Passing the Torch: A Conversation with Art Taylor and Bennett Weiner
We're excited to share our latest episode, "Passing the Torch: A Conversation with Art Taylor and Bennett Weiner," which marks a special transition in leadership at the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. In this unique episode, roles are reversed as our new president and CEO Bennett Weiner interviews the organization's former leader and podcast founder Art Taylor.
Episode Highlights
This candid conversation covers nearly 24 years of charity accountability work and offers valuable insights into:
The evolution of nonprofit accountability since the early 2000s
Lessons learned from the unprecedented fundraising challenges following 9/11
How technology has transformed both opportunities and challenges for charitable organizations
The growing importance of reputation management in the digital age
The critical distinction between standards-based evaluation and government regulation
Notable Quotes
"Our work really had a lasting impact on how organizations communicate to their donor and express their donor intent... organizations are now acting much better. And I think a lot of that has to do with the work that we did." - Art Taylor
"Managing reputation is huge because there are so many ways in which an organization can be seen in the public... Organizations, nonprofits in particular, have to spend a lot more time and energy managing their reputation than they ever had before." - Art Taylor
"Due process is key because it goes to creating credibility in the evaluative process... Going through a rigorous evaluation like we do at the Wise Giving Alliance actually improves the work of the organization." - Art Taylor
Art's New Chapter
As Art transitions to his new role as CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global), he shares his concerns about declining donation rates and the importance of small-dollar donors:
"We need the everyday giver too, because they're voting for change with their small dollar donations... Every gift counts. Every gift matters. And you actually are creating a degree of independence when lots of people make those small dollar donations to their favorite cause."
Listen Now
Don't miss this insightful conversation between two leaders dedicated to strengthening the charitable sector. Their shared wisdom offers valuable perspective for donors, nonprofit professionals, and anyone interested in effective philanthropy.
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1. Read carefully any charity appeal in the form of a sweepstakes. Usually included are a description of the charity and its programs, an explanation of the sweepstakes game with rules and regulations for contestants, and a pre-coded “entry certificate.” Your entry may be discarded if the rules are not followed to the letter. 2. Sweepstakes that advertise “pre-selected...
1. Get the charity’s exact name. With so many charities in existence, mistaken identity is a common problem. Thousands of charities have “cancer” in their name, for example, but no connection with one another. 2. Resist pressure to give on the spot, whether from a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor. 3. Be wary of heart-wrenching appeals. What matters is what the charity...