Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast WholeWhale.com

This episode is also available as  video on our channel  youtube.com/wholewhale 
In this episode of the Whole Whale Podcast, host George Weiner sits down with Seth Godin, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of GoodBids.org, to discuss how nonprofits can innovate their fundraising strategies and engage donors more effectively.
Seth introduces the concept of positive auctions, a new approach to fundraising where every bid is a non-refundable donation, creating a gap between the winning bid and the total amount raised for the charity. GoodBids.org, Seth's latest venture, is a platform that facilitates these positive auctions, incorporating game dynamics to encourage participation and virality.
Throughout the conversation, Seth emphasizes the importance of empathy in marketing and the need for nonprofits to offer donors a sense of belonging and satisfaction. He suggests that nonprofits should focus on creating tension and providing unique, desirable auction items that generate excitement and conversation to attract new audiences.
Seth also shares his insights on collaborating with influencers and involving them in the brainstorming process to create more successful fundraising campaigns. He stresses the significance of nonprofits stepping out of their comfort zones and taking risks to solve interesting problems and make a lasting impact.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of AI on various industries and the importance of embracing it as a teammate rather than a competitor. Seth encourages nonprofits to use AI tools to enhance their work and stay ahead of the curve.
This thought-provoking episode is a must-listen for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to revolutionize their fundraising strategies and make a genuine difference in their communities.
Key points:

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

 
 

📌 This week on the Nonprofit News Feed: Join George Weiner, Chief Whaler at Whole Whale, and Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist, as they dive into the latest developments affecting the nonprofit sector.
🔹 Special Guest: Get insights from Seth Godin on raising over $70,000 through positive auctions with GoodBids.org. 🔹 AI Advancements: Discover the implications of OpenAI's GPT-4.0 and Google's new AI-driven search overviews for nonprofits. 🔹 Fundraising & Tech: Learn about Whole Whale's latest rollout of GPT-4.0 for Omni and Gemini image generation with DALL-E 3. 🔹 Google Ad Grant Cohort: Hear about the clever foundation that secured 10 seats for their grantees and the upcoming hands-on learning session. 🔹 Policy Alert: Understand the potential impacts of House Republicans attempting to cut funding for LGBTQ nonprofits. 🔹 Fraud Prevention: Minnesota Attorney General shuts down 17 sham nonprofits defrauding the federal child nutrition program. 🔹 Feel-Good Story: Celebrate the success of Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Build in Charlotte, NC, providing a home for veterans George and Karen.
Transcript:
This week on the nonprofit news feed. Well, my name is George Weiner. I'm the chief whaler of Whole Whale. And we have Nick Azulay, the digital strategist at Whole Whale. We're excited. You know, we bring you nonprofit news, of course, but we also want to start talking a little bit about what's going on at Whole Whale.
I'm excited because this week we are also dropping our interview with Seth Godin and His work with good bids. org and how they just in their pilot raised over 70, 000 with positive auctions, all of that to come on this feed on our YouTube channel. Also had a busy week last week because we rolled out GPT 4 0 0 for Omni across all cause writer customers.
And also rolled out the Gemini image generation alongside DALI three. So we're always pushing the newest and best models to give access to the folks in our cause writer AI. Also, it was pretty funny. There was somebody who reached out for our Google ad grant cohort, a very clever foundation that bought up 10 seats of the ad grant cohort for their grantees and, you know, snapped up all of the early birds.
Very, very smart play by them for our Google ad grant cohort hands on learning coming in July. We have seven seats available as of this recording and you know, they are certainly valuable and going quick and hopefully we can help everyone interested in joining that hands on Google ad grant cohort.
All right, Nick. About Whole Whale, what about the news? George, this is a big one. And I think that, you know, we're not on just a, any tech podcast, right? We care about nonprofits and tech and digital, but I think last week's announcement, announcements are too important not to talk about because they will have major implications for nonprofits.
So last week, both. Open AI and Google and then later Microsoft made various announcements about AI offerings. So open AI released its new GPT 4. 0 model. That was the big announcement from them. The big announcement from Google, at least from our perspective is the rollout of search overviews.
You heard us mentioning just last week on the podcast that SGE was coming, search generated experience. Lo and behold, 48 hours later, it was here. So users across the continent of the United States are now seeing AI generated results on their search engine result pages, or SERPs, for a multitude of searches.
We write, as we talk about now we don't yet know whether this is reflected in Google search console. We don't know really what the implications will be or have dedicated data to prove how this is impacting search at large. But of course there are pretty major implications, NGOs that rely on organic traffic to drive their mission.
So those are the two big announcements. George, there's so much to unpack here, and I think we should I think listeners would really enjoy hearing our thoughts about OpenA

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

Google's March 2024 Core Update:
Impact on Nonprofits: George and Nick discuss how the recent Google core update has led to a substantial decline in organic traffic for many nonprofits, including a 40% drop in some cases at Whole Whale. This update prioritizes content quality and credibility over links, which could disadvantage smaller nonprofits.
Search Generated Experience (SGE): The anticipated rollout of Google's SGE will prioritize AI-generated answers over traditional search results, potentially reducing visibility and engagement for nonprofit websites.


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


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


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


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

Critical Insights:
Google's Update: Nonprofits must closely monitor their organic traffic and adapt their SEO strategies to maintain visibility. Regular traffic reports and proactive adjustments are essential.
Philanthropic Shifts: Changes in leadership at major foundations like the Gates Foundation can have wide-reaching effects on funding and strategic priorities.
Grant Opportunities: Nonprofits should explore tech-centric grants like AWS Imagine Grants to innovate and modernize their operations.
Call to Action:
Nonprofits should review their organic traffic metrics and SEO strategies in light of Google's core update.
Explore grant opportunities and consider applying for AWS Imagine Grants to boost tech infrastructure.
Recognize and celebrate local nonprofit leaders through community awards and initiatives.

**Embracing the Seasons of Change: A Fresh Perspective on Nonprofit Growth with Michael Randel**
In an enlightening episode of our nonprofit-focused podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Randel, the visionary founder and director of Randel Consulting Associates. Michael, a distinguished member of the nonprofit ISD network, shared his innovative framework known as the "Seasons of Change," offering a fresh lens through which nonprofits can view growth and development. 
**Seasons of Growth: A Gardener's Approach to Nonprofit Expansion**
Michael introduced a compelling metaphor likening nonprofit growth to the cyclical process of gardening. This approach breaks down into three key phases: Preparing, Cultivating, and Harvesting. Each stage demands specific actions and considerations, mirroring the thoughtful stewardship of a gardener tending to their land with an eye towards both present vitality and future sustainability. 
**Preparing Phase: Setting the Stage for Growth**In the preparing phase, organizations are encouraged to assess their current resources and readiness for expansion, much like a gardener evaluates their land before planting. This involves identifying and addressing potential obstacles and ensuring the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place.
**Cultivating Phase: Nurturing Development**During cultivation, the focus shifts to actively supporting and nurturing growth. This means not only expanding services and outreach but also strengthening internal processes, staff capabilities, and organizational culture to sustain increased scale and complexity.
**Harvesting Phase: Reaping and Reflecting on Success**The final phase emphasizes consolidating gains and integrating new developments into the organization's ongoing operations. It's a time for reflection, celebration of achievements, and strategic planning for the next cycle of growth.
**Challenges and Insights: Beyond Quick Fixes in Fundraising**Michael critically addressed the common pitfalls of rapid expansion, particularly the dangers of scaling up too quickly in response to sudden influxes of funding, such as those from generous donors like Mackenzie Scott. He stressed the importance of holistic growth that enhances the quality and comprehensiveness of services, rather than merely expanding for expansion's sake.
**A Call to Action: Embracing a Holistic View of Growth**The conversation with Michael Randel serves as a call to action for nonprofit leaders to adopt a more nuanced and strategic approach to growth. By embracing the "Seasons of Change" framework, organizations can ensure they are not only expanding their reach but also deepening their impact and securing their sustainability for the future.
**Conclusion: Nurturing Sustainable Growth in the Nonprofit Sector**Michael Randel's insights into the "Seasons of Change" offer invaluable guidance for nonprofits navigating the complexities of growth and development. By adopting a gardener's mindset, organizations can cultivate a thriving future that honors their mission and serves their communities effectively.
 

🌟 Episode Highlight: Adapting to Google's Algorithm Updates and the Power of AI in Nonprofit Marketing
In the most recent episode of Whole Whale's nonprofit news feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler, alongside digital strategist Nick Pazerle, embarked on a comprehensive discussion beginning with the pressing challenges presented by Google's recent core updates. These updates, particularly those in October 2023 and March 2024, have significantly impacted organic traffic, leading to a 40% drop for Whole Whale. The key takeaway? Google's shift towards prioritizing content that offers genuine value, pushing nonprofits to rethink content creation strategies in the AI era.
🔍 Deep Dive into Deepfakes: A Call for Nonprofit Vigilance
The conversation took a critical turn towards the alarming rise of deepfake technology. A highlighted incident involved a Maryland high school principal falsely accused through deepfake audio, illustrating the urgent need for nonprofits to educate and protect their communities against the misuse of AI. This segment underscores the importance of media literacy and the role of nonprofits in fostering a discerning and informed public.
🐎 Highlighting Horse Racing's Dark Side: A Nonprofit's Crusade
The episode also shone a light on Horse Racing Wrongs, a nonprofit advocating against the cruel realities of horse racing. With a focus on the protest at the 150th Kentucky Derby, the discussion emphasized the ethical considerations and the push for more humane practices within the sport, reflecting on the broader implications for animal rights and welfare.
💡 Google's Bold Move: Addressing Homelessness with Direct Financial Support
An innovative approach to tackling homelessness and poverty in the San Francisco Bay Area was also a topic of discussion, courtesy of Google.org's All Ads Up program. This initiative, which provides up to $1,000 a month to homeless families, is a part of a larger $4.5 billion commitment to improve housing availability. The program's potential to offer a fresh perspective on universal basic income and its impact on housing stability, income, and mental health was highlighted.
🏃 A Feel-Good Finale: The Office-Themed 5K Race for Community Improvement
The episode wrapped up on a lighter note with the story of an Office-themed 5K race in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Organized by the nonprofit Valley in Motion, the event not only celebrated the beloved TV show but also brought together over 1,500 participants globally to support local community improvements, showcasing the power of creativity and community in nonprofit initiatives.

**Whole Whale Podcast Episode: Innovations, Advocacy, and the Future of Nonprofit Strategy**
In this enlightening episode of the Whole Whale Podcast, George Weiner, alongside digital strategist Nick Azoulay, unravels a series of compelling updates and discussions that span the gamut of nonprofit innovation, legal advocacy, and strategic insights aimed at navigating the dynamic landscape of the nonprofit sector.
**Whole Whale's Google Ad Grant Cohort Announcement**George Weiner kicks off the episode with exciting news about Whole Whale's Google Ad Grant Cohort. Despite initial hesitance due to a busy schedule, the overwhelming interest from nonprofits has led to the program's return this summer, starting July 17th. Limited to 25 organizations, with priority given to internal clients, this initiative has been pivotal in advancing nonprofits' capabilities in managing the $10,000 a month Google Ad Grant. The cohort is designed to significantly boost participants' proficiency in digital advertising, akin to training them as members of the Whole Whale ads team.
**Supreme Court's Examination of Homelessness Criminalization**The conversation shifts to a critical legal development as the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) scrutinizes the criminalization of homelessness, spotlighting a contentious case from Grants Pass, Oregon. This case challenges anti-camping laws under the Eighth Amendment, questioning the constitutionality of penalizing the unsheltered when no adequate shelter options are available. Activists and major advocacy organizations argue that such laws exacerbate the homelessness crisis, urging for more humane and inclusive solutions. This discussion underscores the complex, systemic issues surrounding homelessness, with George and Nick expressing deep concerns over the punitive approach and its implications.
**FCC Restores Net Neutrality**The episode then delves into the FCC's landmark decision to restore net neutrality, a move that has sparked debate across political and business spectrums. This reinstatement ensures that broadband providers are classified as common carriers, promoting a free and open internet. While some critics fear it may hinder innovation and increase regulatory burdens, George and Nick highlight the broad support for net neutrality among nonprofits and advocacy groups, emphasizing its importance for equitable access to information and digital rights.
**M&R Benchmarks for 2024**George and Nick analyze the latest M&R Benchmarks report, revealing trends in nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Key findings include a slight decline in online revenue, a significant increase in monthly giving, and the continued dominance of desktop devices for larger donations despite the prevalence of mobile traffic. The data presents a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities, with a notable shift towards increased advertising investments, particularly in radio spending. This segment offers valuable insights for nonprofits looking to refine their marketing and fundraising strategies.
**The Pitch: A Philanthropic Spin on Shark Tank**Ending on a high note, the episode highlights "The Pitch," an innovative event hosted by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in North Texas. This philanthropic twist on Shark Tank sees five local nonprofit startups competing for $275,000 in funding, presenting their solutions to community issues before celebrity judges and a live audience. George and Nick applaud this creative approach to fundraising and awareness, recognizing its potential to foster community engagement and spotlight the impactful work of nonprofits.
In closing, the episode not only informs but also inspires, urging nonprofits to embrace innovation, advocate for justice, and strategically navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. With a blend of humor and heartfelt discussion, George and Nick provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments affecting the nonprofit sector.