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.
5 Keys to Success for Employee Engagement in Nonprofits
COVID-19 taught us many lessons – one of the most powerful for me was about the importance of organizational culture and employee engagement. Based on our research, we have found a direct correlation between those nonprofits that had a strong internal culture and...
5 Tips for Taming Email Clutter
When I grew up, we had a party line phone, and it was expensive to call people. So, you had to really think about what you wanted to say and be as concise as possible. Fast forward to today – calls, texts and emails are free. And, with remote working situations, they...
Following Southwest’s Model for Taking Nonprofit Internal Communications to New Heights
As last week’s headlines revealed, Gary Kelly, CEO of Southwest Airlines, is stepping down. One of the company’s longest-serving CEOs, he has made an indelible mark on the Southwest legacy. As some of you may know, last August I married into the Southwest family. I...
Why Nonprofit Teamwork Fails
My new favorite show is “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+ (the new season is coming out on Friday, July 23rd). If you need a pick-me-up and a true belly laugh, this is the show for you. One of my favorite Ted Lasso quotes is: "I think if you care about someone and you got a...
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...
How to Manage Change in Your Nonprofit
Summer is filled with highly anticipated superhero movie releases. While superhero epics seem like the Greek mythology of our time, with towering men and women possessing deity-like capabilities to save the world, there is something human in their approach that we as...
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...
