A Rare Nonprofit Merger Story: Idealist.org & VolunteerMatch.org

Ami Dar, founder of Idealist.org, joins George for an insightful conversation on the groundbreaking merger between Idealist and VolunteerMatch.org—a rare consolidation poised to reshape nonprofit and volunteer engagement globally. Ami shares candid insights into why nonprofit mergers rarely happen, systemic challenges in nonprofit funding, and how this merger creates a single hub for millions seeking jobs, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful community involvement. He also discusses underutilized tech opportunities, Idealist’s exciting new "Idealist Days" initiative, and why he's optimistic about nonprofits providing purpose in an AI-driven future. Big questions covered in this conversation: Why did Idealist.org and VolunteerMatch.org decide to merge, and what unique value does this merger bring to nonprofits and volunteers? Why are mergers so rare in the nonprofit sector, and what factors (like ego and financial security) prevent more organizations from consolidating? How are systemic funding issues impacting nonprofit efficiency and accountability, and what changes are needed to improve nonprofit outcomes? What trends are shaping volunteerism today, and how can nonprofits better harness the desire for community engagement and purpose-driven work? How can nonprofits leverage emerging technology and AI, and what role can the nonprofit sector play in providing meaningful human purpose in an increasingly automated world?