Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast

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Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast Podcast

We interview leading experts working in the field of technology and marketing that are working on using tech for social impact. the podcast explores what tech is working to create impact, and how data is being used effectively within elite organizations. Past guests have included Google Analytics Chief Evangelist Avinash Kaushik, and digital experts from DoSomething.org, Kiva, The Environmental Defense Fund, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donor’s Choose and many others.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Internet History Hinges On One Nonprofit 🌐🏛️ (news)

    Nonprofit News Roundup: Internet Archive's Legal Battle, AmeriCorps Grants, and Addressing Child Malnutrition Hosted by George Weiner and Nick Azulay of Whole Whale Key Topics Covered: Internet Archive's Legal Challenges: Discussion: The critical role of the Internet Archive in preserving web history and its recent legal challenges concerning copyright infringement. Key Insight: The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled against the Internet Archive in a case involving book digitization, raising concerns about the future of digital preservation.   AmeriCorps Grant Competition: Announcement: AmeriCorps has opened applications for the 2025 State and National Grants Competition. Eligibility: Open to nonprofits, colleges, local governments, and other organizations. Focus Areas: Civic bridge building, climate resiliency, and youth mental health. Deadline: January 23, 2025, at 5 PM Child Malnutrition and Mortality: Source: Our World in Data. Statistic: Nearly half of all child deaths worldwide are linked to malnutrition. Progress: Child deaths due to malnutrition have decreased from 6.6 million in the 1990s to 2.4 million today. Insight: Malnutrition exacerbates other health vulnerabilities, making it a critical area for intervention. Feel-Good Story: Nonprofit Highlight: Face the Fight. Mission: Provides skincare routines and mental health support for cancer patients. Impact: Helps patients feel better about their appearance, potentially improving health outcomes and boosting confidence. Reflective Thought: The Internet Archive's legal struggles highlight the delicate balance between copyright protection and the preservation of digital history. As nonprofits, understanding these dynamics is crucial for safeguarding our collective digital heritage. Call to Action: AmeriCorps Applicants: If your organization aligns with the focus areas, consider applying for the grant competition. Support: Visit https://911day.org/ to participate in a day of service and remembrance. Closing Reflection: Every nonprofit, regardless of size or scope, contributes to a larger narrative of service and impact. Whether it's preserving digital history, supporting community service, or addressing global health issues, each effort underscores the power of collective action.

    19 min

  2. AUG 26

    YOU are not the hero - Your Donor is | Interview with Dr. JJ Peterson StoryBrand

    This week's podcast features an enlightening conversation with Dr. JJ Peterson, head of StoryBrand  ( mystorybrand.com )  and co-host of the Marketing Made Simple podcast. Dr. Peterson shares his expertise on how nonprofits can leverage the StoryBrand framework to clarify their messaging and engage donors more effectively. With a background in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, he offers unique insights into the differences and similarities in their marketing strategies. Key Topics and Guests: Guest: Dr. JJ Peterson, head of StoryBrand, adjunct professor at the Owen School of Business at Vanderbilt, and co-host of the Marketing Made Simple podcast. Main Topics: The StoryBrand framework and its application to nonprofit marketing. The importance of viewing donors as customers. Strategies for creating compelling narratives that engage donors and drive action. The significance of clear, concise messaging in reducing donor fatigue and increasing engagement. Effective email marketing and donor follow-up strategies. Critical Insights and Quotes: StoryBrand Framework: Dr. Peterson outlines the seven elements of a compelling story: character, problem, guide, plan, call to action, success, and failure. "Nonprofits need to position their donors as the heroes of the story," he emphasizes. Donor Engagement: "When people get to be a part of transformational work, their lives are better because of it," says Dr. Peterson, highlighting the importance of inviting donors into the narrative. Email Marketing: Dr. Peterson advises nonprofits to use nurture emails to stay connected with donors throughout the year, providing value without always asking for donations. "You want to be there, top of mind, when they are ready to give," he explains. Overcoming Objections: Addressing potential donor objections head-on can build trust and transparency. "Acknowledge the objection and then explain how you address it," he suggests. Calls to Action: For Nonprofits: Visit mystorybrand.com to create a brand script that will help clarify your nonprofit’s messaging. For Listeners: Subscribe to the Marketing Made Simple podcast for more valuable insights on marketing strategies. Closing Thought: Dr. Peterson's insights remind us that effective storytelling is not about making the nonprofit the hero but about empowering donors and stakeholders to see themselves as vital participants in the mission. By simplifying and clarifying their message, nonprofits can better engage their audience and inspire action.

    54 min

  3. AUG 21

    New Nonprofit Compensation Report 💻 & The Politics of Homelessness 🏡 (news)

    Nonprofit News Feed: Highlights from Whole Well Main Topics: Candid’s 2024 Nonprofit Compensation Report California’s Homelessness Crisis AI Adoption in Nonprofit News Organizations Minnesota’s Backpack Giveaway and Child Tax Credit The 15 out of 10 Foundation for Dogs with Special Needs 1. Candid's 2024 Nonprofit Compensation Report: Candid has released its 2024 Nonprofit Compensation Report, marking the 24th edition. Based on IRS data from 130,000 organizations, the report reveals key findings: Median CEO compensation increased in 2022. A persistent gender pay gap exists, especially in larger organizations. Science and technology research institutes offer the highest median executive pay. The Northeast leads in median executive compensation. Women are well-represented as CEOs in smaller nonprofits but underrepresented in larger ones, with less than 30% of CEO positions at large nonprofits held by women. Critical Insight: The data underscores ongoing gender equity issues in nonprofit executive compensation, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to bridge the pay gap. 2. California's Homelessness Crisis: California is grappling with a pressing homelessness crisis, with cities and state government employing various strategies. Permanent supportive housing developments are emerging as potential solutions but face challenges such as high costs, long construction times, and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) opposition. Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach includes clearing encampments and temporary housing options. Tensions exist between immediate measures to clear streets and long-term housing solutions. Critical Insight: Homelessness requires a multi-stakeholder approach with both immediate and long-term solutions. Political cycles often prioritize short-term visibility over sustainable impact. 3. AI Adoption in Nonprofit News Organizations: A recent survey indicates that about a third of nonprofit news organizations currently use AI, with expectations for growth to over half within a year. AI applications include: Personalized fundraising efforts Content translation Data analysis for investigations Enhancing audience engagement Streamlining administrative tasks Critical Insight: Journalists are incorporating AI responsibly, maintaining rigorous standards while leveraging technology to increase efficiency and reach. 4. Minnesota’s Backpack Giveaway and Child Tax Credit: A nonprofit in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, distributed over 3,000 backpacks to help parents with school supplies. Minnesota also offers tax relief programs, including the K-12 education subtraction and credit, which complement the state's child tax credit, providing significant financial relief to families. Critical Insight: State policies supporting nonprofit efforts can significantly ease financial burdens for families, showcasing a model for combining nonprofit initiatives with effective public policy. 5. The 15 out of 10 Foundation for Dogs with Special Needs: Matt Nelson transformed his viral social media presence into the 15 out of 10 Foundation, raising over $3 million to cover medical costs for hundreds of dogs with special needs and placing them in foster care or adoptive homes. Critical Insight: This initiative highlights the potential for social media-driven fundraising to support broader causes, ensuring equitable distribution of resources beyond single cases. Closing Thought: These stories collectively underscore the importance of data-driven insights, compassionate policy implementation, and innovative technology adoption in addressing complex issues within the nonprofit sector. As nonprofit professionals, staying informed and leveraging these insights can drive impactful change.

    18 min

  4. AUG 14

    Musk Sues Nonprofit Out of Existence; Tech NPOs Loose Steam (news)

    Episode Overview: In this episode, George and Nick dive into critical nonprofit news, including Elon Musk's legal battle with a nonprofit advertising group, the financial struggles of tech nonprofits post-pandemic, and a wave of funding cuts impacting local nonprofits. They also share updates on the digital divide and a unique initiative in Kansas to claim unclaimed property for nonprofits. Key Topics and Insights: 1. Elon Musk's Legal Battle with GARM Story: The Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), a nonprofit advertising initiative, has ceased operations due to a lawsuit from Elon Musk's social media platform, X. Impact: GARM's shutdown underscores the immense legal pressures nonprofits can face, especially when challenged by well-funded entities like X. Quote: "It's a tough time to be in journalism, especially for nonprofits trying to report on things... you can weaponize the legal system to file a lawsuit against things that you feel are damaging." Reflection: This case highlights the vulnerability of nonprofits to legal intimidation and the need for financial resilience to withstand such challenges. 2. Tech Nonprofits Closing Post-Pandemic Story: Several tech-focused nonprofits, including Venture for America and Women Who Code, have shut down due to drastic revenue drops following a pandemic-induced surge. Insight: The fluctuation in funding and the inability to scale back effectively post-surge led to these closures. Quote: "There's nothing sadder than actually going out of business because of that moment of success." Reflection: The story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of rapid, unsustainable growth and the importance of financial planning. 3. United Way Funding Cuts in Rochester Story: The United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes has drastically reduced funding, approving only $6 million out of $35 million in grant applications. Impact: Essential services like Foodlink, a local food bank, are severely affected, highlighting the ongoing challenges nonprofits face in securing steady funding. Quote: "The trickle-down effect is definitely being seen." Reflection: This scenario underscores the broader economic pressures on nonprofits and the crucial role of consistent donor support. 4. Kansas Initiative for Unclaimed Property Story: Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson announced a week-long initiative to help nonprofits claim over $640 million in unclaimed property. Opportunity: Nonprofits have the chance to recover forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance proceeds. Quote: "Don't leave money on the table... check your own stuff." Reflection: This initiative is a reminder for nonprofits to explore all potential funding sources, including unclaimed property. 5. Bridging the Digital Divide in Atlanta Story: CompuDopt is working to provide technology access to families in need, addressing the digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic. Impact: Ensuring access to laptops and Wi-Fi is crucial for educational and economic opportunities. Quote: "Technology access is becoming more and more a differentiator." Reflection: Efforts to bridge the digital divide are essential for equity and inclusion in the modern world.

    20 min

  5. AUG 8

    Managing Nonprofit Brand Safety & Presence On LLMs: What You Need To Know 💻 ❓(news)

    Main Topics: The rise of AI and LLMs in search engines Implications for nonprofit brand visibility and content strategy Governance issues in nonprofits National Make A Will Month and planned giving Nonprofit consultant cost and compensation survey Special Guests: George Weiner, Chief Whaler at Whole Whale Nick Azulay, Digital Strategist at Whole Whale Critical Insights: AI and LLMs in Search Engines: The podcast kicks off with a discussion about the growing importance of AI and large language models (LLMs) like SearchGPT. George and Nick highlight that nonprofits need to start thinking about LLM optimization (LLMO) in addition to traditional SEO. SearchGPT, unlike ChatGPT, dynamically pulls current information from the internet, making it a game-changer for how nonprofits need to manage their brand visibility and content strategy. Brand and Content Strategy: George emphasizes the shift from static to dynamic information gathering. He stresses the importance of nonprofits ensuring that AI has accurate, up-to-date information about their brand. This involves rethinking how their websites function—moving from being static libraries to dynamic librarians that interact effectively with AI-driven search tools. Governance Issues: The episode also covers a cautionary tale from San Francisco Safe, where former executive Kyra Worthy was charged with multiple felonies related to embezzlement and wage theft. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust governance and oversight within nonprofit organizations. National Make A Will Month: Highlighting the importance of planned giving, the hosts discuss the success of Free Will, which raised $370 million in bequest commitments. They encourage nonprofits to leverage National Make A Will Month to engage with donors about legacy giving. Consultant Cost and Compensation Survey: Nonprofitist is gathering data for a comprehensive survey on nonprofit consultant costs and compensation. Participation is open to all nonprofit consultants, and results will help provide transparency and benchmarks for the sector. Quotes: George Weiner: "It doesn't matter if you believe in gravity. Gravity believes in you. The same goes for AI." Nick Azulay: "How is your organization perceived by the LLMs? This is a critical question nonprofits need to start asking." Calls to Action: Nonprofits should audit their current digital presence to ensure it aligns with the emerging LLM-driven search landscape. Board members must take their governance roles seriously to prevent financial mismanagement. Nonprofits should actively promote planned giving during National Make A Will Month. Nonprofit consultants are encouraged to participate in the Nonprofitist cost and compensation survey. Closing Thought: The digital landscape is rapidly evolving with AI and LLMs at the forefront. Nonprofits must adapt to these changes to maintain their visibility and effectiveness. Proper governance and strategic planning, especially in areas like planned giving, are crucial for long-term success.

    19 min

  6. AUG 4

    Large-Scale Universal Basic Income Trial Yield Results 💵 (news)

    Universal Basic Income Pilot and Nonprofit Trends: Insights and Implications Hosts: George Weiner (Chief Whaler, Whole Whale) and Nick Azulay (Senior Strategy Manager, Whole Whale) Main Topics: Sam Altman’s UBI Test Results: Overview: Open Research, backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, conducted the largest UBI pilot in the U.S., providing $1,000 monthly to low-income participants in Illinois and Texas over three years. Key Findings: Recipients used the money primarily for essential needs, improved living situations, and personal goals. However, there was a notable reduction in workforce participation. The study emphasized the flexibility and agency cash transfers provide, though they didn't solve all underlying problems. Discussion: The hosts debated the broader implications of UBI, considering the nuanced impacts on health, mental well-being, and the economy. They highlighted the potential for both positive and negative outcomes, depending on the scale and implementation of such programs. Nonprofit Trends Report by Salesforce: Cybersecurity Concerns: Only 35% of nonprofits have adequate data handling policies. AI Adoption: Only 12% have officially adopted AI, though 65% are open to it. The hosts noted that many employees might be using AI tools informally, which could pose risks. Recommendations: Nonprofits should develop clear AI strategies and cybersecurity protocols to safeguard their operations and leverage new technologies effectively. Cybersecurity Incident in Columbus: Incident: A cyberattack forced the shutdown of IT services, affecting various nonprofits, including See a Brilliance, which faced payroll issues due to delayed city grants. Implications: The incident underscored the vulnerability of nonprofit IT infrastructure and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The hosts also discussed the importance of financial planning and bridge financing to mitigate cash flow issues caused by delayed funding. Financial Irregularities in North Carolina Nonprofit: Case: Balanced Nutrition, Inc., led by the wife of North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor, was ordered to repay $132,000 in federal funds due to improper billing. Discussion: The hosts emphasized the importance of transparency and proper accounting in nonprofit operations. Publicizing such cases can serve as a deterrent against misuse of funds. Feel-Good Story: Big Beautiful Life: A charity in Essex, Vermont, founded in memory of 12-year-old Addie Carroll, prepares for its annual fundraiser. The organization provides joy kits and financial support to children with medical crises and their families. Closing Thought: The hosts reflected on the importance of proactive measures in nonprofit management, from adopting new technologies responsibly to ensuring financial stability and transparency.

    22 min

  7. JUL 16

    The Secrets of Project Management w/ Tips For Nonprofits

    Host Nick Azulay, Senior Digital Strategy Manager at Whole Whale, is joined by special guest Kathleen Daniels, Senior Project Manager at Whole Whale for this special edition of the podcast to discuss project management and tips for nonprofits. Key Topics We Will Cover Include: Defining Project Management Role of a Project Manager Technical Tools and Communication AI in Project Management Supporting Team Members Prioritization

    20 min

  8. JUL 6

    SCOTUS Thinks Homelessness Is A Crime ⚖️ (news)

    Supreme Court Ruling Criminalizes Homelessness In a controversial decision, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 vote that the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, did not violate the Eighth Amendment by criminalizing homelessness. This ruling has far-reaching implications, allowing cities to enforce ordinances that penalize behaviors associated with being unhoused, such as sleeping or camping on public property. Justice Sotomayor, in her dissent, emphasized the cascading harm this decision could cause to the already vulnerable homeless population. The ruling has been met with shock and dismay by advocates for the homeless, who argue that it is both unconstitutional and inhumane. Los Angeles Public Schools' AI Chatbot Fails The Los Angeles Public School District's $6 million investment in an AI chatbot named Ed has come to a sudden halt. Developed by the startup All Here, the chatbot was intended to assist students with academic and mental health resources. However, the company faced financial difficulties, leading to the CEO's departure and staff furloughs. This incident raises significant concerns about the sustainability of AI startups and the ethical implications of using AI in sensitive educational contexts. Nonprofit Sector Faces Burnout and Staffing Issues The Center for Effective Philanthropy's 2024 report highlights ongoing challenges in the nonprofit sector, particularly burnout and understaffing. A staggering 95% of nonprofit leaders cited burnout as a major concern, with many organizations struggling to retain staff due to budget constraints. Despite these challenges, the sector shows signs of financial stability, with most nonprofits experiencing balanced budgets or surpluses. However, leaders facing budget deficits are contemplating difficult trade-offs that could exacerbate burnout. Nonprofit Buys Building for Migrant Housing Breaking Ground, a nonprofit organization, has purchased a building in East Harlem for $172 million to create housing for migrants. The building, currently used as a temporary migrant shelter, will be renovated to provide 261 units for people transitioning out of homelessness and additional units for low-income families. This initiative addresses the urgent need for physical space and infrastructure to support migrants in New York City. Feel-Good Story: In Tandem Cycling Expands Programs In Tandem Cycling, a New York nonprofit that pairs sighted riders with blind and low-vision riders on tandem bikes, is expanding its programs. These activities offer not just exercise but also socialization, mental health benefits, and teamwork for participants. The organization's efforts highlight the positive impact of community sports and inclusive activities. Closing Thought The stories covered in this episode underscore the complex and interconnected challenges facing the nonprofit sector, from legal battles and technological missteps to staffing issues and innovative housing solutions. As always, the resilience and creativity of nonprofits continue to shine through, offering hope and inspiration.

    18 min
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About

We interview leading experts working in the field of technology and marketing that are working on using tech for social impact. the podcast explores what tech is working to create impact, and how data is being used effectively within elite organizations. Past guests have included Google Analytics Chief Evangelist Avinash Kaushik, and digital experts from DoSomething.org, Kiva, The Environmental Defense Fund, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donor’s Choose and many others.

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