Tech Trends in Philanthropy

Issue 1: Grant Hensel, CEO Nonprofit Megaphone

In the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy, technology continues to play a vital role in amplifying the impact of nonprofits. Recently, I stumbled upon Amber Melanie Smith's YouTube channel, a treasure trove of information for nonprofits. In one of her videos, she mentioned Nonprofit Megaphone as a company you should know. Intrigued, I discovered that this company, headquartered in Chicago, is led by the dynamic Grant Hensel, and we have mutual connections! I’ve had a few calls with Grant prior to this interview and I could not think of a better person to kickoff this series with.

Unlocking the Power of Free Ads

Nonprofit Megaphone is an incredible tool for nonprofits looking to leverage free ad opportunities from Google and Microsoft. These tech giants offer nonprofits a staggering $11,000 in monthly free ads ($10,000 from Google alone). With this advantage, Nonprofit Megaphone has helped nearly 800 nonprofits raise more funds, attract more visitors, and significantly increase their visibility.

Meet Grant Hensel

Grant’s entrepreneurial journey began early. "Since I was 12, I wanted to build a company. I can't tell you why, but that's when I got the bug," Grant shared. He started his first venture while still in high school. It was a resale shop in Hyde Park. "We started by locating a need, and that's how I approach business today."

Grant's passion for helping nonprofits led him to research Google Ad grants. He sent 200 nonprofits a survey and discovered that 75%+ were unaware of this resource. This revelation spurred the creation of Nonprofit Megaphone. "Our clients are able to deploy an average of $8,500+ a month of the $10,000/month Google Ad Grant, while the average organization struggles to deploy 10% of that number. It's amazing the impact you can have with 10x more ad dollars."

How Nonprofit Megaphone Transforms Organizations

At its core, Nonprofit Megaphone helps nonprofits create and optimize Google Ads, driving traffic that boosts donations, ticket sales, and awareness. Their team excels in content creation, analytics, and data collection, providing invaluable insights that clients often present at board meetings. "We pride ourselves on helping clients analyze and capture data," Grant emphasized. This approach, while not necessarily high-tech, is crucial for many organizations.

Tech Trends Every Nonprofit Should Embrace

1. Mobile Optimization: "Digital marketing isn't going away. Ensure everything works on phones. Most people review emails and websites from their smartphones. Make donating easy and accessible," Grant advised. Companies like Fundraise Up specialize in simplifying the donation process.

2. Donor Advised Funds (DAFs): With significant dollars in DAFs, marketing to fund owners is essential. "It's crucial to have a plan to attract these types of gifts," Grant noted.

3. Data Tracking: Knowing what drives donations—be it emails, meetings, or grants—helps refine marketing strategies. "By measuring conversions and where they’re coming from, it's easier to know how to market moving forward."

The Rise of AI in Philanthropy

AI is set to revolutionize the nonprofit sector. "AI Chatbots are great, and many organizations are using them. I know ChatGPT is popular, but I like Claude.ai—it's free and faster. These tools will only grow in use," Grant commented.  He also added, “AI's potential in tailoring donor materials and enhancing engagement is another area nonprofits should get comfortable.”

Learn More About Nonprofit Megaphone

Nonprofit Megaphone's website, https://nonprofitmegaphone.com/, offers a wealth of case studies. Look for a nonprofit similar to your organization to see how they can help your organization. They also provide free consultations to determine how their services can support your cause.