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### Nonprofit News Roundup: Mackenzie Scott's Millions, Catholic Charities Under Fire, and the Battle for DEI


Mackenzie Scott's Millions, Catholic Charities Under Fire, and the Battle for DEI (news)

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Would you like to round-up for charity?
 
Point-of-sale donations, especially "round-up" campaigns, have seen a significant surge in recent years, raising millions of dollars for various charitable causes. In 2022, these campaigns brought in $749 million, a 24% increase from 2020. A recent survey conducted by Binghamton University faculty revealed that 53% of Americans give impulsively to charities at the checkout, with certain demographics being more likely to donate. Women, Black respondents, and middle-class individuals under 50 who have not attended college were found to be the top-giving demographics, contrasting with traditional donors who are usually older, higher-earning college graduates.
 
The success of round-up donations can be attributed to several factors, including the perceived lower "pain" of donating spare change, the human preference for round numbers, and the subtle guilt induced by declining a low-cost request. Taco Bell Foundation, for example, doubled its annual fundraising by switching from asking for $1 donations to a round-up strategy. Similarly, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raised $138 million in 2022 through point-of-sale campaigns, accounting for a third of its total fundraising.
 
However, the ubiquity of these requests may lead to donor fatigue, and some consumers express concerns about the transparency of where their donations are going. Despite these potential drawbacks, the success of round-up campaigns is undeniable, and they have become a significant source of funding for many nonprofits, raising the profile of local organizations doing fantastic work in customers' own communities.
 



Melinda French Gates says she's donating $1B to women's rights | NBC News 
 
Melinda French Gates is committing $1 billion over the next two years to support women's rights, including reproductive rights, through her organization Pivotal Ventures. This decision comes amid growing political violence against women and maternal health issues, with Gates highlighting that only a small fraction of charitable giving supports women-focused organizations. Her initiative aims to improve mental and physical health for women and girls and includes a $250 million grant for grassroots groups. How might this significant funding shift the landscape for women's rights globally?
 






 
Slack users horrified to discover messages used for AI training | Ars Technica
Slack users were shocked to find out their messages were being used to train AI models, sparking a backlash that has the company scrambling to clarify its policies. Despite reassurances from Slack engineers that customer data isn't used for training large language models, the existing policy's ambiguity has left users uneasy. Salesforce, Slack’s parent company, promised to update privacy principles to better explain data usage, but the lack of an easy opt-out mechanism adds to users' frustrations.
 
Current Policy: Privacy principles: search, learning and artificial intelligence | Legal | Slack
Updated AI statement:  How Slack protects your data when using machine learning and AI
How to opt-outContact slack to opt out. If you want to exclude your Customer Data from Slack global models, you can opt out. To opt out, please have your org, workspace owners or primary owner contact our Customer Experience team at feedback@slack.com with your workspace/org URL and the subject line ‘Slack global model opt-out request’. We will process your request and respond once the opt-out has been completed.

Roundup for charity on the rise & Slack AI Policy Fail (news)

This episode is also available as  video on our channel  youtube.com/wholewhale 
In this episode of the Whole Whale Podcast, host George Weiner sits down with Seth Godin, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of GoodBids.org, to discuss how nonprofits can innovate their fundraising strategies and engage donors more effectively.
Seth introduces the concept of positive auctions, a new approach to fundraising where every bid is a non-refundable donation, creating a gap between the winning bid and the total amount raised for the charity. GoodBids.org, Seth's latest venture, is a platform that facilitates these positive auctions, incorporating game dynamics to encourage participation and virality.
Throughout the conversation, Seth emphasizes the importance of empathy in marketing and the need for nonprofits to offer donors a sense of belonging and satisfaction. He suggests that nonprofits should focus on creating tension and providing unique, desirable auction items that generate excitement and conversation to attract new audiences.
Seth also shares his insights on collaborating with influencers and involving them in the brainstorming process to create more successful fundraising campaigns. He stresses the significance of nonprofits stepping out of their comfort zones and taking risks to solve interesting problems and make a lasting impact.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of AI on various industries and the importance of embracing it as a teammate rather than a competitor. Seth encourages nonprofits to use AI tools to enhance their work and stay ahead of the curve.
This thought-provoking episode is a must-listen for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to revolutionize their fundraising strategies and make a genuine difference in their communities.
Key points:

Nonprofits face challenges in engaging donors and raising funds, often resorting to ineffective methods like galas or traditional charity auctions.
GoodBids introduces the concept of positive auctions, where every bid is a non-refundable donation, creating a gap between the winning bid and the total amount raised for the charity.
The platform incorporates game dynamics, such as free bids for early bidders and referrals, to encourage participation and virality.
Seth emphasizes the importance of empathy in marketing and the need for nonprofits to offer donors a sense of belonging and satisfaction.
To attract new audiences, nonprofits should focus on creating tension and providing unique, desirable auction items that generate excitement and conversation.
Collaborating with influencers and involving them in the brainstorming process can lead to more successful fundraising campaigns.
Seth discusses the impact of AI on various industries and the importance of embracing it as a teammate rather than a competitor.

Seth Godin on Unlocking Positive Auctions for Fundraising with GoodBids.org

Exploring AI in Nonprofits: Insights from Seth Godin & Latest Tech Updates (news)

Episode Summary: Navigating Google's Core Update and Nonprofit Impacts
In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, and Nick Azoulay, Digital Strategist at Whole Whale, delve into the recent Google core update and its implications for nonprofits. They also cover other significant news, including personnel changes at the Gates Foundation and new grant opportunities from Amazon Web Services.
Main Topics:

Google's March 2024 Core Update:
Impact on Nonprofits: George and Nick discuss how the recent Google core update has led to a substantial decline in organic traffic for many nonprofits, including a 40% drop in some cases at Whole Whale. This update prioritizes content quality and credibility over links, which could disadvantage smaller nonprofits.
Search Generated Experience (SGE): The anticipated rollout of Google's SGE will prioritize AI-generated answers over traditional search results, potentially reducing visibility and engagement for nonprofit websites.


Melinda French Gates Resigns from Gates Foundation:
Transition: Melinda French Gates steps down from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to focus on her personal philanthropic efforts, particularly around women and families. The foundation will now be chaired solely by Bill Gates and renamed the Gates Foundation.
Implications: This significant change could impact the foundation's strategic direction and funding priorities.


Amazon Web Services Imagine Grants for Nonprofits:
Grant Details: AWS is offering grants to nonprofits to leverage cloud technology for mission-critical projects. Categories include Pathfinder Generative AI Award and Go Further, Faster, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.
Application Window: Open from May 3rd to June 3rd, these grants provide financial support, promotional credits, and implementation guidance.


Black Lives Matter vs. Tides Foundation:
Lawsuit: The BLM Global Network is suing the Tides Foundation for allegedly diverting $33 million meant for them. The case raises questions about fiscal sponsorship and fund allocation.
Fiscal Sponsorship: George explains the benefits and potential pitfalls of fiscal sponsorship for nonprofit organizations.


Feel-Good Story: Arizona Champions of Change:
Awards: Arizona Big Media announces finalists for the Champions of Change awards, highlighting visionary nonprofit leaders in the state. This initiative underscores the importance of recognizing local heroes in the nonprofit sector.

Critical Insights:
Google's Update: Nonprofits must closely monitor their organic traffic and adapt their SEO strategies to maintain visibility. Regular traffic reports and proactive adjustments are essential.
Philanthropic Shifts: Changes in leadership at major foundations like the Gates Foundation can have wide-reaching effects on funding and strategic priorities.
Grant Opportunities: Nonprofits should explore tech-centric grants like AWS Imagine Grants to innovate and modernize their operations.
Call to Action:
Nonprofits should review their organic traffic metrics and SEO strategies in light of Google's core update.
Explore grant opportunities and consider applying for AWS Imagine Grants to boost tech infrastructure.
Recognize and celebrate local nonprofit leaders through community awards and initiatives.

Navigating Google Core Updates for Nonprofits (news)

**Embracing the Seasons of Change: A Fresh Perspective on Nonprofit Growth with Michael Randel**
In an enlightening episode of our nonprofit-focused podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Randel, the visionary founder and director of Randel Consulting Associates. Michael, a distinguished member of the nonprofit ISD network, shared his innovative framework known as the "Seasons of Change," offering a fresh lens through which nonprofits can view growth and development. 
**Seasons of Growth: A Gardener's Approach to Nonprofit Expansion**
Michael introduced a compelling metaphor likening nonprofit growth to the cyclical process of gardening. This approach breaks down into three key phases: Preparing, Cultivating, and Harvesting. Each stage demands specific actions and considerations, mirroring the thoughtful stewardship of a gardener tending to their land with an eye towards both present vitality and future sustainability. 
**Preparing Phase: Setting the Stage for Growth**In the preparing phase, organizations are encouraged to assess their current resources and readiness for expansion, much like a gardener evaluates their land before planting. This involves identifying and addressing potential obstacles and ensuring the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place.
**Cultivating Phase: Nurturing Development**During cultivation, the focus shifts to actively supporting and nurturing growth. This means not only expanding services and outreach but also strengthening internal processes, staff capabilities, and organizational culture to sustain increased scale and complexity.
**Harvesting Phase: Reaping and Reflecting on Success**The final phase emphasizes consolidating gains and integrating new developments into the organization's ongoing operations. It's a time for reflection, celebration of achievements, and strategic planning for the next cycle of growth.
**Challenges and Insights: Beyond Quick Fixes in Fundraising**Michael critically addressed the common pitfalls of rapid expansion, particularly the dangers of scaling up too quickly in response to sudden influxes of funding, such as those from generous donors like Mackenzie Scott. He stressed the importance of holistic growth that enhances the quality and comprehensiveness of services, rather than merely expanding for expansion's sake.
**A Call to Action: Embracing a Holistic View of Growth**The conversation with Michael Randel serves as a call to action for nonprofit leaders to adopt a more nuanced and strategic approach to growth. By embracing the "Seasons of Change" framework, organizations can ensure they are not only expanding their reach but also deepening their impact and securing their sustainability for the future.
**Conclusion: Nurturing Sustainable Growth in the Nonprofit Sector**Michael Randel's insights into the "Seasons of Change" offer invaluable guidance for nonprofits navigating the complexities of growth and development. By adopting a gardener's mindset, organizations can cultivate a thriving future that honors their mission and serves their communities effectively.

Mackenzie Scott's Millions, Catholic Charities Under Fire, and the Battle for DEI (news)

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