Dust off that crystal ball and gaze into 2010!
Our last blog post about 21 burning questions for the Nonprofit/NGO Sector left us – and many of you who read it – wanting answers. So, we’re asking you to gaze into your crystal ball and help.
What trends do you foresee or predictions can you make for the nonprofit/NGO and philanthropic sector in 2010?
Whether your thoughts are about partnerships, social media, programs, volunteerism, fundraising, or other topics, we want to hear from you. We’re asking more than 5,000 people this question, not only here, but via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets. You can be as general or specific as you like.
Here’s a small sampling of our early responses just to get your “predictive juices” flowing:
“I am hoping – actually I’m praying – that nonprofit organizations have learned some lessons and will be steering clear of trends and returning to the basics, emphasizing sound systems and comprehensive donor appreciation. I would love to see organizations begin to focus the same commitment to their development efforts that they show their mission (perhaps then they’d have the funding to SUPPORT their missions!).” From Pamela Grow, President, GrowConsultingPA and Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog
“The current recession will impact the voluntary sector in deepening ways – funding organizations will have less resources as they try to bounce back from losses, United Ways will be pressed with fewer donations as corporations pull back and governments are facing unprecidented deficits – this will call to us to be creative, strategic and to look for those opportunities which will ensure our resilience – those organizations that resist this – will be left behind. It seems bleak – but in every challenge ~ there is opportunity.” Liz Weaver, Lead Coach, Vibrant Communities Canada/Tamarack Institute
“I see an uptick in non-profits of all sizes losing valuable leaders and having great difficulty replacing them. Two reasons at least: 1. Revenue and good salaries will remain hard to come by for the NP and for the home of the leader. 2. Many leaders are ill-equipped (or too tired) to make the changes necessary to survive/prosper in this environment. They’ll move on to more fulfilling opportunities.” Tim Deuitch, Senior Consultant, Strategic Enhancement Group, Inc.
Won’t you pull out your own crystal ball and add your voice?
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Some of the comments below are re-posted here after being aggregated from social media, emails, and a plethora of other locations. Many thanks for so much participation!
Also from Tim Deuitch’s full prediction:
Growth in merger talk and progression: The opportunities seem ever more real and necessary. Linked to this is an uptick in outsourcing or at least the initial steps of combining back office efforts.
E-Giving vaults forward: As this medium becomes cost-friendly and allows NP’s to heavily customize their pitch and image, its use will skyrocket. This said, while it might generate new small donors I don’t believe this means we’ll raise collectively more money…we’ll just have easier ways to give.
I predict that the use of mobile technology incorporating applications to promote micro-giving will be something that emerges as a new way for both large and small nonprofits to raise money and awareness. With the proliferation of both the iPhone and most recently the Google Android phone with Verizon, these two platforms hold very tangible opportunities both throughout the US and abroad. Tonia Zampieri, President & Founder, iHeart Charity, LLC http://iheartcharity.com/
Unfortunately, I agree with Tim that talent loss is one of the trends. This “reorganizing” and “right-sizing” has most often forced seasoned gift officers who provide a lot of mentoring to more junior staff as well as having institutional history and key relationships to leave—and that will continue. It is difficult to find junior people who can be the assets that most non-profits need. More donors will be looking as closely as they did in September and October 08 and where their funds are being best utilized—and at what non-profits are doing the best job of communication and stewardship. Many wealthy donors still feel that the economy will be shaky for a few more years. Finally, I see more and more people looking to make part of their gift from their estate. We all need to partner more with financial services firms & trusts/estates attorneys and CPAs. They can be phenomenal allies. Barbra Luce-Turner, Principal, Raising the BoARd and Director of Development, Women & Children’s Programs, University of Illinois at Chicago
It’s no secret that Foundations have taken a big hit in the stock market. As a result, they will be more selective about the grants that they do give. As a non-profit, I think it is our responsibility to get a little more creative. We are no less deserving than we were last year, but we need to do a better job of presenting our case and making sure that we are using every dollar in the most prudent manner possible. We may also have to consider alternatives to grants like mission-based investing if they will help us achieve the same results. Jeff Mendola, Director of Development & External Affairs, Mercy Flight Western New York
Nonprofits will continue to recognize a shift in donor demographics, which necessitates a shift in how they do business, solicit donations and communicate with donors. The proverbial belt will need to be tightened – programmatically and fiscally as the impact of the recession continues to be felt. However, smart, nimble nonprofits will make necessary adjustments and, as Liz suggested, create a class of creative, strategic, stronger, leaner more efficient organizations. It’s organizational evolution – and it’s not always a bad thing – much good can come of it – especially in an age of collaboration and technology. Sara Brueck Nichols, Director of New Media and Marketing at Operation Kids
I think some nonprofits that have relied on a limited number of funding sources and have not made a compelling case for support to their communities will disappear. Also, boards will become more responsible, knowledgeable and involved in the organizations that do succeed. Linda Lysakowski, President/CEO, Capital Venture
Nonprofits that normally compete for funding and constituents will get practical; put aside their differences; put mission first and partner on long-term collaborations.Maggi Kirk, Arts Administration
I think that gifts for planned gifts and capital campaigns will return in full force, as the stockmarket rises. Another question will be how easily will agencies that used government supports to survive get back to approaching private donors for big gifts. Jonathan Spinner, President, Real Fundraising.
I predict that:
1) our volunteer bases will include more younger people (under 35);
2) through the use of effective social media strategies more people will become engaged with our organizations; and
3) more creative collaboratives/partnerships between multiple organizations will crop up in pursuit of mutual missions.
Sara Clark-Williams, Owner, Launch Your Life-Life Coaching for Women
Laura, my prediction is that high levels of the available funding will be directed toward general operations, in a continuation of the philanthropic sector’s response to the recession. In addition, I believe we will see funding targeted toward new business model/revenue generation initiatives put forward by nonprofits to diversify their revenue streams. Louise Stevens, President, ArtsMarket, Inc.
Here’s a snapshot from the ‘crystal ball’.
A) Major gifts will continue to dominate the giving pie graph, but will be harder won;
B) Individual Gifts will continue to play their role in the mix, but will be at lower individual contribution levels. Non-profits would be well-served to get educated on how Obama’s fund-raising efforts forged completely new paths (and far surpassed all previous efforts in this space) with online solicitation strategies;
C) Corporate Giving will require completely new strategies and going after new funding buckets, driven by Development leaders who truly understand the different needs (and accountabilities) of different kinds of corporate stakeholders. I believe this will be the most difficult shift for Development teams to make, as effectively engaging corporate decision-makers requires a unique skill set that generally comes from having walked in corporate shoes and seeing through their lens.
The Bright Side: Numerous research studies prove that consumers are more predisposed to buy corporate products and services (or invest in their stock) when they know that corporation is “doing good” in a way that is both relevant and meaningful to stakeholder issues. So there’s a willingness to fund non-profits IF the deals can be structured to be mutually-beneficial.
Here’s my off the cuff take on 2010:
I expect 2010 to be a flat year overall… Right now there’s little reason to expect it to significantly improve and some potential for it to worsen. A flat year may be the upside… it could get worse.
Its all about the economy:
In 2010 nonprofits will continue to see contributions decline and demand for services rise. With over 10% of Americans unemployed, many more under-employed and no end in sight, the general population simply has little to spare.
Christmas 2009 will be an unhappy season for many retailers and ultimately manufacturers. Expect unemployment to continue rising in 2010 as companies cut overhead to the bone in an effort to stay afloat. If 2010 is flat or declines, Christmas 2010 will be worse as a result of higher and/or prolonged unemployment.
Why:
The American government is intentionally ignoring the the problems that brought down and continue to drag on the economy, in favor of a quest to take over the healthcare industry. It wasn’t healthcare that brought down the economy and government takeover of healthcare won’t bring about recovery.
Until we’re solidly in economic recovery the demand for nonprofit services won’t be relieved and the public won’t feel financially comfortable enough to significantly increase their financial support to nonprofits. People’s first instinct will be to rebuild their lives and replenish their reserves.
Whether recovery occurs in 2011 will depend upon what happens in 2010…
Rand Cordle, President at Corande Publishing, LLC
In the United States there will be less funding for the services that we provide. I work in a non-profit domestic violence agency and we are having to cut some of our programs. I also anticipate we will be looking to generate raises to increase funding so as to avoid more cuts.
First Response Court Advocate at HAVEN
Mr. Spinner’s observations belie history. After downturns, it usually takes at least a year after economy turns for significant rebound in major giving. The key question this time is the lag in unemployment which may extend the length of “compassion” giving beyond its normal 1 year time frame. In other words, I believe that we will not see a significant rebound in giving for at least another year but we will see greater commitment to certain kinds of human service needs as human toll becomes increasingly evident and government support expires. I believe we will also see the continued impact of cyber-social network oriented giving – empowering smaller givers to have a greater impact than previously. And we will aslo see a concomitant expansion of innovative start-ups which requre lower overhead and have more agility than established organizations. Many of these will try to push the hybrid “for profit/non profit” modeling. Richard Marker, Co-Principal at Marker Goldsmith Philanthropy Advisors
As a nonprofit leader for over 25 years I feel it is the age of collaboration like we have never seen before. Working together during this recession has been a challenge for so many of us. It has brought about a new world for our leadership. We all need to “play in the same sand box” to fullfill our missions for the people that need us. ‘DO MORE WITH LESS’ Irene Baird, Executive Director at Family Promise of Delaware County
Laura, here are a few of my predictions:
1) Nonprofits will be forced to do what they can with less. I agree with Rand that the economic outlook does not appear to be getting better any time soon. You will hear more success stories of either individuals or small groups who leverage social media and community building to do amazing things.
2) The upward trend in online giving will continue to rise but giving as a whole will remain stagnant.
3) May see more of a focus on local initiatives here domestically than on foreign aid. With the unemployment rate at 10%, some of our states near bankruptcy, and some major industries on the verge of collapse many donors and volunteers will focus their attention on items that are hitting them here at home.
John Funari, Chief Software Architect at StratusLIVE
I believe the funding will finally diminish, so there will be more reduced staff, more youthful staff, possible shutdowns, and more emphasis on money from the public. So, that should produce more social networking “causes” for donors and more strategic partnerships between for profit and nonprofits. Also, more “asks” done individually to the wealthy with care. President at Human+Nature, Video for A Good Cause
Nice one!
ok lets’ say that in 2010;
1) sport based projects will lead all other sectors in working with disadvantaged people, in western countries as well as in international development. Sport can really change people’s life and I think next year we will see this sector growing in social projects all over the world.
2) environmental sector will lower its impact on donors until a new phase of the international debate, and as lolnd as a clear scenario will be drawn about global warming and pollution. Todate everything has been said without results and also the most important and influential organisations are confused about the emergency and the solutions.
3) the relation between internet and nonprofits will see a crisis, being the net since too much time the “magic wand” for too many actions. Nonprofits will learn that they can reach people with their mission but they can’t ask people to read email and news, subscribe feeds, see videos, donate, write or rate projects, give feedbacks, attend events… Anyone of us is on several networks but anyone of us is also available for maximum two actions in the same site/channel/blog/etc (of course this is not true for activists or professionals in one sector, but usually you don’t need to involve those).
See you,
Adriano, Training Area Manager at Arci Milano
In Belgium we have protected our “most vulnerable” people by providing them fitting work (people with a slight handicap). I currently work at a social restaurant. There is little change in our supply of volunteers and the business is self sustaining by providing our customers a home-cooked meal at 7 euros and we have a store that sells second-hand clothing. One thing I did notice is that, because of the economic crisis, fewer customers are coming in for lunch. Our usual students are not coming in to eat. Deeply disappointing for us who provide great service. Edward De Sloover, Field Volunteer at Ateljee Gent, Belgium
There most likely will be consolidation in the not for profit sector, as struggling organizations, debilitated by a shrinking pool of direct donations and grants, will either fold or merge with other organizations sharing similar missions.
Religious institutions are going to be hit particularly hard, as hard-hit congregants will not only be giving less but will also be asking for reductions in dues.
Expect donors to reduce both overall contribution levels and the number of NFPs they support. They will remain loyal to those organizations with whom they have more than a monetary relationship (i.e., they volunteer or serve on boards), which means that their giving will become more local and less national.
Wealthier donors will also be expecting greater accountability from the organizations they support in terms of ongoing communications listing specific results. There will be little tolerance for the usual direct mail and telemarketing fundraising efforts.
NFPs that have received stimulus money will be under intense pressure from the government to accurately report how the money is being used, particularly in terms of job creation. Stimulus money will likely peter out during the second quarter of 2010, as the Obama administration, facing the prospect of losing Congress to the Republications, will have to make significant budget cuts to lower the deficit, leaving many government-supported NFPs scrambling to make up the difference.
One wildcard still in the air is taxes.
The current 45% tax on estates valued at more than $3.5 million for individuals and $7 million for couples will expire this year. If Congress doesn’t extend or change this provision, Unless something is done, the estate tax rate and exemption level will fall to zero in 2010 and then increase to 55% and and $1 million in 2011. If Congress eliminates or drastically cuts the estate tax and/or raises the exemption level significantly, then the incentive for wealthy donors to give these assets to charity (to remove them from their estate) will be nuliified.
Income tax is also another area worth following. If President Obama increases income tax rates for the wealthiest Americans and shuts down loopholes such as offshore accounts, there will be a much greater incentive for the wealthy go give more of their assets–particularly highly appreciated assets that would otherwise incur capital gains–to charity rather than pay taxes on their income.
Another wildcard is the possibility of tighter regulations on not-for-profit governance as a result of any overall restructuring of the SEC and FINRA. In the wake of the Madoff scandal and the huge losses in value suffered by Harvard, Princeton and other endowments (and the job cuts directly tied to these losses), there may be a push for tighter regulations around not-for-profit governance and fiduciary compliance. It is possible, although not likely, that an ERISA-type organization could be formed to provide strict compliance guidelines around endowment spending and investing, or that the IRS could require endowments to follow the same guidelines around minimum distributions and self-dealing and risk management that apply to private foundations.
Lastly, and not finally, it is possible that the IRS will step up their scrutiny and prosecution of high-visibility private foundations, particularly those that imprudently invested with Madoff and other fraudulent advisors.
Jeff Briskin, Principal at Briskin Consulting
I expect stepped-up oversight and regulation of non-profits. We’ve seen a slight 2009 uptick in enforcement of state Charity Registration laws, and that’s just one example. Look for greater board accountability, transparency and formality. Look for greater interest by IRS as well as the states.
Tony Martignetti, Managing Director at Martignetti Planned Giving Advisors, LLC
I would agree with Tony on the key points of accountability, transparency and formality. Individual donors are still motivated to give but what objective guidance from advisors as they look deeper into their asset pool to decide on the appropriate structure for their gifts. Many more gifts will be killed at the advisor table because of self interest and the lack of knowledge. Look for increased regulation especially on the commercial industry involved in donor advised funds and look for more charities, well beyond community foundations, to enter the donor advised fund arena as charities focus on being the sole souce for major contributors.
James Connell, Owner, James E. Connell & Associates
I think less and less people will be interested to work in non profits, or some people might leave the non profit sector to different sectors for better salaries. And if the crisis persist then we would have less and less donors for projects and Africa at this time will be so affected, since they depend on the western world for sponsorship. Some NGOs in Africa will have to suspend their projects till they can see a green light which is bad for development.
Charities that choose to focus on internal factors they can control (positive attitude, focus on mission, focus on effective fundraising activities, building great personal donor relationships, building multiple revenue streams, etc) vs external factors they cannot control (economy, legislative or gov’t. decisions, etc) will continue to be just fine or raise more support in 2010. As we get lagging reports of how bad 2009 actually was on the sector as a whole, those charities that have coiled in fear already this year or have failed previously to build solid donor relationships may not survive 2010. This doesn’t mean that painful cutbacks and streamlining throughout 2010 can be avoided. Leaders have the largest impact on the destiny of their organizations. The root question is why is it that some charities do well regardless of external factors? Leaders that can discover this answer and incorporate that in their own organizations will do well in 2010 and thrive as our economy continues to recover in coming years.
The second “awakening” for nonprofits (or the final straw for nonprofits with limited vision) is the realization of how modern communications is radically changing some basic tenants of the donor/nonprofit relationship…hyper-transparency and accountability, nano-attention spans of the general public, shrinking trust by donors and the public, user-generated image making, a new generation of donors who are driven by personal action and involvement maybe even more so than giving dollars, etc. Organizations that do not adjust to these new realities will continue to see their donors slowly disappear (or dare I say…die off) in 2010 and beyond.
Partner, Crandall, Croft & Associates, LLC
I’m hoping that more nonprofits become marketing-oriented, otherwise, they run the risk of extinction over time. There may be more mergers and collaborations, all good things if organizations can improve their efficiencies and share expenses.
Lastly, I predict a more holistic approach to marketing and fundraising, as professionals realize the need to integrate print and electronic channels in order to reach each market segment.
President and CMO at SOLUTIONS Marketing & Consulting LLC
I believe that the trend of the ‘ASK’ will be reconsidered. There has been a shift in giving and we have responded. There is a need of collaboration of how to do smart business within the NFP as well. How will this look?
Executive Director/CEO, St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity
My prediction? Many more startups in 2010 seeRT @Philanthropy 20+ #nonprofit2010 predictions here: http://clicky.me/32h #socent (from Twitter)
I think the challenge is that 2010 is a reactive timeframe. If you’re not already on that train it’s already left the station. This short-term view may be part of the challenge for the non-profit organisations and their ability to make BIG change in the world.
Would be much more interested in predictions for 2020. Might be wrong- but would at least be about strategic foresight…
Have a look at this wiki about fundraising in 2020 and add your views http://www.fundraisingscenarios.com/Expert+Views
I believe that eliminating the salary cap for Roth Conversions will be a motivating factor for many people to make planned gifts and “grouped gifts” in 2010. Charities that promote retained life estate gifts, immediate and deferred gift annuities and gifts of conservation easements to offset the ordinary income tax owed on conversion dollars, could experience some significant gifts in 2010. There are trillions of dollars in traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans and many people wanting to get those dollars moved to where tax considerations and minimum required distributions are no longer a consideration. The trend will be to convert while you can…especially before tax rates increase in coming years. Based on government spending policies, that’s the only trend you can bank on.
Principal, Miller Consulting
My life’s work centers around a very specific activity in fundraising: saying thank you in ways that enhance and broaden giving, while strengthening the bottom-line. For 2010, I predict 2 very different trends in thanking, especially for those non profits who have facilities. Though different in nature, both trends are driven by the same goal: better stewardship of donated dollars.
1) increased story-telling to constituents. No matter the story, i.e. donor motivation and history with the organization, gift impact, or even the deserving nature of the organization (as opposed to making an ask or touting a need), the power of story-telling for engaging the viewer (prospective donor) is unparalleled. And by re-purposing existing media, whether in print, video or on line web, these stories will be told seamlessly in context with donor recognition/thanking and in line with the organization’s marketing and communication goals.
2) an attention to increased administrative efficiencies in all donor recognition/stewardship activities. Only a very few of the largest of non profits, as they’ve grown recently, have concentrated on internal process/procedure related to the cost of thanking donors. Yet, I predict a change now as a sharply focused effort will evolve to document policy, budget expenditures and unified graphic standards and guidelines. No more reliance upon institutional memory, especially as personnel changes are imminent. The new year and its economic influences portend an urgent effort for non profits get their “recognition houses” in order.
Founder and Principal Consultant at Robin E. Williams Incorporated
Great question Laura. Thank you.
My two biggest concerns are that:
* Funding will continue to be a challenge. and
* Then many execs and boards, facing this challenge, will make decisions that focus too much on easy short term answers thus damaging the strengths of the organization and putting limitations on the future.
Like Sara, I too see increased use of volunteers and a steady increase of partnerships as organizations struggle to learn how to partner well.
I hope Louise is correct that more funders will grow to realize the need for operations funding now and that we will continue to see more income streams developed.
I look forward to more answers.
President at E C Runner & Associates, Inc
Getting out my crystal ball:
1. The rumblings about consolidations/mergers will evolve further, affecting small NPO’s to hospital and even large state universities;
2. Based on stimulus funding, government support will get added focus;
3. Those few companies that are doing well will give further attention to philanthropy (however the demand will outstrip the resources), particularly those which want to counter media scrutiny (Goldman Sachs, for one example);
4. Arts & cultural funding will continue to suffer as ongoing philanthropic attention goes to social welfare causes.
5. Deadlines on fundraising campaigns will be more open ended. Campaign launches will be delayed. Careful and deliberate planning must be done during “quiet” phases, which will extend over a longer period.
5. NPOs which cut back their fundraising administration investment will suffer the most — people will continue to give and this will be an excellent time to prepare for sunnier skies.
We see a huge changes in the way non-profits generate revenues as they are forced to look at new methods. The demand for our immediate cash flow programs has sky-rocketed due to the economy and tired old methods as well as benefactors being squeezed dry.
We provide our non-profit clients with numerous extraordinary, immediate income streams that we implement for them 100% turn-key. We provide them with high value benefits to their membership while generating immediate, recurring, and viral income steams that are homogeneous with any organizations mission and existing programs. We can produce an income stream(s) for virtually any database with our proven programs; several so unique they have patents pending.
Our programs are designed to give back high value to the organizations and its supporters and yet still produce exceptional income without continually taxing both staff, budgets and supporters.
National Marketing Director, GreenBackStreet.com/eworks
As others have noted, we do not see the economic climate improving for at least two years.
We see increasing use of networks as a model for contracting by state government as government seeks to reduce its own administrative overhead and encourage consolidation in the sector. Wraparound models that seek to create comprehensive interventions for families will soon be the norm for children’s mental health, child welfare services, and adult education/workforce development activities funded by states. Health reform, particularly Medicaid reform, will encourage community based alternatives rather than institutional or residential care. Residential providers for the elderly and people with disabilities will be the hardest hit in the social service sector.
We anticipate that the sector will continue to consolidate, with increasing numbers of large organizations providing back office supports for smaller entities. Unfortunately, the lights will go out for many nonprofits or they will devolve into all volunteer efforts.
Laura,
I do see 2010 as another year of competition for the funding pie. The funding pie is going to get smaller with governments cutting spending and raising taxes to thwart the massive deficits being run up.
Also, the financial markets are going to have more swings than orangutans frolicking within the trees of the jungles. Thus, investment income of endowment funds will be heavily pressed to earn respectable returns.
Overall, the people in need are going to get the royal shaft as usual. I hope I am wrong but the economy is just not ready to turn the corner yet.
Regards,
Phil
http://www.philparkinson.ca/
There is now one nonprofit for every 223 persons in the United States. Perhaps some consolidation and mergers is a natural growth process for the sector. This is not to say that essential services should be decreased, but as any business person learns – there is an optimum size to maintain financial viability. As the recession makes individuals change, and for profit businesses change, we are now seeing how nonprofits will change as well to adapt.
Shareholder, Lindley and Company LLC, CPAs
I agree with Irene. I also have been in the NGO world for the past 25 years. Too often non-profits feel that what they do is better or different than another non-profit providing the exact same service.We need to work together to reduce duplication, initiate mergers and focus entirely on the clientele we serve. This financial crisis is an opportunity for us to entirely re-think how non-profits address community need.
President & CEO Resourceful Results, LLC
Sadly, in the wake of declining donations and donors, I see consolidation as a rising trend in order to survive. I’ve seen local United Way chapters literally ABSORB small non-profits into wings of their own outreach.
Hi Laura,
I predict that donors will give more money for sustainable development programs overseas. Donations to domestic programs will be more localized in the spirit of “good neighbors.” Innovative sound project may have a better chance to benefit from donors seeking to redirect their giving strategy. I also agree with previous comments posted about technology and its vital role for NGOs to navigate and manage data. If small NGOs are able to engage in direct contacts with donors, we could see a fall in donations given to big international NGOs. More donors are seeking to bypass the middle man and go right to the main beneficiary.
Top beneficiary causes:
Domestic:
- Green programs
- Education
- Health (depending on the outcome on the Healthcare Bill)
- Community development (including housing)
International causes:
- Health (HIV- Malaria will continue to dominate the field followed by water purification and nutrition programs)
- Community development (large emphasis on micro-credits)
- Education
- Social entreprise investments will rise
- There will be a worldwide rise of Youth involvement in social programs due to access of information through technology.
Overall the fittest and best connected will survive. Small organizations need to jump on the technology bandwagon to get in the game and stand out from the crowd. More than ever the “look” will matter. Websites that are outdated or don’t tell the story as it’s meant to be told could undermine the organization’s credibility.
Eugenie
Founder
http://www.rwandaconsulting.org
I think there is a lot of insight in the above comments. My two cents is this: I think we will continue to see a rise in crowdsourcing as it relates to micro-donations which you can read about here: http://wp.me/pikKB-7F
Consultant at Mark Holmgren Consulting
In 2010 I foresee a greater focus on donor relations and an increase in non-traditional donor recognition opportunities. For some organizations this will mean an increase in the number of named scholarships, endowed chairs or professorships and programs. For others, the combination of a tight economy and the leverage of donors interested in supporting a broader range of non-profits will result in naming opportunities and other listings that combine recognition for more than one donor. Across the board, online and digital recognition venues are drawing focus away from the traditional “plaque on the wall” to interactive media that translates the variety of reasons why donors give and motivates new giving.
Donor Recognition Consultant and VP/Creative for Robin E. Williams Incorporated
It will begin to become apparent that nonprofits that manage their performance do better for their clients and they will become able to leverage that for fundraising, because funders and invididual donors are becoming more and more aware.
I predict that 2010 will be even worse for nonprofit than 2009 (if that’s even possible). The result will be that a lot of small organizations that have been running on a shoestring simply won’t be able to make it. And that’s too bad.
But the smart ones will quickly discover that there is safety in numbers. Savvy nonprofits will band together with like-minded organizations and share costs. They will disclose strategic planning information so as not to cannibalize each other’s programming and educational bases. I predict that the ones who will succeed are the ones who understand their clients’ needs and allocate their budgets to doing one thing really well rather than trying to be all things to all people.