GoFundMe, Pickleball, and Protecting Trust | Good Things Ahead
Good Things at a Glance: Quick summary for the busy leader
Pickleball, GoFundMe's response, and protecting trust: this week’s note is all about standing where you’ve been called, stewarding your story, and digital audits.
Stay in the Kitchen...
Last year around this time, my husband and I played our very first game of pickleball — at a Legacy Vision Retreat with our church.
While we were just learning, others on the court looked more like semi-pros.
We lost a lot that day, but I also learned a lot.
After an afternoon of playing, a new friend noticed I had a habit of stepping back from the kitchen.
She encouraged me that with my height, I should actually stay near the kitchen — that it could be an advantage if I’d just lean into it.
The problem?
I didn’t feel like I belonged up there. It felt intimidating to stand so close to the net — to take up space I wasn’t sure I’d earned. I wanted distance — time to react, process, even make a few mistakes.
But later, it hit me: this is a picture of leadership (and faith).
We’re equipped with what we need for the moment we’re in — and invited to stand in it. Not to shrink back, not to apologize, not to wait until we’ve perfected the swing.
Just to stand confidently in what’s already been placed within us. Because sometimes courage looks a lot like staying at the kitchen.
And friend, maybe that’s your reminder you need heading into the weekend:
You don’t need to hustle harder or earn your spot on the court.
You already belong there.
Your height, your heart, your history...they’re not accidents. They’re advantages.
So as you close out this week, resist the urge to step back.
Lean in.
Lead confidently.
And rest knowing that the good work you’re doing is exactly where you’re meant to stand.
GoFundMe’s Serve, the Sector’s Return
That same lesson (about standing where you belong) showed up in another way this week.
Across the country, nonprofit leaders found themselves unexpectedly “on the court” when GoFundMe launched Nonprofit Pages using public IRS data. The goal was to make giving easier, but the rollout caught many organizations off guard, with pages that included outdated logos, incorrect links, and no prior notice.
The nonprofit sector responded quickly and loudly — and GoFundMe listened.
CEO Tim Cadogan issued an apology, writing:
“We are very sorry for this and take responsibility for missing the mark. Trust is foundational to our work with nonprofits, and we are fully committed to rebuilding it through better communication, collaboration, and partnership.”
According to The NonProfit Times and GoFundMe’s official statement, here’s what’s changing:
Nonprofit Pages are now opt-in only. Only verified organizations that choose to participate will have public pages.
Unclaimed pages are being de-indexed. They’ll no longer appear in search results, and SEO will be off by default.
Logos are being removed from unclaimed pages. Nonprofits that opt in can manage their own branding going forward.
Optional tipping has been removed until an organization consents through the claim process.
The nonprofit directory remains. Basic listings still allow donors to find and support nonprofits, but only verified organizations will have public-facing profiles.
It’s a positive step, but also a reminder: if you don’t tell your story, someone else might tell it for you.
Your Next Play: Stewardship in the Digital World
If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it’s this: digital stewardship is brand stewardship.
When others can speak on your behalf online, your best defense is clarity, consistency, and confidence in how your story shows up.
1️⃣ Do a Digital Audit
Next week, set aside an hour to search for your organization online — the way a donor might.
Look at GoFundMe, Facebook, Google, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Benevity, LinkedIn, and even Wikipedia (and don't forget your own giving page!)
Ask:
Is our name consistent across platforms?
Are old logos or outdated descriptions still floating around?
Is our giving link correct and easy to find?
Think of it as your nonprofit’s digital year end prep — clearing the clutter, freshening up your story, and getting ready for a strong year-end season.
2️⃣ Protect Your Brand
Your brand isn’t just what people see — it’s what they trust. It’s the promise that when someone gives, serves, or partners with you, their contribution matters and their confidence is safe.
So take time to:
Claim your official pages. Verification isn’t just about visibility — it’s about credibility. Be the voice behind your own name.
Update your visuals and messaging. Trust grows when what people see online matches what they experience in person. Keep your logo, tagline, and mission statement current and cohesive.
Secure your domain and handles. Consistent branding signals reliability. Claim related domains and social handles to avoid confusion.
Monitor your mentions. Set up Google Alerts for your organization’s name so you can respond quickly to misinformation or unauthorized use.
Document your brand standards. A simple one-pager with your logo, colors, and key messaging helps your team and partners steward your story with consistency and care.
Because stewardship isn’t just about managing money — it’s about protecting trust.
Every click, post, and profile shapes how people experience your mission. And right now, standing confidently in that story might just mean getting a little closer to the net.
Friend, don’t retreat from the net. Stay up. Stand tall. You’re equipped for exactly where you are. And there are good things ahead.
Megan
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