portal? Like you&#8217;re listening, like that&#8217;s a good task. That&#8217;s a good, this is a good time of year to do a little housekeeping. And be like, Hmm, that&#8217;s an interesting question. Yeah, no, 100% George. All right. Welcome back. Right. George, I got a joke for you. Oh, that&#8217;s nice. I can use one of those. It&#8217;s, it&#8217;s, it&#8217;s among the worst ones ever. It&#8217;s neither funny nor clever, but here we go. George, why did the nonprofit print its annual report on see-through paper? I think I know the answer is because they wanted it to be transparent. They did. Transparency, baby. Transparency. There you go. Oh man. All right, Nick. Till next time. All right. See you out there. Thanks George. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Social Services Fraud In Minnesota: How A Few Bad Actors Foment Collective Punishment (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In the latest episode of the Whole Whale Podcast, hosts George and Nick reflect on the transformative themes that shaped the nonprofit sector in 2025. With a focus on AI&#8217;s impact, they explore how answer engine optimization (AEO) has redefined nonprofit discovery and engagement. AI&#8217;s rapid adoption has led to decreased organic traffic for nonprofits, necessitating strategic pivots in content and donor engagement. George highlights a significant increase in AI-generated content, with Whole Whale producing nearly a million words daily. This shift underscores the need for nonprofits to establish internal AI policies and balance AI use with human oversight to maintain ethical standards and foster innovation. Nick introduces the &#8220;crawl, walk, run&#8221; framework, guiding nonprofits in adopting AI responsibly. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining human expertise and authority in an AI-saturated world, urging organizations to focus on quality over quantity in content creation. The episode also revisits key rants from 2025, including Microsoft&#8217;s controversial changes to its nonprofit grant program and GoFundMe&#8217;s unauthorized creation of shadow donation pages for nonprofits. These challenges highlight the importance of maintaining autonomy and control over nonprofit branding and fundraising. Looking ahead to 2026, George and Nick advise nonprofits to prioritize strategic use of AI, leveraging high-quality intelligence tokens to amplify impact while avoiding the pitfalls of AI-generated &#8220;slop.&#8221; They stress the importance of creating original, authoritative content that reflects an organization&#8217;s mission and expertise. As they close the episode, George and Nick express optimism for 2026, anticipating renewed energy and opportunities for nonprofits amidst upcoming midterms and sector transformations. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post 2025 in Review: Navigating AI Shifts and Nonprofit Challenges (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into the latest developments in the nonprofit sector, focusing on the aftermath of Giving Tuesday, challenges with donation platforms, and exciting AI opportunities for nonprofits. Key Topics: Giving Tuesday Overview: The hosts reflect on the impact and outcomes of the recent Giving Tuesday, with hopes that it reached the predicted $4 million mark to kickstart the fundraising season for nonprofits. Donation Platform Concerns: A significant issue discussed is the case of Flip Cause, a donation platform that inadvertently kept &#8220;shadow campaign pages&#8221; live, leading to a $500,000 loss in donation revenue. The California State Attorney General issued a cease and desist order after nonprofits reported these discrepancies. This incident underscores the risks associated with outdated or unauthorized donation pages, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to regularly audit and verify their donation processes and data integrity. AI for Nonprofits: Anthropic&#8217;s announcement of Claude for Nonprofits offers a 75% discount on AI access, aiming to enhance nonprofit operations with AI tools for grant writing, engagement, and program evaluation. The hosts compare this offering to Google&#8217;s AI tools, discussing pricing and the importance of choosing the right AI tools to maximize impact while ensuring data privacy. Mr. Beast and Rockefeller Foundation Collaboration: The partnership between YouTuber Mr. Beast and the Rockefeller Foundation aims to engage young people in philanthropy by combining storytelling with data-driven philanthropy. The discussion highlights the potential impact and pitfalls of influencer-led philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of ethical storytelling and the need to avoid reinforcing negative narratives about aid recipients. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Navigating Donation Platform Risks and AI Opportunities (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

*****UPDATE: After we recorded this episode, GoFundMe announced they would reverse their stance on auto-generated nonprofit donation pages made without their consent making them opt-in instead of opt-out. Unclaimed Nonprofit Pages, they wrote in a public response, would be removed and de-indexed.*****   In this episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, digital strategist at Whole Whale, dive into a startling discovery involving GoFundMe&#8217;s creation of 1.4 million shadow donation pages for US nonprofits. Without outreach or consent, GoFundMe auto-generated these pages, raising significant concerns within the nonprofit community. Discovery of Shadow Pages: The hosts note how they discovered that many nonprofits, including Whole Whale clients, had active GoFundMe pages soliciting donations without their knowledge or consent. Potential Ramifications: The hosts discuss the implications of GoFundMe using nonprofit logos and public information without permission. The platform also initially set a default tip for itself at 16.5%, which has since been reduced following public backlash. Impact on Nonprofits: The episode emphasizes the risk to nonprofit brand management, especially with the upcoming end-of-year giving season. Nonprofits now face the challenge of ensuring their brand integrity and donor relationships are not compromised. Recommendations for Nonprofits: George and Nick outline a &#8220;claim, clean, and correct&#8221; strategy. They advise nonprofits to claim their GoFundMe pages, correct any inaccuracies, and make the pages private to protect their brand and donor data. Broader Implications: The conversation extends to the potential impact on AI systems that rely on indexed information from such pages, affecting how nonprofits are represented in digital spaces. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post DEVELOPING: GoFundMe Backtracks After Backlash to Millions of Auto-Generated Nonprofit Donation Pages (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this week&#8217;s episode the hosts delve into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and its implications for the nonprofit sector. The shutdown, now extending over half a month, poses significant challenges for nonprofits that rely on government partnerships. With 750,000 federal workers furloughed, nonprofits face operational hurdles, particularly in grant management and accessing social services like SNAP benefits. The shutdown&#8217;s ripple effects could increase demand for nonprofit services as more workers remain unpaid and public services remain halted. In brighter news, a consortium of ten major philanthropic foundations has announced a $500 million initiative, Humanity Forward, to explore AI&#8217;s societal impacts. This collaborative effort includes the Doris Duke Foundation, Ford Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation, among others. The initiative aims to investigate AI&#8217;s influence on democracy, economy, culture, and education, with funds being distributed as early as fall 2025. The episode highlights the importance of nonprofits actively engaging with AI to drive innovation rather than being passive participants. The hosts also introduce a fun, albeit tongue-in-cheek, mini-game created by Whole Whale. The game serves as a metaphor for the challenges nonprofits face in fundraising, emphasizing innovative content strategies to engage audiences beyond traditional written articles. This interactive approach underscores the potential for nonprofits to leverage AI and technology in new ways. For nonprofits navigating these uncertain times, the episode underscores the importance of strategic planning and adapting to technological advancements. The discussion encourages nonprofits to explore AI&#8217;s potential and consider how these tools can enhance their mission-driven work. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Government Shutdown’s Impact on Nonprofits & A $500M AI Initiative (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Nonprofit Sector Faces Challenges Amid Government Shutdown and Advocacy Efforts In this week&#8217;s episode the focus is on the implications of the U.S. government shutdown and recent advocacy efforts within the nonprofit sector. The episode tackles two primary topics: the immediate impacts of the government shutdown on nonprofits and a coalition&#8217;s response to political challenges against the Open Society Foundations. Government Shutdown Impact on Nonprofits The episode begins with a discussion on the current government shutdown, the first since 2018. George and Nick outline the immediate consequences, such as non-essential federal employees facing furloughs and potential delays in grant disbursements. This could lead nonprofits to seek high-cost loans, cut services, or reduce staff if the shutdown persists. Organizations like food banks and those relying on government contracts are particularly vulnerable. The hosts suggest nonprofits explore temporary lines of credit to manage cash flow during this period. Advocacy Against Political Retaliation The episode also highlights a broad coalition of nonprofits, including the ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund, condemning political retaliation against the Open Society Foundations. The coalition argues against the Department of Justice&#8217;s investigation, viewing it as a threat to free speech and democratic values. The hosts emphasize the importance of advocacy and coalition building in protecting civil society from political interference. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post SHUTDOWN. How The Closure of the U.S. Government Will Impact Nonprofits. (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Emmy&#8217;s Gamification of Charity: A Hit or Miss? In a recent podcast episode, the hosts dissect the unconventional charity initiative at the Emmy Awards, where host Nate Bargatze pledged $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The twist: the donation amount would decrease based on the length of celebrity speeches, while shorter speeches would add to the fund. Despite the initial $100,000 dropping by $60,000 due to long speeches, Bargatze and CBS ultimately donated $350,000. The hosts debated the merits of this gamified approach to philanthropy. Critics argue it cheapens the serious work of nonprofits and aligns charity with guilt and shame. Conversely, supporters highlight the significant funds raised and the increased visibility for the Boys and Girls Clubs, as evidenced by a spike in Google searches. They argue that such creative fundraising efforts engage the public and inject fun into philanthropy. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post DEBATE! 📽️ 🎬 🎞️ Emmys Charitable Donation Stunt Raises Money, And Eyebrows (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Nonprofit Sector Sees Positive Trends and AI Empowerment Amidst Challenges In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed the duo delve into the latest updates and insights impacting the nonprofit world. Nonprofit Wellness Index Sees Positive Shift The episode kicks off with an encouraging update on the Nonprofit Wellness Index, which has reported its best month since inception. This index, tracking metrics like donation activity, ad spend, and job sector churn, showed a significant rebound from previous months, with notable increases in nonprofit job postings on platforms like Glassdoor and a rise in ad spending on Facebook. While some of this growth might be seasonal, the data suggests a positive trend for the sector, potentially signaling a more stable period ahead. Google for Nonprofits Expands AI Capabilities A major highlight is Google&#8217;s expansion of its Nonprofits Workspace, now offering AI credits to organizations in the program. This includes access to powerful tools like Google Sheets, Gemini Notebook, and other AI-driven resources, providing nonprofits with high-value, cost-effective solutions. George emphasizes the importance of leveraging these free resources before investing in third-party tools, likening their value to the underutilized Google Ad Grant. Legal and Governance Challenges with ESG The conversation shifts to the complex landscape of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies, spotlighting a lawsuit by Texas against corporations implementing ESG practices. This legal pushback, fueled by conservative think tanks, highlights the contentious nature of ESG in corporate governance. Despite criticisms of ESG&#8217;s broad metrics, George underscores the inevitable market forces that will drive sustainable practices, regardless of political opposition. Gender Equity in Nonprofit Leadership The episode also touches on the Candid 2025 Nonprofit Compensation Report, revealing persistent gender disparities in nonprofit leadership. Despite efforts towards DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), women remain underrepresented in CEO roles at large organizations, prompting ongoing discussions about achieving true equity in the sector. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Nonprofit Wellness Index: Nonprofits See Positive Signs (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

AI&#8217;s Impact on Search Behavior and Direct Cash Assistance: Key Insights for Nonprofits In this week&#8217;s episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into the evolving landscape of digital search and the effectiveness of cash assistance programs. They explore how AI-generated summaries on search engines like Google are altering user behavior and the implications for nonprofit content strategies. They also discuss a recent study on cash assistance&#8217;s impact on low-income families and children&#8217;s development. Main Topics Discussed: AI&#8217;s Influence on Search Behavior: A Pew Research Center survey reveals that AI summaries in search results significantly reduce click-through rates. Users are 50% less likely to click on links when AI summaries are present, and browsing sessions tend to end faster. AI summaries are more prevalent in long-tail search queries, especially those starting with question words like &#8220;who,&#8221; &#8220;what,&#8221; &#8220;when,&#8221; &#8220;where,&#8221; &#8220;why.&#8221; The discussion highlights the need for nonprofits to adapt their content strategies, focusing on brand presence and conversion optimization as traditional traffic metrics evolve. Effectiveness of Cash Assistance Programs: A New York Times report on a four-year cash assistance pilot shows no measurable improvement in children&#8217;s development among low-income families receiving $333 monthly. Researchers suggest factors like the pandemic and small payment size might have influenced results. The findings spark debate on direct cash assistance&#8217;s effectiveness, with George emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems beyond financial aid. AI for Nonprofits Book Release: George shares excitement about contributing to &#8220;AI for Nonprofits,&#8221; a comprehensive guide featuring insights from 57 experts on leveraging AI across nonprofit operations, fundraising, and marketing. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post 🚨 The Future of Search Is Here, And It’s Skipping Your Website! 💻 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this week&#8217;s episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed the focus is on the environmental impacts of AI data centers. This conversation is sparked by a New York Times article highlighting the plight of a family in Georgia affected by a nearby Meta data center. The discussion evolves into a broader debate on the ecological footprint of AI technologies and how nonprofits can navigate these concerns. Main Topics and Insights: AI Data Centers and Environmental Concerns: The episode delves into the environmental impact of AI data centers, which require significant water and energy resources. For instance, a new Amazon data center in Indiana demands 2.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power a million homes. The hosts discuss the story of Beverly and Jeff Morris, whose well water quality deteriorated following the construction of a Meta data center near their home, illustrating the localized environmental strain caused by such facilities. Debate on AI&#8217;s Environmental Footprint: George and Nick engage in a debate, weighing the environmental costs against the technological advancements AI brings. George argues for a balanced view, noting that all technological innovations initially consume significant resources but become more efficient over time. Nick emphasizes the real and immediate impact on local communities, advocating for more responsible and sustainable practices by tech companies. Nonprofit Sector Considerations: The episode provides insights for nonprofits on communicating these complex issues to their audiences. It encourages a nuanced approach, recognizing the potential benefits of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and impact, while also advocating for sustainable practices in tech development. Additional Highlights: OpenAI&#8217;s $50 Million Nonprofit Fund: The episode briefly touches on OpenAI&#8217;s initiative to support community organizations, focusing on leveraging AI for education, economic opportunities, and community organizing. IRS Changes on Political Activity for Religious Institutions: A new IRS ruling allows religious 501(c)(3) organizations to endorse political candidates, raising concerns about potential loopholes in campaign finance laws. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post DEBATE: New Data Centers Fueled By AI Race Already Causing Environmental Justice Concerns (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Navigating AI and Nonprofit Challenges: Insights from Whole Whale In this episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed the focus is on the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for nonprofit organizations. With a special emphasis on the intersection of technology and nonprofit operations, this episode dives into the rising challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Skyrocketing Bot Traffic and Server Strain: Nonprofits, especially those with extensive digital resources, are experiencing increased server costs due to AI-driven bot traffic. This surge is attributed to AI companies aggressively crawling websites, leading to higher hosting expenses and potential performance issues for human users. Nonprofits like libraries, cultural institutions, and research organizations are particularly affected. Mitigating Bot Traffic: Strategies to manage this include analyzing server logs beyond standard analytics to identify non-human traffic and implementing regional and type-specific bot blocking. Tools like CloudFlare are introducing measures to help manage crawler access, including a pay-per-crawl system to offset costs. AI Avatars in Humanitarian Contexts: The episode discusses a controversial UN experiment using AI avatars to simulate refugees, sparking debates about empathy, representation, and the ethical use of AI in sensitive humanitarian contexts. The conversation highlights concerns about AI&#8217;s role in potentially distancing aid efforts from the real experiences of affected individuals. Grok AI Model&#8217;s Controversy: The episode touches on the recent issues with X AI&#8217;s Grok model, which exhibited problematic behavior with minimal prompting, leading to its temporary deactivation. This incident underscores the importance of thorough testing and red-teaming to prevent AI tools from spreading harmful content. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post 🚨 Our Shocking Discovery: Everything Nonprofits Need To Know About AI & Server Costs (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, George and Nick delve into the critical issue of donor data ownership within donation platforms. They reveal that for 25% of platforms, nonprofits cannot seamlessly migrate recurring donors, potentially severing relationships with monthly contributors. George emphasizes the importance of understanding donor payment tokens and the impact of being locked into platforms without data portability. The episode also touches on the philanthropic landscape, highlighting Warren Buffett&#8217;s record $6 billion donation to various foundations and the ongoing influence of billionaire philanthropy. This brings into focus the necessity of smart, long-term philanthropic planning to avoid potential pitfalls of sudden funding withdrawals. Moreover, the conversation shifts to the legislative sphere, discussing the ramifications of the &#8220;big, beautiful bill&#8221; that threatens significant cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, impacting millions of Americans. The hosts underline the urgency for nonprofits to prepare for increased demand on their services and the potential closures of rural hospitals and food banks due to these cuts. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post 🕵️‍♂️ INVESTIGATION: How Donation Platforms “Lock-In” Nonprofits By Making Migrating Monthly Donors Nearly Impossible (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, hosts George and Nick explore the intricacies of recent mass mobilizations and the challenges facing nonprofits.  The podcast focuses on the recent &#8220;No Kings&#8221; protests, a massive mobilization across all 50 states with participation from an estimated 5 to 7 million people. Nick shares his firsthand experience at the New York protest, emphasizing the diverse and passionate turnout despite the rain. The event&#8217;s success hinged on strategic digital organizing through platforms like Mobilize Us and support from major organizations such as the ACLU and Indivisible. A key takeaway is the power of peaceful protest and the impressive organization behind such large-scale events, including a comprehensive 17-page guide for rally hosts. The discussion transitions to the broader theme of attacks on civil society, both domestically and globally. An article from Lawfare highlights how authoritarian regimes worldwide, including those in Nicaragua, Turkey, Hungary, and Russia, are suppressing civil society under the guise of national security. This pattern is mirrored in the U.S., where political rhetoric is increasingly used to justify crackdowns on nonprofits and civil liberties. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post NO KINGS Protests Draw Millions In Major Civil Society Action (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

This week on the Nonprofit Newsfeed by Whole Whale, George and Nick delve into the ramifications of the GOP&#8217;s newly proposed tax bill and its potential impact on the nonprofit sector. As the bill progresses from the House to the Senate, nonprofits face several looming challenges. These include the &#8220;foundation tax bomb,&#8221; which proposes a tiered excise tax on foundation assets that could drastically reduce grant-making capacities, and a disincentive for major donors, which might discourage wealthy contributions. Smaller nonprofits are particularly at risk due to a proposed 1% minimum giving threshold that could eliminate tax incentives for small businesses. This, coupled with increased taxes on nonprofit payrolls, paints a grim picture for nonprofit funding and operations. In a shift from fiscal policies, the episode also critiques the College Board for allegedly straying from its nonprofit mission. Originally aimed at democratizing college access, the College Board is now criticized for operating like a corporation, heavily lobbying to maintain its monopoly over standardized testing. This raises broader questions about mission drift in nonprofits. On a brighter note, the episode concludes with a feel-good story about the successful reintroduction of otters in New Mexico&#8217;s Rio Grande, thanks to a partnership between the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the nonprofit Amigos Bravos. This effort highlights the positive impact of public-nonprofit collaborations on local ecosystems. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Understanding The “Big Beautiful Bill’s” Nonprofit Provisions (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed from Whole Whale, hosts Nick and George focus on significant shifts in nonprofit tech strategy and community recognition initiatives. Main Topics: Microsoft&#8217;s Software Grant Changes: Microsoft announced the end of its decade-long grant program providing free Microsoft 365 business premium accounts and Office 365 E1 licenses to around 400,000 nonprofits. This change, effective for renewals on or after July 1, 2025, will require nonprofits to transition to paid licenses with only two months&#8217; notice. The financial impact is notable, especially for smaller organizations with minimal revenue, where the cost could represent 1-2% of their operating expenses. George and Nick discuss the broader implications, including the risks of dependency on single tech solutions and the potential stifling of open-source development. Whole Whale&#8217;s Foundation Study: Whole Whale released its 2020-2024 foundation study, analyzing 1,600 US foundations with over $25 million in revenue. The study offers insights into grant distribution, advertising, and promotion expenses, highlighting sectors like arts, education, and legal aid as lower recipients of funding. The study is a valuable resource for nonprofits to understand funding landscapes and strategize accordingly. Legislative Updates: Recent developments in the GOP&#8217;s &#8220;one big beautiful bill&#8221; indicate the removal of a controversial provision that threatened nonprofit tax-exempt statuses. This provision allowed for revocation without due process and had raised significant concerns within the nonprofit sector. Advocacy efforts from organizations like the ACLU and the Council for Nonprofits were instrumental in this outcome, though vigilance remains necessary as the bill progresses. United Way&#8217;s Courage Project: The United Way launched a $5 million initiative to honor community heroes through grants of up to $50,000. Initial recipients include teachers who defended students against ICE agents and organizations supporting immigrants. This project underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting grassroots efforts that uphold community values and justice. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Microsoft Pulls Free, Donated Software Licenses To Nonprofits 📊💰 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Gates Foundation&#8217;s Bold Plan and Legislative Challenges for Nonprofits In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, George and Nick dive into significant developments affecting the nonprofit sector. The discussion kicks off with Bill Gates&#8217; groundbreaking announcement regarding the Gates Foundation, the largest American foundation by asset volume. Gates revealed plans to dissolve the foundation by December 2045, aiming to spend down its entire endowment of over $200 billion. The foundation will focus on three key goals: reducing preventable maternal and childhood deaths, eradicating deadly infectious diseases, and alleviating poverty. This decision is driven by cuts in U.S. foreign aid and the pressing need for immediate action in health and human development. Gates&#8217; approach reflects a shift in philanthropy, emphasizing immediate impact over legacy preservation, reminiscent of Mackenzie Scott&#8217;s philanthropic strategy. This move is seen as both radical and necessary, aligning with the current urgency in addressing global challenges. The episode also covers legislative developments that could impact nonprofits. A provision in the House budget bill, dubbed the &#8220;One Big Beautiful Bill,&#8221; could grant the executive branch broad powers to revoke 501(c)(3) status from nonprofits without due process. This echoes past legislative attempts and raises concerns about potential executive overreach, particularly targeting organizations involved in immigration, gender rights, and other contentious areas. Additionally, the bill proposes taxing investment income from large endowments, affecting major foundations and universities. While intended to address equity issues, critics argue it could harm philanthropic efforts by redirecting funds away from charitable work. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Taxes & Bill(s) & Foundations, oh my! (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Nonprofit News Podcast Recap: The Threat to 501(c)(3) Status and Social Media Strategies In this week&#8217;s episode of Nonprofit News Feed, hosts George and Nick delve into critical topics affecting the nonprofit sector. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the potential repercussions for nonprofits if they lose their 501(c)(3) status—a concern highlighted by recent political maneuvers and threats to organizations like Harvard and Wikipedia. They discuss the dire consequences of such a status loss, including becoming taxable entities, losing tax-deductible donation incentives, and facing new tax obligations. The conversation shifts to the concerning control of social media narratives by influential figures, specifically Elon Musk&#8217;s manipulation of Twitter&#8217;s algorithm (now X). The hosts unpack how this affects nonprofits&#8217; strategies on social platforms, emphasizing the need for organizations to reconsider their engagement and content strategies in light of these changes. Additionally, the episode addresses the alarming $400 million funding cut from AmeriCorps, impacting over a thousand organizations and thousands of volunteers. This move threatens the vital volunteer infrastructure supporting disaster relief and community projects across the nation. In a lighter segment, the hosts highlight a successful nonprofit initiative that rescued over 6,000 pounds of food from an NFL draft event, redistributing it to local shelters—a testament to the impact of food recovery programs. Key Takeaways: The potential loss of 501(c)(3) status could devastate nonprofits, affecting their financial viability and operational capabilities. Nonprofits must navigate social media platforms carefully, especially under the influence of unpredictable leadership like Elon Musk. Significant cuts to AmeriCorps funding underscore the precarious state of volunteer-driven initiatives. Positive initiatives in food recovery demonstrate the sector&#8217;s ability to address food insecurity creatively. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post What Happens When A 501(c)3 Loses Their Status? 🧐 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

The Corporate Capture of Carbon Footprints: A Nonprofit Perspective In the latest episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, hosted by George and Nick from Whole Whale, the discussion takes a thought-provoking turn towards the concept of &#8220;corporate capture&#8221; and the real origins of the term &#8220;carbon footprint.&#8221; This episode delves into how corporations, particularly British Petroleum (BP), have strategically shifted the focus of environmental responsibility onto consumers. George Weiner reveals that the term &#8220;carbon footprint&#8221; was not coined by environmental activists but was part of a $200 million PR campaign by BP in the early 2000s. This revelation highlights the concept of &#8220;guilt washing,&#8221; a tactic that deflects systemic environmental issues onto individuals, thus masking the broader corporate responsibility for climate change. Key Insights and Reflections: Corporate Influence on Environmental Narratives: The episode uncovers how major corporations have historically influenced environmental discussions to avoid regulatory scrutiny, using terms like &#8220;carbon footprint&#8221; to redirect blame. The Role of Individual vs. Systemic Change: George emphasizes the importance of understanding the systemic causes of environmental degradation, suggesting that while individual actions matter, they are not the sole solution. Pope Francis&#8217; Environmental Advocacy: The episode also pays tribute to the late Pope Francis, recognizing his significant contributions to environmental advocacy. Additional Stories: Revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge: The Ice Bucket Challenge has made a comeback, this time raising awareness for mental health issues through the #SpeakYourMind campaign by University of South Carolina students. Generational Shifts in Charitable Giving: A recent Associated Press poll reveals a potential &#8220;generosity crisis&#8221; with younger Americans giving less to charity, raising questions about cultural shifts in philanthropy. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post The Carbon Footprint: How Big Oil Reframed And Blamed Climate Change on the Consumer (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this week&#8217;s episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed by Whole Whale, George and Nick dive into an engaging discussion packed with insights for nonprofit enthusiasts.  AI in Fundraising: The conversation shifts to an intriguing experiment reported by TechCrunch, where Sage Future, backed by Open Philanthropy, tasked AI models with fundraising for charity. These AI agents, with human oversight, raised $270 for Helen Keller International by engaging in tasks like setting up social media accounts and creating promotional content. While AI&#8217;s role in automating communication is acknowledged, the hosts caution against over-reliance due to potential brand risks, especially for sensitive issues. Environmental Advocacy: The episode touches on the historical narrative of leaded gasoline and its eventual phase-out in 2021, highlighting the critical role of governmental oversight in protecting public health. The hosts use this story to emphasize the importance of maintaining robust environmental regulations. USDA Grant Freeze Impact: A pressing issue discussed is the USDA&#8217;s grant freeze, which has left nonprofits like Pasa Sustainable Agriculture in financial turmoil. With $3 million in unpaid reimbursements, the organization had to furlough most of its staff, underscoring the dire consequences of such funding disruptions on local communities and farms. Community-Driven Violence Prevention: The Circle of Brotherhood&#8217;s innovative efforts in Miami&#8217;s Liberty City are celebrated for their community-based approach to violence prevention. By providing unarmed, de-escalative security services, the organization works alongside local youth centers to foster a safer environment, demonstrating the power of community engagement over traditional security methods. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post AI Fundraising Agent Experiments Hint At Potential Glimpse Into Future of Fundraising 🪄 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Navigating Nonprofit Challenges: Political Pressures, Greenwashing, and AI Innovations In the latest episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed by Whole Whale, hosts George and Nick delve into pressing issues affecting the nonprofit sector, from political pressures to environmental challenges and technological advancements. Key Topics and Insights: Political Attacks on Nonprofits: The episode highlights the increasing political pressures faced by nonprofits, particularly those involved in contentious issues like immigration. A recent New York Times story is cited, where Judge James Boasberg&#8217;s daughter, involved with a nonprofit, faced online harassment due to her work. The hosts emphasize how nonprofits are becoming targets in broader political battles, drawing parallels to the Red Scare era&#8217;s tactics of guilt by association. The Reality of Plastic Recycling: George Weiner discusses the misleading narrative around plastic recycling in the U.S., pointing out that less than 9% of plastic is actually recycled. He traces the history back to industry-funded campaigns that shifted responsibility onto consumers, labeling it as &#8220;greenwashing.&#8221; This segment calls for nonprofits to focus on root causes rather than downstream solutions. AI in Nonprofit Management: The episode explores how AI is being integrated into nonprofit operations, particularly with Ministry Brands&#8217; adoption of AI for automating tasks in faith-based organizations. The discussion highlights the potential of AI to enhance efficiency while also considering the challenges it poses to traditional practices. Feel-Good Story: On a lighter note, the hosts share a story about a New Jersey nonprofit that created a miniature indoor town for children with disabilities. This initiative aims to teach kids about daily life in an accessible and engaging way. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post When The Far-Right Attacked A Judge, The Rule of Law, & A Nonprofit Employee In One Fell Swoop 🚨 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, hosts George and Nick delve into the financial turmoil facing Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the beloved children&#8217;s program, Sesame Street. The organization is grappling with the expiration of its HBO contract, which previously served as a significant revenue stream. This development coincides with broader challenges, including potential funding cuts to PBS and NPR and the impact of reduced U.S. foreign assistance on Sesame Workshop&#8217;s humanitarian programs. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post DOGE BARKS AT BIG BIRD: SESAME’S STRUGGLES & PBS UNDER ATTACK 🐦📺🌈 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Main News Stories Greenpeace Lawsuit Energy Transfer (owners of Dakota Access Pipeline) is suing Greenpeace for $300 million in damages The lawsuit claims Greenpeace orchestrated protests near Standing Rock, which Greenpeace denies Potential damages could reach $800 million with punitive damages, potentially bankrupting Greenpeace USA Greenpeace maintains they only supported an indigenous-led movement (involving over 300 tribal nations) The hosts discuss concerns about this establishing a dangerous precedent for protest liability and potentially chilling environmental activism The case is being heard in a conservative jurisdiction less favorable to activists Nonprofit Consultant Survey Results Fourth annual survey by Nonprofit.ist and Nonprofit Times provides industry benchmarks Average consultant rate: $151.19/hour (median: $126) Highest rates: consultants specializing in AI technology, fundraising, and coaching Higher education correlated with higher rates Urban consultants earn significantly more than rural ones New consultants with significant nonprofit experience tend to charge less despite deep knowledge USDA Cancels Local Food Programs USDA cut two major local food programs worth over $1 billion in funding: $660 million for Local Food for Schools initiative $420 million for Local Food Purchase Assistant program Cuts affect schools and food banks Impacts include increased food costs amid inflation and undermining community food systems -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Greenpeace 🌳 Faces Potential Existential Threat From Lawsuit (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George and Nick discuss recent challenges facing the nonprofit sector under the Trump administration. They examine two major concerns: changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program potentially excluding certain nonprofit employees, and federal agencies removing progressive terminology from government websites. The hosts share insights from a Center for Effective Philanthropy report indicating 90% of nonprofit leaders anticipate negative impacts from the current political climate, with funding uncertainty as their top concern. Despite these challenges, they find a silver lining in the sector&#8217;s evident importance and highlight a feel-good story about Project 150, a Las Vegas nonprofit helping disadvantaged teens attend prom through their annual &#8220;prom closet&#8221; initiative.   -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Trump Admin Attacks Public Service Loan Forgiveness (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode, we focus on declining nonprofit website traffic due to AI search tools. Key points include: Nonprofit website traffic is declining as AI tools like ChatGPT and Google&#8217;s AI overviews reduce the need for users to visit original content sources. Major content creators like HubSpot have lost up to 80% of their traffic due to these changes. We recommend: Adjusting traffic expectations (considering &#8220;break-even&#8221; the new growth) Focusing on conversion rate optimization Creating original research and data that AI can&#8217;t replicate Using Google Search Console to identify which content triggers AI results Additional stories covered: A discussion about nonprofit mergers based on Idealist.org&#8217;s merger with VolunteerMatch.org USAID funding cuts affecting humanitarian aid organizations and their life-saving programs A success story about a Massachusetts movie theater saved by converting to a nonprofit model -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Nonprofits Are Losing Web Traffic. AI Search Is To Blame (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Nonprofit NewsFeed Podcast: Trump Administration Impact &amp; Philanthropy&#8217;s Response Episode Summary In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed Podcast, host Nick Azulay is joined by Whole Whale COO and President Megan Anhalt to discuss the new Trump administration&#8217;s impact on the social impact sector and philanthropy. The conversation covers the federal funding freeze affecting numerous nonprofit organizations, particularly highlighting the stop work order affecting unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings and the devastating fallout from USAID funding cuts. As organizations struggle to fill these gaps, they examine the critical role philanthropy must play during this crisis. The hosts then do a deep dive into the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative&#8217;s (CZI) recent decision to end its social advocacy funding, including work on immigration reform and racial equity, and end its DEI efforts—a move that came shortly after Meta (formerly Facebook) made similar cuts. They analyze this as a case study of how even the most well-resourced philanthropic entities are yielding to political pressure. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Backs Away From DEI & Advocacy Work (News) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Dissolution of USAID and Its Global Impact on Humanitarian Aid In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit News, George Weiner and Nick Azulay from Whole Whale dive into the troubling developments surrounding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As the largest international development humanitarian donor, USAID&#8217;s dissolution and potential absorption into the State Department is raising alarms across the nonprofit sector. The agency, responsible for 40% of global humanitarian funding, has seen mass layoffs and program freezes, affecting thousands of employees and contractors. The ripple effects are profound, with NGOs and international partners facing severe funding gaps. USAID&#8217;s substantial contributions to the United Nations and its affiliates, such as UNICEF and the World Food Program, underscore the stakes involved. Despite criticisms of USAID&#8217;s top-down approach, the abrupt halting of its operations is likened to pulling the rug from under life support systems globally. The discussion highlights the need for transparency and the catastrophic potential of cutting off essential aid without proper transition plans. Key Insights: USAID&#8217;s role as a major funder of global humanitarian efforts is irreplaceable, making its dissolution a potential &#8220;philanthropic disaster.&#8221; The agency accounts for a mere 1% of the U.S. federal budget but is heavily audited, contrary to some criticisms. The sudden program halts could irreversibly damage initiatives combating diseases, famine, and crises worldwide. Calls to Action: Nonprofits and stakeholders must advocate for transparency and continuity in humanitarian aid. Consider the broader implications of policy changes on global aid structures. Follow-Up: The episode also touches on the National Council on Nonprofits&#8217; legal victory against a U.S. executive order affecting funding, demonstrating the power of collective action. A Canadian postal strike serves as a case study for nonprofits on the importance of diversifying fundraising strategies. Closing Thought: The episode underscores the interconnectedness of global aid systems and the need for strategic planning and advocacy to navigate political changes that threaten humanitarian efforts. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Shocking Dissolution of USAID May Cause Irreparable Damage To Global Humanitarianism (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Nonprofit News Feed: Navigating Policy Shifts and New Opportunities This week on Whole Whale&#8217;s Nonprofit News Feed, hosts George Weiner and Nick Azulay delve into the tumultuous changes impacting the nonprofit sector under the current U.S. administration. The episode kicks off with a discussion on the federal funding freeze and two executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and immigration policies. These orders have created a climate of fear and self-censorship among nonprofits, universities, and foundations, particularly those with assets over $500 million. The hosts emphasize the importance of adapting language on websites and communications to continue the essential work of social justice and diversity without drawing federal scrutiny. The conversation shifts to the potential consequences of rescinding protections for undocumented individuals in schools and churches, highlighting the chilling effect on immigrant communities and the nonprofits that support them. Despite these challenges, the hosts express admiration for nonprofit associations like the Council of Nonprofits, which are actively filing lawsuits to protect federal funding and advocating for the sector. In a lighter segment, the podcast explores the rise of a new AI player, DeepSeek, a Chinese startup offering open-source AI models that rival American counterparts at a fraction of the cost. George discusses the implications for the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the biases and privacy concerns associated with using such models. The episode concludes with uplifting news about a partnership between Harvard and the nonprofit Westbridge, aimed at connecting high-achieving, low-income students to top colleges with full financial aid. This initiative is seen as a positive step towards maintaining diversity in higher education following recent Supreme Court decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage with nonprofit associations and explore innovative solutions to continue their impactful work amidst policy changes. The episode wraps up with a feel-good story about the Southern Nevada Off Road Recovery (SNORR) nonprofit, which provides vital search and rescue services, and a classic dad joke to lighten the mood. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Trump Admin Issues Executive Orders With Real Implications For Nonprofits (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler at Whole Whale &#8211; a marketing and analytics agency for nonprofits, is joined by Leo Quintero, VP of Learning and Innovation. Together, they delve into the rare and exciting news of a merger between Volunteer Match and Idealist.org, two titans in the nonprofit sector. This merger promises to consolidate resources and enhance the ability to connect individuals with volunteer opportunities and nonprofit jobs across the globe. Main Highlights: Volunteer Match and Idealist.org Merger: This rare merger in the nonprofit sector aims to combine forces to better serve nonprofits and volunteers. With Volunteer Match&#8217;s expertise in connecting nonprofits with volunteers and Idealist&#8217;s broad reach in nonprofit jobs and internships, the merger is set to be a game-changer in the sector. The merger will maintain both platforms&#8217; existing functionalities while working toward greater integration by 2025. Implications for HR and Volunteers: Leo highlights the potential benefits for HR departments and nonprofits, suggesting that the merger will enhance the quality and reach of volunteer recruitment. The integration of platforms may lead to a richer pool of talent and volunteers, benefiting nonprofits in need of diverse skill sets. Compliance and Campaign Finance: A significant portion of the episode discusses the $300,000 fine levied on the New Georgia Project for campaign finance violations. This segment underscores the importance of compliance in nonprofit operations, especially when involved in lobbying and advocacy. Google Advertising Challenges for Nonprofits: The episode addresses recent changes in Google&#8217;s advertising policies that allow other entities to use nonprofit brand terms in search ads, potentially driving up costs. George advises nonprofits to leverage Google Ad Grants effectively to maintain visibility without overspending. Community Engagement on MLK Day: The episode closes with a feel-good story about Vermont nonprofits honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day through community service and engagement, highlighting the power of community-driven initiatives. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post (news) Idealist.org Merger, Google Ad Problems first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, hosts George Weiner and Nick Azulay delve into critical topics affecting the nonprofit sector, focusing on the response to the LA wildfires, the politicization of fundraising platforms, and innovative governance in nonprofit organizations. LA Wildfires and Nonprofit Mobilization The episode opens with a detailed discussion on the LA wildfires, where thousands of firefighters are battling blazes across 45 square miles, affecting 88,000 residents under evacuation orders. Local nonprofits like K Town for All and Covenant House have stepped up, creating supply chains and providing shelter for those displaced. Airbnb.org also announced emergency housing for over 25,000 people, highlighting the critical role of nonprofit and corporate collaboration in crisis response. George emphasizes the importance of nonprofits having a pre-established networked response plan for such disasters. He urges organizations to prepare coordinated fundraising strategies to capitalize on moments of compassion, ensuring sustained support for long-term recovery efforts. Politicization of Fundraising Platforms The conversation shifts to the controversy surrounding the use of ActBlue in fundraising for wildfire relief, highlighting how political narratives can complicate nonprofit efforts. Critics accused fundraiser organizers of profiting off the fires due to ActBlue&#8217;s association with progressive causes. George and Nick stress the importance of nonprofits being aware of the political implications of their chosen platforms and maintaining transparency to avoid misinterpretation and backlash. Innovative Governance: The Ocean as a Board Member In a unique twist on nonprofit governance, the Scottish Association for Marine Science has named the ocean as a trustee on its board. This move aligns with legal innovations granting personhood to natural entities, aiming to incorporate environmental interests directly into decision-making. George envisions the potential of AI representing non-human stakeholders, offering a futuristic approach to stakeholder inclusion in governance. Mastodon&#8217;s Nonprofit Restructuring The episode also covers Mastodon&#8217;s restructuring to form a new nonprofit organization in Europe, differentiating itself from CEO-controlled networks. This shift towards decentralized control aims to enhance transparency and align with public benefit objectives, setting a precedent for social media platforms. Feel-Good Story: Greening Urban Spaces Concluding on a positive note, the hosts highlight the efforts of Denver-based nonprofit The Park People, which provides affordable trees to low-canopy areas, addressing environmental and socio-economic disparities. This initiative underscores the multifaceted benefits of urban greening, from reducing heat to improving community well-being. Final Thoughts The episode underscores the dynamic challenges and innovations within the nonprofit sector, from crisis response and fundraising complexities to pioneering governance models that prioritize environmental stewardship. Nonprofit leaders are encouraged to prepare for crises, consider the broader implications of their operational choices, and embrace innovative governance practices. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Nonprofit Sector Activates To Respond To L.A. Fires (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Navigating the Nonprofit Landscape in 2025: Tech Challenges and Opportunities In this episode of Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist, dive into the evolving tech landscape and its implications for nonprofits in 2025. As they welcome the new year, the duo highlights key tech stories that could significantly impact the nonprofit sector, focusing on the influence of tech CEOs on political narratives and the role of AI in shaping information dissemination. Key Topics Discussed: Tech Giants and Political Influence: Tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook are actively engaging with the upcoming administration, potentially aligning more with conservative policies. This shift may affect content moderation and misinformation on platforms, which historically frustrates progressive nonprofits. AI as a Knowledge Source: George emphasizes the growing importance of AI in information retrieval, urging nonprofits to adapt their content strategies to remain visible in AI-driven search environments. This shift could redefine how nonprofits convey truth and engage with the public. Platform Changes and Nonprofit Strategy: With Meta&#8217;s shift to a community note-style fact-checking system, concerns rise over misinformation, especially in global contexts where Facebook&#8217;s platform safety is underfunded. Nonprofits in health and immigration sectors are advised to monitor these developments closely. The TikTok Ban Debate: As the Supreme Court deliberates on TikTok&#8217;s future in the U.S., nonprofits are encouraged to diversify their platforms and back up content in anticipation of potential bans. Spotlight on AccessNow: Featured in TechCrunch, AccessNow offers critical digital protection services to human rights defenders, showcasing the vital role nonprofits play in safeguarding digital rights. Humanizing Homelessness: A ProPublica story highlights the personal losses experienced during homeless sweeps, underscoring the need for empathetic policy discussions. Community Support in Winter: In Central Texas, the nonprofit Home is distributing emergency kits and offering shelter rides to support the homeless during extreme cold, exemplifying the sector&#8217;s resilience and community focus. Closing Thoughts: As nonprofits navigate these tech and policy shifts, staying informed and adaptable is crucial. The episode underscores the importance of strategic planning and community engagement in addressing both challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Big Tech Bows To Trump Admin 🙇 : What That Means For Nonprofits & Our Communities (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Exploring the Impact of a Four-Day Workweek on Nonprofits In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, George Weiner and Nick Azulay dive into the potential effects of a four-day workweek on the nonprofit sector. As digital strategists and nonprofit enthusiasts, they explore how this shift, gaining traction in places like Tokyo and parts of Europe, could influence volunteer availability and nonprofit operations. Nick highlights the growing trend towards shorter workweeks, noting that it could alleviate burnout among nonprofit staff, often overworked and underpaid. This change might also lead to an increase in volunteer hours, as people could have more free time to contribute to causes they care about. George adds that advances in AI and digital tools could streamline volunteer coordination, making it easier for nonprofits to manage their resources efficiently. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of a shorter workweek, such as a shift in how productivity is measured—focusing on outcomes rather than hours. This shift could open up new opportunities for nonprofits to fill the &#8220;purpose gap,&#8221; engaging more people in meaningful work beyond traditional employment metrics like GDP. Legislative Update: Nonprofits Face Potential Threats The episode also covers the reintroduction of HR 9495 in the Senate, a bill that could allow the U.S. Treasury to strip nonprofits of their tax-exempt status if deemed to support terrorism. The hosts express concern over the lack of due process in this legislation, which could expose nonprofits to abuse and harassment. With Congress&#8217;s session ending soon, the bill&#8217;s fate remains uncertain, but advocacy efforts continue to highlight its potential dangers. Challenges in Nonprofit Funding Transparency Another topic discussed is the financial struggles of OpenSecrets, a nonprofit dedicated to government transparency and tracking money in politics. Recent layoffs at OpenSecrets reflect a broader trend of dwindling support for transparency-focused organizations, posing a risk to public understanding of political finance. Mackenzie Scott&#8217;s Continued Philanthropic Impact Ending on a positive note, the hosts celebrate Mackenzie Scott&#8217;s recent $65 million donation to Enterprise Community Partners, an affordable housing nonprofit. This gift underscores Scott&#8217;s ongoing commitment to addressing critical societal issues through substantial philanthropic efforts. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post How The Weekend Helped Civic Organizations & Nonprofits (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Navigating New Social Media Frontiers and Celebrating Giving Tuesday Success In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, hosts George Weiner and Nick Azulay delve into the evolving landscape of social media for nonprofits and celebrate a major milestone in charitable giving. The discussion kicks off with an analysis of BlueSky, a burgeoning social media platform touted as a polite alternative to Twitter. Originally a Twitter project, BlueSky has gained traction with approximately 21 million active users. However, George and Nick caution nonprofits about a significant vulnerability in BlueSky&#8217;s API, which allows extensive data access that could pose risks to brand identity and security in the context of AI data usage. Key insights include the importance of treating all social media posts as public and the need for nonprofits to establish clear social media guidelines and conduct AI risk audits to safeguard their brand reputation. The hosts emphasize that while BlueSky offers a promising platform, nonprofits should remain vigilant about data privacy and the potential implications of AI-driven content analysis. Shifting gears, the episode celebrates Giving Tuesday&#8217;s impressive achievement, with donations reaching $3.6 billion, closely matching Whole Whale&#8217;s prediction. This success signals a hopeful trend for increased investment in the nonprofit sector, driven by economic tailwinds and potential shifts in public funding. The episode wraps up with a feel-good story from Metro Detroit, where high school students raised over $146,000 for a children&#8217;s charity through a creative public speaking program. This initiative highlights the impact of youth-led philanthropy and community engagement. Key Takeaways: Explore new social media platforms like BlueSky cautiously, ensuring data privacy and brand protection. Celebrate the continued growth of Giving Tuesday as a key moment in the nonprofit calendar. Encourage youth involvement in charitable activities to foster future nonprofit leaders. Reflection: As the nonprofit sector navigates new digital landscapes and celebrates philanthropic successes, it remains crucial to balance innovation with vigilance, ensuring that missions align with evolving opportunities and challenges. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post The Promise & Pitfalls of Bluesky ☀️⛈️ (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Giving Tuesday and Nonprofit Challenges In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit NewsFeed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Senior Digital Strategy Manager at Whole Whale, dive into the aftermath of Giving Tuesday and the ongoing debate about OpenAI&#8217;s nonprofit origins. Main Topics: Giving Tuesday Predictions and Economic Context: The team discusses their prediction for Giving Tuesday donations, hoping to surpass $3.5 billion, a hopeful 11% increase from 2023&#8217;s $3.1 billion. Despite the lack of immediate data, they highlight positive economic indicators like cooled inflation, high consumer confidence, and strong stock market performance as promising signs for nonprofit fundraising. Elon Musk vs. OpenAI: A Legal Battle Over Nonprofit Integrity: Elon Musk has filed an injunction against OpenAI, challenging its transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit model, which he claims violates its original mission. The conversation touches on the broader implications for tech companies exploiting nonprofit status and the ethical considerations of such transitions. Cautionary Tales in Fundraising: Cleveland&#8217;s Balloon Fest Disaster: The episode revisits the 1986 Balloon Fest by United Way of Greater Cleveland, a well-intentioned fundraiser that turned disastrous, emphasizing the importance of aligning fundraising efforts with an organization&#8217;s mission and relevance rather than spectacle. Critical Insights: Economic Indicators: The current economic climate, with rising consumer spending and a robust stock market, suggests potential growth in charitable giving despite previous stagnation. Nonprofit Integrity: The legal scrutiny of OpenAI&#8217;s nonprofit-to-profit transition raises questions about the ethics of leveraging nonprofit status for financial gain. Fundraising Strategy: The Cleveland Balloon Fest serves as a reminder to prioritize meaningful engagement over attention-grabbing stunts in fundraising efforts. Calls to Action: Nonprofits should assess their fundraising strategies to ensure alignment with their mission and relevance to their audience. Stakeholders in the nonprofit sector need to remain vigilant about the ethical implications of organizational transitions and funding models. Closing Thought: The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of authenticity and integrity in the nonprofit sector, especially in times of economic uncertainty and rapid technological evolution. As the landscape of philanthropy continues to shift, organizations must adapt while staying true to their core values and mission. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post What We Were Watching This GivingTuesday (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Navigating Nonprofit Growth Amidst Political Shifts: Insights from Whole Whale In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler at Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Senior Strategy Manager, dive into the evolving landscape of the nonprofit sector. They discuss how historical trends might mirror the potential growth and challenges nonprofits face in light of political shifts and economic changes. Key Topics and Insights: Historical Context and Future Predictions: George Weiner draws parallels between the nonprofit boom of the 1980s and the anticipated growth in the 2020s, driven by government restructuring, workforce transformation through AI, and a significant wealth transfer. The conversation highlights the importance of nonprofits adapting to potential reductions in government social services and leveraging increased funding opportunities. Legislative Concerns: A critical discussion centers around the controversial bill HR 9495, which could allow the Department of Treasury to unilaterally revoke nonprofit status by labeling organizations as terrorist-supporting. This has sparked widespread opposition from major nonprofit coalitions due to concerns over executive overreach and lack of due process. Volunteerism Rebound: Encouraging news from AmeriCorps reveals a significant rebound in formal volunteering rates post-pandemic, with 75.7 million Americans participating in 2023, contributing nearly 5 billion hours of service. Philanthropic Movements: Mackenzie Scott&#8217;s recent donation of Amazon shares signals another major round of charitable giving, emphasizing the importance of nonprofits telling compelling stories to attract such transformative funding. Community Impact and Seasonal Giving: The episode closes with a heartwarming story from Valley Santa in Pennsylvania, which is gearing up to provide Christmas gifts to thousands of children in need, showcasing the spirit of giving during the holiday season. Call to Action: Nonprofits are encouraged to prepare for upcoming changes by strengthening their storytelling, engaging with digital tools, and actively participating in advocacy efforts against potentially harmful legislation. Reflection: This episode underscores the resilience and adaptability required of nonprofits in navigating political and economic landscapes. It highlights the potential for growth and the critical role of strategic planning and community engagement in sustaining impact. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post What Does The Election Mean For Nonprofits? Engaging Different Perspectives… (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Nonprofit Sector Faces Legislative and Financial Challenges Amid Innovative Solutions In this episode of Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist, delve into pressing issues and inspiring initiatives in the nonprofit sector. They begin with the failed U.S. House bill H.R. 9495, which sought to give the Treasury Department unilateral power to revoke nonprofits&#8217; 501(c)3 status if deemed to support terrorism. Although the bill was defeated, the discussion highlights concerns over due process and the potential for abuse, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting nonprofit rights. Next, the duo explores a Los Angeles Times story about nonprofits facing financial strains due to the city&#8217;s mansion tax. Two organizations, the Motion Picture and Television Fund and Los Angeles Jewish Health, incurred significant taxes despite their missions aligning with affordable housing goals. This situation underscores the complexities of nonprofit tax laws and the need for legislative reform to prevent financial burdens that hinder mission-driven work. Shifting focus to solutions, the hosts discuss Bloomberg&#8217;s report on Acumen&#8217;s ambitious $1.5 billion investment in agricultural technology startups across developing nations. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and improve yields for small-scale farmers, marking a significant shift from traditional aid models to sustainable, systems-based approaches. Finally, a feel-good story from CBS News highlights &#8220;Adventures in Training with a Purpose,&#8221; a nonprofit offering wellness services to veterans and first responders. Founded by former Pittsburgh Steelers player John Kalb, this organization provides comprehensive support to improve mental and physical health, celebrating its impact with a fundraising event featuring Steelers legends. Critical Insights: The defeat of H.R. 9495 demonstrates the power of civil society in protecting nonprofit rights, but ongoing vigilance is necessary. Legislative gaps, like those seen in the LA mansion tax, can impose unintended financial burdens on nonprofits, highlighting the need for reform. Acumen&#8217;s investment exemplifies a strategic shift towards sustainable development in agriculture, addressing significant funding gaps in climate resilience. Call to Action: Nonprofit professionals and advocates are encouraged to stay informed about legislative developments and support initiatives that drive systemic change. Engaging in policy discussions and advocating for reform can help protect and empower the sector. Closing Thought: As challenges persist, the nonprofit sector&#8217;s resilience and innovation continue to shine. By fostering collaboration and leveraging strategic investments, the sector can navigate obstacles and create lasting impact. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post 📜 U.S. Congress Fast-Tracked (Now Failed) Bill To Strip Nonprofits of Their Status Without Due Process (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Leveraging Holidays for Nonprofit Fundraising: Insights and Strategies In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist, delve into innovative fundraising strategies for nonprofits, focusing on leveraging holidays to boost donations. As the holiday season approaches, they highlight the potential of using cultural events like Halloween and upcoming festivities such as Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday to engage donors and drive fundraising efforts. They cite examples like Trick or Treat for UNICEF and initiatives by organizations such as Operation Shoebox and Ronald McDonald House, which have successfully intertwined fundraising with holiday traditions. Key Insights: Holiday Fundraising Success: Historical campaigns like Trick or Treat for UNICEF have raised over $100 million by tapping into holiday traditions, demonstrating the effectiveness of aligning nonprofit activities with cultural events. Strategic Planning: Nonprofits are encouraged to plan ahead using resources like Whole Whale’s Causewriter AI to brainstorm and develop campaigns that integrate seamlessly with various holidays, making it easier to ride existing cultural waves rather than creating new ones. Navigating Rising Costs Amid Revenue Declines The episode also addresses the financial challenges nonprofits face due to rising benefit costs. George shares insights from an analysis of 33,000 organizations, revealing a 12.7% annual increase in employee benefit expenses, posing significant financial strain as revenue streams decline. This discussion highlights the urgent need for strategic financial planning and potential policy interventions to alleviate cost pressures on nonprofits. Blood Donation System: A Nonprofit Model An interview with Kurt Bailey, CEO of Bloodworks Northwest, offers a deep dive into the nonprofit-led blood supply system in the U.S. Bailey explains how the decentralized model, reliant on voluntary donations, provides essential flexibility and redundancy. The conversation underscores the critical role of nonprofits in maintaining a stable blood supply and the unique challenges they face in targeting younger donors. Feel-Good Initiatives and Creative Fundraising Ideas The podcast wraps up with feel-good stories like a Halloween costume 5K event supporting justice nonprofits and creative ideas for engaging communities in fundraising activities. They emphasize the importance of tapping into existing cultural moments, such as marathons and community events, to enhance nonprofit visibility and support. Reflective Thought: As nonprofits navigate financial challenges and look for innovative fundraising strategies, leveraging cultural events and holidays presents a powerful opportunity to connect with donors and communities. By aligning their missions with existing traditions, nonprofits can amplify their impact and ensure sustainability in uncertain times. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post Halloween Recap: How To Make The Most Of Holidays For Nonprofits 🧛 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Exploring &#8216;Extractive Empathy&#8217; and the Dynamics of Nonprofit Fundraising In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, hosts George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist at Whole Whale, dive into the intricacies of nonprofit news with a focus on the concept of &#8220;extractive empathy.&#8221; The episode begins with a discussion on the palpable anticipation in the social impact space surrounding upcoming elections, which could influence strategic planning and decision-making. A key highlight of the episode is the introduction of &#8220;extractive empathy,&#8221; a term coined by Whole Whale to describe the use of emotionally charged personal narratives to drive donations on crowdfunding platforms. This approach, while effective in generating immediate financial support, often overlooks long-term community needs and sustainable solutions. The conversation references a study showing that individuals with higher incomes raise more funds due to expansive social networks, emphasizing the imbalance in crowdfunding dynamics. The hosts critique this approach by pointing out how platforms like GoFundMe prioritize individual stories over systemic change, which can exacerbate inequities. They suggest strategies to mitigate these issues, such as implementing an &#8220;overflow&#8221; system where excess funds beyond a set goal are directed to designated charities. In the latter part of the episode, George and Nick discuss a new report on U.S. charitable giving trends, highlighting an increase in donations from both individuals and institutions. However, they note that a small percentage of donors account for a significant portion of total donations, underscoring the growing influence of high-net-worth individuals in philanthropy. The episode wraps up with a feel-good story about an Austin-based nonprofit providing free English lessons to Afghan refugee women, showcasing grassroots efforts to support displaced communities. Despite the heavy topics, the hosts inject humor and encourage listeners to engage with these critical discussions. Key Takeaways: &#8220;Extractive empathy&#8221; highlights the challenges of relying on emotional narratives for fundraising, which can divert attention from systemic solutions. The increasing role of wealthy donors in philanthropy necessitates tailored strategies to engage high-net-worth individuals effectively. Grassroots initiatives, like language classes for refugees, play a vital role in community support and integration. Reflective Thought: As the nonprofit sector navigates these complex dynamics, it&#8217;s crucial to balance immediate fundraising needs with long-term, equitable solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post “Extractive Empathy” & The Hidden Costs of Donation-Based Crowdfunding Platforms 🤫 (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

In this week&#8217;s episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed by Whole Whale, hosts George Weiner, Chief Whaler, and Nick Azulay, Senior Digital Strategy Manager, delve into significant developments affecting the nonprofit sector. They kick off with an enticing offer from Whole Whale University, providing a substantial discount on their end-of-year course bundle, aimed at empowering nonprofit professionals with essential digital insights and strategies. WordPress vs. WP Engine: A Tech Showdown The episode’s main story unpacks the escalating tension between WordPress and WP Engine, a hosting service provider. The conflict, rooted in trademark disputes and accusations of unfair profit-making, has led to public legal threats and internal turmoil within WordPress. With WordPress powering over 43% of global websites, including many in the nonprofit sector, this drama has significant implications. George and Nick discuss how these tensions might affect nonprofits, especially those using WP Engine, and emphasize the importance of understanding the tech landscape that supports nonprofit operations. Veblen Giving: A New Perspective on Philanthropy George introduces the concept of &#8220;Veblen Giving,&#8221; a term he coined to describe donations made primarily for social prestige. This type of giving is becoming more prevalent as fewer individuals account for the majority of charitable donations. The hosts discuss the implications of this trend, highlighting the need for nonprofits to tailor their communication strategies to engage high-net-worth donors effectively. George&#8217;s innovative approach to redefining philanthropy in the context of AI and SEO strategies is also explored, illustrating how nonprofits can adapt to the evolving digital landscape. Addressing Homelessness: Contrasting Approaches The episode also covers contrasting strategies to tackle homelessness in San Francisco. The city&#8217;s aggressive homeless encampment sweeps, part of a broader revitalization plan, have faced criticism for lacking long-term solutions. In contrast, the nonprofit GLIDE advocates for a more compassionate approach, focusing on relationship-building and sustainable transitions to permanent housing. This segment highlights the critical role of nonprofits in addressing complex social issues through innovative and empathetic strategies. Feel-Good Story: Broadway&#8217;s Philanthropic Impact Closing on a positive note, the hosts celebrate the philanthropic efforts of Broadway, particularly the musical &#8220;Hell&#8217;s Kitchen,&#8221; which has donated over $1 million to Alicia Keys’ Keep a Child Alive organization. This gesture continues Broadway&#8217;s long-standing tradition of charitable giving, as exemplified by the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS initiative, which has raised over $300 million since 1988. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post 💻😳 Fallout Continues Between WordPress & For-Profit Competitor (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.