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.  

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.

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.

Navigating the Future of Nonprofits: AI, Analytics, and Philanthropy Shifts In this episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into several key topics impacting the nonprofit sector. After a brief hiatus, the duo returns with insights from a compelling interview with Avinash Kaushik, a leading figure in the analytics world, known as the "godfather of Google Analytics." Key Highlights: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): The conversation with Avinash emphasizes the transition from traditional SEO to AEO, where nonprofits must adapt to question-and-answer interactions driven by LLMs (Large Language Models). Avinash predicts a potential decline in nonprofit web traffic by 16% to 64% and paid search traffic by 5% to 30% as AI changes how audiences find information. The key takeaway is for nonprofits to focus on creating content with novelty, depth, and authenticity to stand out. Nonprofit Wellness Index: George and Nick introduce the Nonprofit Wellness Index, a metric tracking nonprofit sector health through digital ad spend, job listings, and volunteer opportunities. July's data indicated a slight downturn, which could suggest a seasonal trend or a broader economic slowdown. This index aims to offer insights into the sector's macro trends. Gates Foundation's Strategic Shift: The episode discusses the Gates Foundation's decision to end new grants to Arabella Advisors, a major player in progressive philanthropy. This move, potentially influenced by political pressures, reflects a broader trend of risk aversion in high-tier philanthropy, which could impact progressive causes. Feel-Good Spotlight: Health in the Hood, a nonprofit tackling food insecurity in Miami, is highlighted for its efforts in distributing 15,000 pounds of food monthly through urban gardens and large-scale distribution. This initiative addresses food deserts and supermarket redlining, providing essential nutrition to underserved communities. Insights and Recommendations: Nonprofits should leverage human creativity alongside AI tools, ensuring their content remains unique and engaging to maintain visibility and relevance in an AI-driven landscape. The Nonprofit Wellness Index serves as a valuable tool for organizations to track and respond to sector trends, helping them navigate economic fluctuations. Philanthropic organizations need to be aware of the political and economic environments influencing their strategies and partnerships.

Nonprofits, your “10 blue links” era is over. In this episode, Avinash Kaushik (Human-Made Machine; Occam’s Razor) breaks down Answer Engine Optimization—why LLMs now decide who gets seen, why third-party chatter outweighs your own site, and what to do about it. We get tactical: build AI-resistant content (genuine novelty + depth), go multimodal (text, video, audio), and stamp everything with real attribution so bots can’t regurgitate you into sludge. We also cover measurement that isn’t delusional—group your AEO referrals, expect fewer visits but higher intent, and stop worshiping last-click and vanity metrics. Avinash updates the 10/90 rule for the AI age (invest in people, plus “synthetic interns”), and torpedoes linear funnels in favor of See-Think-Do-Care anchored in intent. If you want a blunt, practical playbook for staying visible—and actually converting—when answers beat searches, this is it.About AvinashAvinash Kaushik is a leading voice in marketing analytics—the author of Web Analytics: An Hour a Day and Web Analytics 2.0, publisher of the Marketing <> Analytics Intersect newsletter, and longtime writer of the Occam’s Razor blog. He leads strategy at Human Made Machine, advises Tapestry on brand strategy/marketing transformation, and previously served as Google’s Digital Marketing Evangelist. Uniquely, he donates 100% of his book royalties and paid newsletter revenue to charity (civil rights, early childhood education, UN OCHA; previously Smile Train and Doctors Without Borders). He also co-founded Market Motive. Resource Links Avinash Kaushik — Occam’s Razor (site/home) Occam's Razor by Avinash Kaushik Marketing <> Analytics Intersect (newsletter sign-up) Occam's Razor by Avinash Kaushik AEO series starter: “AI Age Marketing: Bye SEO, Hello AEO!” Occam's Razor by Avinash Kaushik See-Think-Do-Care (framework explainer) Occam's Razor by Avinash Kaushik Books: Web Analytics: An Hour a Day | Web Analytics 2.0 (author pages) Occam's Razor by Avinash Kaushik+1 Human Made Machine (creative pre-testing) — Home | About | Products humanmademachine.com+2humanmademachine.com+2 Tapestry (Coach, Kate Spade) (company site) Tapestry Tools mentioned (AEO measurement): Trakkr (AI visibility / prompts / sentiment) Trakkr Evertune (AI Brand Index & monitoring) evertune.ai GA4 how-tos (for your AEO channel + attribution): Custom Channel Groups (create an “AEO” channel) Google Help Attribution Paths report (multi-touch view) Google Help Nonprofit vetting (Avinash’s donation diligence): Charity Navigator (ratings) Charity Navigator Google for Nonprofits — Gemini & NotebookLM (AI access) Announcement / overview | Workspace AI for nonprofits blog.googleGoogle Help Example NGO Avinash supports: EMERGENCY (Italy) EMERGENCY Transcript Avinash Kaushik: [00:00:00] So traffic's gonna go down. So if you're a business, you're a nonprofit, how. Do you deal with the fact that you're gonna lose a lot of traffic that you get from a search engine? Today, when all of humanity moves to the answer Engine W world, only about two or 3% of the people are doing it. It's growing very rapidly. Um, and so the art of answer engine optimization is making sure that we are building for these LMS and not getting stuck with only solving for Google with the old SEO techniques. Some of them still work, but you need to learn a lot of new stuff because on average, organic traffic will drop between 16 to 64% negative and paid search traffic will drop between five to 30% negative. And that is a huge challenge. And the reason you should start with AEO now ​ George Weiner: [00:01:00] This week's guest, Avinash Kaushik is an absolute hero of mine because of his amazing, uh, work in the field of web analytics. And also, more importantly, I'd say education. Avinash Kaushik, , digital marketing evangelist at Google for Google Analytics. He spent 16 years there. He basically is. In the room where it hap

AI's Impact on Search Behavior and Direct Cash Assistance: Key Insights for Nonprofits In this week'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's impact on low-income families and children's development. Main Topics Discussed: AI'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 "who," "what," "when," "where," "why." 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'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'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 "AI for Nonprofits," a comprehensive guide featuring insights from 57 experts on leveraging AI across nonprofit operations, fundraising, and marketing.

In this conversation, George Weiner speaks with Ken Berger, the former CEO of Charity Navigator, about the evolution of nonprofit evaluation, the challenges of measuring overhead, and the importance of adapting to changing funding landscapes. They discuss the impact of effective altruism, the necessity of mergers in the nonprofit sector, and the role of storytelling and data in demonstrating outcomes. Ken shares valuable insights and advice for current and future nonprofit leaders, emphasizing the need for humility, collaboration, and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of the nonprofit world. takeaways The overhead debate has historically hurt nonprofits. Metrics for evaluating nonprofits are evolving beyond just overhead. Nonprofits must strategically manage their overhead to thrive. Advocacy and strategic planning are crucial in times of funding cuts. Mergers can be a viable solution for struggling nonprofits. Effective altruism has its limitations and assumptions. Measuring outcomes is a significant challenge for many nonprofits. Data can help bridge the gap between outputs and meaningful outcomes. Storytelling remains a powerful tool for nonprofits. Future nonprofit leaders must be humble and open to learning.

In this week'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'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 "big, beautiful bill" 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.

In this episode of the Whole Whale podcast, host George Weiner speaks with Sal Alpietro, Chief Community Officer at Fundraise Up, about a critical issue affecting nonprofits: the ownership and transfer of payment tokens for monthly donors. Sal shares alarming stories of nonprofits facing exorbitant fees and resistance when trying to move donor data between platforms. They discuss the importance of asking the right questions before signing contracts with donation platforms and the potential financial and operational risks of not doing so. Sal also shares advice on best practices and offers insights into recent developments at Fundraise Up.--If your nonprofit does not own the payments portal account (IE Stripe, Braintree, Paypal) and it has monthly donors, then it may not actually “own” those donors.While standard donation platform contracts allow for donor contact information to be exported, they may not allow the Donor Payment Tokens that allow for ongoing monthly donations to be exported. This means your nonprofit would lose the ability to continue to charge monthly donations from donors that had opted-in to donate if you moved platforms. Donation platforms range from small to huge fees to export this data, while some block this ability all together. Here is a great LinkedIn explanation of this Here is information going back to 2018 from the Agitator calling out this monthly donor lockup issue.   “I have seen nonprofits literally in tears when they were told they needed to payup $30k to get permission to migrate their monthly donorbase built over years.” Salvatore Salpietro, Chief Community Officer, Fundraise Up     Full article on the Monthly Donor lockup problem.

Understanding Microsoft Nonprofit Licensing Changes: Survival Guide and Solutions In this episode, Joshua Pesky, the Chief Product Officer at RoundTable, discusses with George the partial termination of Microsoft's grants program around Office 365 licenses. The discussion covers the impact on nonprofits, the timeline for changes, and possible solutions for affected organizations. Joshua explains the importance of checking license statuses through the admin portal and suggests alternatives like using web applications, Google Suites, or open-source software to mitigate costs. The episode also delves into the broader implications of tech expenses in the nonprofit sector and offers practical advice for managing these upcoming changes. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:02 Microsoft's Licensing Changes Explained 01:19 Impact on Organizations 02:37 Timeline and Deadlines 03:09 Options and Solutions 05:37 Navigating the Admin Portal 09:03 Financial Implications 09:50 Nonprofit Sector Challenges 11:17 Security and Obfuscation 12:10 Practical Advice and Final Thoughts 17:18 Survival Guide and Final Remarks

Social Imprints CEO Jeff Scheinbein warns of an impending June "cliff" for the promotional products industry as Chinese tariffs threaten to disrupt the $25 billion swag market. As a workforce development company where 85% of employees face employment barriers, Social Imprints exemplifies the American social enterprise success story now at risk from trade policies. Scheinbein explains that contrary to political narratives, manufacturing can't simply shift to the US overnight - the infrastructure doesn't exist and would take decades to develop, putting nonprofits and businesses alike in jeopardy when current inventory runs out. For nonprofits, who "live and die by the bag" at conferences, this disruption threatens a crucial donor engagement strategy. Scheinbein highlights why promotional products offer exceptional ROI: they create a sense of belonging and tribal identity while providing affordable advertising compared to traditional media campaigns. As he explains, outfitting 10,000 people with branded shirts costs just $7-9 per item - turning supporters into walking billboards for your cause at a fraction of what conventional advertising would cost. Beyond economic concerns, Scheinbein shares that successful promotional products like tote bags (with Trader Joe's boat totes being the single most popular promotional item in the US) and hats deliver the highest visibility, while eco-friendly and socially responsible items represent growing industry trends that align perfectly with nonprofit values.

Nonprofit Technology Conference Insights: Navigating Change and Building Community Resilience In this special episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, Whole Whale's Nick hosts colleagues Axel and Kathleen as they share experiences and insights from the recent Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC), hosted by NTEN. This premier event for nonprofit technology professionals highlighted the sector's adaptability and resilience in the face of rapid technological and political changes. Main Topics and Guests: NTC Overview: Kathleen introduces NTC as a key event for nonprofit technology, emphasizing its role in networking and understanding sector challenges. Key Takeaways: Axel discusses NTC's focus on adapting to current events, including political and budgetary changes, and the strategic use of technology like AI to enhance nonprofit operations. Critical Insights: Adapting to Change: Both speakers noted the conference's emphasis on addressing immediate challenges facing nonprofits, such as economic and political shifts impacting funding and operations. AI and Technology Integration: The conference underscored AI's growing role in nonprofit strategies, from fundraising to narrative building. Sessions explored how AI tools can be tailored to nonprofit needs, highlighting both opportunities and ethical considerations. Community and Resilience: The speakers emphasized the importance of community and collaboration among nonprofits to build resilience and adapt to ongoing challenges. The conference provided a platform for open dialogue and strategic planning. Reflections and Calls to Action: Building Resilience Together: Kathleen and Axel stress the need for nonprofits to engage in community-driven efforts to navigate uncertainty, urging professionals to attend such events to foster collaboration and innovation. Embracing Technological Tools: The discussion encourages nonprofits to leverage technology strategically, ensuring it aligns with their mission and community needs.

Revolutionizing Nonprofit Fundraising with AI: An Interview with PosterChild.ai CEO Leandrew Robinson In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of nonprofit fundraising with Leandrew Robinson, the CEO and founder of PosterChild.ai. Discover how their peer-to-peer fundraising strategy helped their first customer achieve a 350% increase in individual giving year over year. Leandrew shares his journey from e-commerce to social impact, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how AI can streamline nonprofit operations. Learn about the transformative power of AI in creating and curating content, and get insights into the future of nonprofit fundraising. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or curious about the intersection of AI and social good, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. 00:00 Introduction to Poster Child's Success 00:45 Meet Lean Andrew Robinson 01:14 The Journey to Poster Child 01:37 The Concept of Crowdsource Storytelling 02:24 From E-commerce to Nonprofits 03:37 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Storytelling 03:49 Challenges in Nonprofit Storytelling 04:46 AI's Impact on Authentic Storytelling 07:30 Future of AI in Nonprofit Fundraising 10:58 Balancing Features and Focus in Startups 15:30 Adoption and Evolution of AI Tools 21:01 Early Adoption and Future Pitfalls 21:58 The Early Stages of AI Integration 24:23 Transitioning from E-commerce to Nonprofit 25:41 Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector 28:44 Effective Fundraising Strategies 34:47 The Importance of Serendipity and Networking 36:35 Rapid Fire Questions 40:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode, George interviews Allison Fine, President of Every.org, about their innovative donation platform for nonprofits. Fine discusses Every.org's unique value proposition, including no transaction or setup fees, acceptance of various payment methods including cryptocurrency, and a focus on meaningful donor engagement. The conversation also covers the challenges of maintaining a zero-fee model, Every.org's growth spurred by partnerships with notable philanthropists, and their use of AI to enhance storytelling and donor relations. The episode highlights Every.org's significant impact, having raised over $110 million for over 7,000 organizations, and their recent success with fiscal sponsorships. Fine offers valuable insights into relational fundraising and the benefits of using Every.org’s platform to simplify and maximize fundraising efforts. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:49 Elevator Pitch for Every.org 01:39 Challenges and Solutions in Nonprofit Fundraising 03:17 Focus on Nonprofit Experience and Technology 05:58 Data Integration and CRM Challenges 09:37 The Importance of Relational Fundraising 17:14 Future Plans and Exciting Developments 19:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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'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's humanitarian programs.

Ami Dar, founder of Idealist.org, joins George for an insightful conversation on the groundbreaking merger between Idealist and VolunteerMatch.org—a rare consolidation poised to reshape nonprofit and volunteer engagement globally. Ami shares candid insights into why nonprofit mergers rarely happen, systemic challenges in nonprofit funding, and how this merger creates a single hub for millions seeking jobs, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful community involvement. He also discusses underutilized tech opportunities, Idealist’s exciting new "Idealist Days" initiative, and why he's optimistic about nonprofits providing purpose in an AI-driven future.Big questions covered in this conversation: Why did Idealist.org and VolunteerMatch.org decide to merge, and what unique value does this merger bring to nonprofits and volunteers? Why are mergers so rare in the nonprofit sector, and what factors (like ego and financial security) prevent more organizations from consolidating? How are systemic funding issues impacting nonprofit efficiency and accountability, and what changes are needed to improve nonprofit outcomes? What trends are shaping volunteerism today, and how can nonprofits better harness the desire for community engagement and purpose-driven work? How can nonprofits leverage emerging technology and AI, and what role can the nonprofit sector play in providing meaningful human purpose in an increasingly automated world?

In this episode, hosts George Weiner (Chief Whaler at Whole Whale) and Nick Azulay (Digital Strategy Manager) discuss several notable stories in the nonprofit sector. They begin with an analysis of Super Bowl social impact advertisements, breaking down the effectiveness and cost implications of nonprofit messaging during the big game. They highlight that the $8 million cost for a 30-second spot equals roughly 275 years of the average nonprofit's annual advertising budget. The conversation then shifts to concerning policy changes affecting the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), discussing the Justice Department's funding threats and their impact on LGBTQ+ youth services. On a more positive note, they cover the launch of ROOST (Robust Open Online Safety Tools), a new nonprofit consortium backed by major tech companies to develop safety tools for startups.

Host George engages with Dr. Tiffany Slater, founder and CEO of HR TailorMade, to delve into the complexities of human resources within nonprofit organizations. As nonprofits grow, they often encounter HR challenges that can impede their mission-driven work. Dr. Slater's company serves as a fractional HR department, providing tailored solutions to nonprofits across the United States. Key Insights: Growth and HR Challenges: As organizations expand, they face critical HR inflection points, often every three to five employees. Each new hire brings unique personalities and needs, complicating internal dynamics. Dr. Slater emphasizes the importance of intentional onboarding to integrate new team members effectively and ensure they understand their roles and the organizational culture. Onboarding and Retention: Effective onboarding is crucial for employee retention. Dr. Slater advises creating a structured onboarding plan, including a 30, 60, 90-day framework, to equip new hires with the necessary tools and knowledge. This process not only helps employees succeed but also fosters long-term commitment to the organization. Managing Difficult Conversations: One of the toughest HR challenges is addressing performance issues when employees do not recognize their shortcomings. Dr. Slater stresses the importance of clear communication and documentation to manage expectations and guide performance improvements. Litigious Challenges: The conversation touches on the inevitability of lawsuits, emphasizing the need for meticulous documentation of HR processes and interactions to protect the organization legally. Performance Documentation: Regular performance reviews and documentation are essential. Providing feedback helps employees grow and aligns their efforts with organizational goals. It also serves as a critical tool in managing underperformance and potential terminations.

Exploring 'Extractive Empathy' 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 "extractive empathy." 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 "extractive empathy," 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 "overflow" 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: "Extractive empathy" 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's crucial to balance immediate fundraising needs with long-term, equitable solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms.

In this week'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 "Veblen Giving," 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'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'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's Philanthropic Impact Closing on a positive note, the hosts celebrate the philanthropic efforts of Broadway, particularly the musical "Hell's Kitchen," which has donated over $1 million to Alicia Keys’ Keep a Child Alive organization. This gesture continues Broadway'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.