Recently we spoke to the team over at Real Good AI, a nonprofit run by data scientist Dr. Amanda Muyskens. She happens to be married to Bob Muyskens, YouTube/streamer/podcaster and longtime friend of Markiplier, and Real Good AI was born out of their conversations about the current state of generative “AI.” Mark and Dr. Muyskens both knew they wanted to do more than talk about it, so she became the engine powering RGAI’s research into whether modern data analysis and large language models can be applied for the good of humanity, and he is the benefactor pouring thousands of dollars of run-funds into the nonprofit’s gas tank.
But while RGAI is creator-founded and has their involvement baked in, there are other nonprofits hoping that, in an era of federal cuts and regional belt-tightening, they too can connect with online audiences at far cheaper rates than traditional fundraising.
For decades, nonprofits have brought in funding through large-scale events like charity dinners, galas, and silent auctions, interspersed with more private affairs like luncheons for marquee donors. Nonprofits earn money through these means, of course, but they’re big-cash-in investments that don’t always pay off as planned.
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That’s why the Elevate Prize Foundation, an org founded in 2019 that recognizes “best-in-class social impact leaders driving transformative change across issue areas,” decided to launch its own production studio.
CEO Carolina Jayaram Garcia told The Associated Press that as a foundation, “Storytelling is how we’re able to draw people in and get them to connect to a deeper truth about themselves or about the world or a problem that needs to be solved. It’s connecting those issues back to you as a human and not saying, ‘Well, that’s their problem. That’s all the way over there.’ The story allows it to be human.”
Elevate Studios‘ first production was Nevertheless: The Women Changing the World, a YouTube series that’s brought around ~3 million views so far. The foundation plans to put out a second season in summer 2026.
“It’s been incredible to see the growth we’ve had on YouTube and how it’s resonated so quickly with so many people,” she told AP. “We know we’re on to something here.”
And that growth hasn’t just been positive for the Elevate Prize Foundation. Cindy Eggleton, co-founder and CEO of early childhood development nonprofit Brilliant Cities, was featured in Season 1 of Nevertheless, and says her organization has received increased funds after her YouTube appearance.
New donors have flocked in, and “we have a funder who wants to increase his gift from $7,000 to $100,000,” she said. “It’s kind of incredible.”
We’re not surprised these orgs are seeing success on YouTube. We of all people know how powerful the reach of these platforms–and the creators who call them home–can be. From Thankmas to Ryan Trahan and Haley Pham‘s cross-country St. Jude-a-thon to #TeamWater, creators have spent years using social media to amass millions upon millions of dollars for good causes.
Now that nonprofits are following in their footsteps and going directly to viewers/potential donors, we’re interested to see how their funding landscape flexes with the strength of online media.
