Episódios
-
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. -
Estão a faltar episódios?
-
Nonprofit News Podcast Recap: The Threat to 501(c)(3) Status and Social Media Strategies
In this week'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's manipulation of Twitter's algorithm (now X). The hosts unpack how this affects nonprofits' 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's ability to address food insecurity creatively. -
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 -
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 "corporate capture" and the real origins of the term "carbon footprint." 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 "carbon footprint" 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 "guilt washing," 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 "carbon footprint" 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' 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 "generosity crisis" with younger Americans giving less to charity, raising questions about cultural shifts in philanthropy. -
In this week'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'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'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's innovative efforts in Miami'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.
-
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 -
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'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'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 "greenwashing." 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' 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. -
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.
-
Main News StoriesGreenpeace LawsuitEnergy Transfer (owners of Dakota Access Pipeline) is suing Greenpeace for $300 million in damagesThe lawsuit claims Greenpeace orchestrated protests near Standing Rock, which Greenpeace deniesPotential damages could reach $800 million with punitive damages, potentially bankrupting Greenpeace USAGreenpeace 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 activismThe case is being heard in a conservative jurisdiction less favorable to activistsNonprofit Consultant Survey ResultsFourth annual survey by Nonprofit.ist and Nonprofit Times provides industry benchmarksAverage consultant rate: $151.19/hour (median: $126)Highest rates: consultants specializing in AI technology, fundraising, and coachingHigher education correlated with higher ratesUrban consultants earn significantly more than rural onesNew consultants with significant nonprofit experience tend to charge less despite deep knowledgeUSDA Cancels Local Food ProgramsUSDA 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 programCuts affect schools and food banksImpacts include increased food costs amid inflation and undermining community food systems
-
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's evident importance and highlight a feel-good story about Project 150, a Las Vegas nonprofit helping disadvantaged teens attend prom through their annual "prom closet" initiative.
-
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'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 "break-even" the new growth)Focusing on conversion rate optimizationCreating original research and data that AI can't replicateUsing Google Search Console to identify which content triggers AI resultsAdditional stories covered:
A discussion about nonprofit mergers based on Idealist.org's merger with VolunteerMatch.orgUSAID funding cuts affecting humanitarian aid organizations and their life-saving programsA success story about a Massachusetts movie theater saved by converting to a nonprofit model -
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?
-
Nonprofit NewsFeed Podcast: Trump Administration Impact & Philanthropy's ResponseEpisode 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'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'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.
-
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.
-
Dissolution of USAID and Its Global Impact on Humanitarian Aid
In this week'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'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'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'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's role as a major funder of global humanitarian efforts is irreplaceable, making its dissolution a potential "philanthropic disaster."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' 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.
-
Nonprofit News Feed: Navigating Policy Shifts and New Opportunities
This week on Whole Whale'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.
-
In this episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler at Whole Whale - 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's expertise in connecting nonprofits with volunteers and Idealist'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' 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'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.
-
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'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's Nonprofit Restructuring The episode also covers Mastodon'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.
-
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's shift to a community note-style fact-checking system, concerns rise over misinformation, especially in global contexts where Facebook'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'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'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.
- Mostrar mais
