Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast

Short and sweet podcast with George Weiner talking about ways to rethink the way you manage online reputation through testimonials.

We interview Adam Faircloth, Senior Digital Strategist and Beth Palmisano, Director of Integrated Fundraising about how they used a digital campaign to drive impact and fundraising outcomes at the USO.

Nonprofitnewsfeed.com

Nonprofit Sector Confronts International Aid Challenges and Navigates Donor Dynamics

In this week's episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, hosts George and Nick delve into pressing issues within the nonprofit world, including the complexities of the USAID food program, philanthropic trends in New York City, and the unpredictable nature of billionaire-backed philanthropy.

USAID Food Aid Under Scrutiny The episode kicks off with a critical look at the U.S. international food aid program. An NPR investigation revealed that Catholic Relief Services discovered rotting grain intended for Haiti, spotlighting inefficiencies in non-emergency food aid delivery. Current legislation requires non-emergency aid from USAID to be sourced from U.S. suppliers, but experts argue for more regional and direct cash assistance approaches. The Biden administration is pushing for reforms in the upcoming farm bill to address these stringent restrictions, highlighting the tension between international development professionals and American farmers.

Wealthy Donors Pulling Back in NYC The conversation shifts to New York City, where wealthy donors are reportedly hesitating to contribute to the city's escalating problems, including homelessness and the migrant crisis. Mayor Eric Adams' emphasis on the severity of these issues without federal aid is speculated to be discouraging donors, underscoring the need for hopeful messaging to inspire philanthropic investment. The hosts reflect on the importance of nonprofits in the city and the potential impact of donor withdrawal on their operations.

Schmidt Futures: A Cautionary Tale of Philanthropic Instability The episode also examines the case of Schmidt Futures, the philanthropic arm of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, as reported by Forbes. The organization's sudden program shifts and leadership changes exemplify the volatility that can arise when nonprofits rely heavily on individual billionaire donors. The hosts discuss the broader implications for the sector and the necessity of recognizing these dependencies as potential risks.

GLAAD's Emmy Recognition for LGBTQ+ Advocacy Ending on a positive note, the hosts celebrate GLAAD's recognition at the Emmys for its advocacy work in the LGBTQ+ community. Amidst challenging times for trans rights, the Academy's accolade highlights the influence of media representation and GLAAD's critical role in shaping narratives.

Closing Thought: The Power of Nonprofits in Shaping Narratives The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of nonprofits, not only in addressing immediate needs but also in influencing societal perspectives through storytelling and media consultation. The joke shared between the hosts adds a light-hearted touch, reinforcing the community spirit that underpins the nonprofit sector.

In Summary: This episode underscores the complex relationship between policy, philanthropy, and nonprofit impact, offering a nuanced perspective on current challenges and the evolving landscape of aid and donor engagement.

We interview Patrick Hanlon the author of Primal Branding and is the CEO and founder of THINKTOPIA, a global brand and strategic innovation practice for Fortune 100 clients including American Express, Levis, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PricewaterhouseCoopers and many others.

Nonprofit news for the week of 7/26/2021.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and the world’s wealthiest human, has announced a $200 million donation to the activist Van Jones and humanitarian chef José Andrés. The money, with no strings attached, was part of Bezos’ new “Courage and Civility Award.” Bezos announced the award shortly after returning to earth from a ride to space via his aerospace company Blue Origin’s spaceship.

The report, published by Independent Sector, finds that trust in institutions overall is declining across America, and that nonprofits and philanthropic organizations are not immune from this trend. While overall trust remains high, residents with lower income, lower education levels, and those who live in rural communities contributed to the downward tick in trust. Gen Z also exhibited decrease metrics when it comes to these institutions. How the public perceives nonprofits and philanthropic organizations broadly needs to be at the forefront of conversations around nonprofit development, fundraising, communication, and marketing.

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