Ep 220| Navigating AI search & Google Ad Grants for nonprofits with Jessica King

Send us Fan Mail ChatGPT. Claude. Gemini. Or Google...Search visibility has changed. AI search is changing how donors and volunteers find nonprofits, and most teams are still figuring out what to do about it.  This week, host Jena Lynch talks with Jessica King, Director at Getting Attention, about what's actually working in search right now...from why ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are showing up as real traffic sources, to why relying on one platform is risky, plus how to make full use of the $120,000-a-year Google Ad Grant.  Jessica's take: you don't need a new playbook for AI, just a stronger version of the marketing fundamentals you already know.  What You'll Learn Why ChatGPT and Claude are already shortlisting nonprofits before donors ever reach your site, and what that means for your funnel. Why AI search doesn't call for a new strategy, just sharper execution of the SEO fundamentals you already have in place. How to build a channel mix that holds up when a single algorithm or platform shifts. How to extend the reach of your $120,000-a-year Google Ad Grant as search behavior changes. Why page-level content depth outweighs metadata for both AI and traditional search, and what that means for your content priorities. If your team has just a few hours a month for online visibility this Giving Season, this episode tells you where to spend them. About Our Guest Jessica King is Director at Getting Attention, where she helps nonprofits get more from Google Ad Grants, paid Google Ads, and search-focused content strategy. Before Getting Attention, Jessica worked in communications and digital marketing across higher education and the nonprofit sector, with a focus on SEO for mission-driven organizations. She holds a Master's degree in Communication from Virginia Tech. Links Mentioned Getting Attention: gettingattention.org - free guides, templates, and Google Ad Grant audits Getting Attention on YouTube: weekly tutorials and marketing advice Book recommendation: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon Donorbox: donorbox.org  - fundraising tools for nonprofits Host Jena Lynch is Head of Community Engagement at Donorbox. Each week on The Nonprofit Podcast, she brings nonprofit leaders practical strategies and clear insight to help them raise more and reach further. Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 1:43 Meet Jessica King from Getting Attention 2:24 AI as a Traffic Source and the Shifting Search Landscape 6:38 Donor Trust, AEO/AIO Buzz, and Not Losing Sight of the Fundamentals 8:34 Why Foundational SEO Is the Basis for AEO 10:50 Building a Marketing Mix With No Single Point of Failure 13:26 Making the Most of the Google Ad Grant 19:05 Why Traditional Website SEO Isn't Dead 21:24 How AI Levels the Playing Field for Smaller Nonprofits 24:11 Non-Negotiables for Giving Season 27:53 Connect With Jessica and Getting Attention 28:35 Wrap-Up Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process more than $4 billion in donations worldwide. Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably. The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance. Support the show