Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast

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  • 5.0 (72)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Nonprofit News, Tech & Marketing Stories from Whole Whale, a Nationally Recognized Nonprofit Marketing Agency for over a decade. Founded in 2010, Whole Whale is a B-Corp that runs analytics, digital advertising, Google Ad Grants, and SEO for nonprofits.

  1. 5D AGO

    Navigating Donation Platform Risks and AI Opportunities (news)

    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 "shadow campaign pages" 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 This incident underscores the risks associated with outdated or unauthorized donation pages, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to regularly audit and verify their donation processes and data integrity.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'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'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.

    19 min

  2. DEC 2

    Unapologetic Ambition: The "Badass Softie" Leader with JJ Peterson

    Redefining Leadership for Sensitive Ambitious People: Dr. JJ Peterson on Badass Softie In this episode of the Using the Whole Whale podcast, Dr. JJ Peterson discusses his journey as a sensitive but ambitious leader, which led to the creation of the Badass Softie podcast. Peterson explores the misconception that ambition and empathy must be separate in leadership and explains how combining these qualities can enhance team success. He highlights the importance of clarity and specific goals in achieving meaningful outcomes, and shares insights on how AI can support, but not replace, human empathy and leadership. Peterson also touches on the challenges nonprofit leaders face and offers strategies for effective communication and problem-solving. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges 00:43 Introducing Dr. JJ Peterson and Badass Softie 01:17 Defining Badass Softie 02:50 Balancing Ambition and Empathy 04:41 The Dance of Leadership Styles 07:13 Standing in Your Authority 13:42 Communicating with Clarity 17:29 Setting Clear Goals and Themes 21:16 The Problem with Ambiguous Values 22:16 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership 23:18 Ambition Without Clarity 26:14 Case Study: Charity Water's Ambitious Goals 32:34 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Creativity 39:26 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

    41 min

  3. NOV 12

    From Impressions to Impact: Leveraging LinkedIn for Nonprofits

    In this episode of the Whole Wheel Podcast, host George engages with Mario Hernandez, co-founder of Impact Circle, to discuss the power of LinkedIn for nonprofits. Mario shares insights into the importance of value-driven content over mere posting frequency, and how organizations can leverage LinkedIn to secure corporate partnerships. Through practical tips and personal anecdotes, the conversation delves into strategies for building genuine relationships, utilizing LinkedIn's features effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls like over-relying on AI or playing the virality game. Mario also offers valuable advice on resisting the temptation of pay-to-play options and focusing on long-term relationship building for sustainable growth. The episode highlights the challenges and opportunities for nonprofits in a changing landscape, emphasizing innovation, empathy, and methodical engagement on LinkedIn.   Find Mario on LinkedIn   Topics Covered 00:00 The Myth of Posting Frequency 00:33 Introducing Mario Hernandez and Impact Circle 01:35 The Challenges Nonprofits Face Today 02:32 The Power of LinkedIn for Nonprofits 05:39 The Importance of Personal Branding on LinkedIn 12:13 The Role of AI in LinkedIn Content 16:16 Effective LinkedIn Tactics for Nonprofits 23:51 Maximizing LinkedIn Connection Requests 24:25 Challenges with LinkedIn Video Engagement 25:56 Effective LinkedIn Posting Strategies 27:51 The Importance of Authentic Engagement 31:31 Case Study: Nonprofit Success on LinkedIn 38:01 Balancing Personal and Professional Content 38:40 Navigating LinkedIn's Algorithm and Engagement 43:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

    47 min

  4. OCT 28

    Scary Truth about Nonprofit Mergers & Failing | Kate Harris Group

    Interview with Kate Harris: https://www.kateharrisgroup.com/who-we-are  In this episode of the Whole Whale podcast, host George speaks with Kate Harris, founder and principal of the Kate Harris Group, about the often misunderstood and stigmatized concept of collaboration and mergers in the nonprofit sector. Kate explains how her organization helps nonprofits navigate significant transitions, often involving mergers or shared services, to better align their mission and structure. They discuss the benefits of structural changes, the nuances of different types of mergers, and the vital role of funders in these processes. Kate also emphasizes the importance of continuous collaboration and adaptability for nonprofit survival and growth, and the need to normalize conversations about mergers and organizational changes to better serve communities.

    51 min

  5. OCT 23

    DEVELOPING: GoFundMe Backtracks After Backlash to Millions of Auto-Generated Nonprofit Donation Pages (news)

    *****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'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 "claim, clean, and correct" 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.

    23 min

  6. OCT 20

    Government Shutdown's Impact on Nonprofits & A $500M AI Initiative (news)

    In this week'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'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's societal impacts. This collaborative effort includes the Doris Duke Foundation, Ford Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation, among others. The initiative aims to investigate AI'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's potential and consider how these tools can enhance their mission-driven work.

    12 min

  7. OCT 2

    SHUTDOWN. How The Closure of the U.S. Government Will Impact Nonprofits. (news)

    Nonprofit Sector Faces Challenges Amid Government Shutdown and Advocacy Efforts In this week'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'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'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.

    12 min

  8. OCT 1

    Are you asking for the right asset? Fundraising Secrets with the Philanthropy Guy

    Navigating the Philanthropy Landscape with the 'Philanthropy Guy' In this episode, host George Weiner sits down with Rick Peck, also known as "The Philanthropy Guy," to discuss strategies for nonprofits preparing for the crucial Q4 giving season, commonly referred to as the "nonprofit philanthropy Super Bowl." Rick, a seasoned consultant in the nonprofit space, shares insights on donor engagement, effective fundraising strategies, and the importance of cultivating relationships with major donors. Main Topics: Rick Peck, a consultant helping midsize nonprofits engage with larger donors, shares his expertise. Discussion on the importance of diversifying revenue streams amidst shrinking grant availability. Emphasis on building a strong case for support and soliciting non-cash asset donations. Insights into donor personas and the nuances of engaging high-net-worth individuals. Critical Insights: Many nonprofits face a "quiet panic" as they scramble to prepare for year-end giving, often due to a lack of preparation and over-reliance on grants. Peck advocates for a strategic approach, urging nonprofits to develop a strong foundational case for support and to consider soliciting non-cash assets, such as real estate or stocks, to maximize donations. Understanding donor personas—such as "drivers" and "expressives"—can significantly improve donor engagement strategies. The role of donor-advised funds (DAFs) is explored, highlighting both their potential benefits and the complexities they introduce into the philanthropic landscape.

    48 min
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Nonprofit News, Tech & Marketing Stories from Whole Whale, a Nationally Recognized Nonprofit Marketing Agency for over a decade. Founded in 2010, Whole Whale is a B-Corp that runs analytics, digital advertising, Google Ad Grants, and SEO for nonprofits.

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