The Social Sector often uses basic tools, like hammers and nails to change the world. Instead, we need power tools. Our weekly blog, Social TrendSpotter provides you with the latest trends and ideas within the social sector. It merges current thinking with the edge of innovation to inspire, to motivate and to take action so we can all ultimately create a better sector. Social TrendSpotter includes original analysis, but also highlights the latest sector-wide thinking into a user-friendly resource where social sector professionals and students alike can draw inspiration, share ideas and develop new thinking on best practices.
We love when the best “Social TrendSpotters” – you – share your experiences, observations and suggestions with us. Share your ideas here, and follow us on Facebook (@socialimpactarchitects), LinkedIn (@social-impact-architects),Twitter (@socialtrendspot) or Instagram (@socialtrendspot) for our latest posts and other insights.
Charitable Giving Trends from Giving USA 2021
Americans have always been generous. But, as in other trying times, 9/11 or the Great Recession, Americans stepped up their giving. Indiana University’s Women’s Philanthropy Institute released a report that 56% of U.S. households engaged in charitable giving during...
Hot Nonprofit Trends for Summer 2021
Summer. A slower time of year. The long days unfold as the bluest skies turn into beautiful sunsets over the horizon. The season allows us to pause, appreciate beauty and focus on the present. It allows us to lean into human “being” versus human “doing.” As we...
4 Elements of Entrepreneurial Culture and How to Incorporate Them into Your Nonprofit
We were honored to present to North Carolina Community Action Agencies last week. They asked us to present on the cultural element most missing in the social space – entrepreneurial culture. In our research, we have learned that many nonprofit cultures are...
Expert Advice on How to Reopen Your Nonprofit
How has nonprofit life changed since the COVID-19 pandemic started? What should change forever? What should be reconsidered? Now that we are close to herd immunity, many nonprofits are tackling big and small questions across all aspects of their organizations about...
How Nonprofits Can Maximize Millennials’ Talents
Millennials – born between 1980 and 2000 – are this country’s future. According to a recent report by Deloitte, they make up one out of every three workers in the United States and will account for 75% of the workforce by 2025. Although corporate types have complained...
Should Nonprofits Become Landlords?
COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the commercial real estate market in 2020. And, even with things reopening in 2021, the effects will likely be felt over the next few years. This puts nonprofits that own their own real estate and/or are landlords in a tricky...
How Nonprofits Can Sharpen Their Focus on Mental Health
Like many of you, I was stunned when Prince Harry opened up in his new docuseries, “The Me You Can’t See,” co-created and produced with none other than Oprah herself. He speaks passionately and with authority about his own trauma and the treatments that have made a...
3 Steps to Make Evaluation Plans Easy
At a recent forum, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria was asked the ONE thing that children need to learn. His answer? “Intellectual discipline.” He defined it as the ability to wade through noise, discern the facts, analyze findings and form a point of view. We echo this sentiment...
(Almost) Free Wi-Fi for Nonprofit Clients
In our January call-to-action to the president and his team, we called out technology as one of the key areas to tackle post-pandemic to rebuild the economy. Today, access to technology stands in the way of achieving the American dream. And, equity must be consciously...
