Alan Belin is the founder an operator of a non-profit, the Chicago Food Project. The organization's whose sole purpose is to Help Hungry Hearts, by connecting those that are in need of good nutritional food, both prepared, and grocery items that have proven to be much needed and essential for people who live in food deserts. In the following article, Alan Belin discusses the current trends in the non-profit community, and the predictions for the future of the industry.
Trends are never here to stay, including those found within philanthropy and the non-profit industry. However, remaining abreast of them allows organizations to grow and predict where the sector is headed in the coming years.
From maintaining flexible work environments to boosting donor retention to working smarter and simpler, the future of philanthropy is looking wonderfully bright.
Alan Belin on Current Trends
Alan Belin says that this year has seen the rise of many philanthropic trends, such as:
Flexible Work Environments
Trends come and go, but non-profits are quickly turning flexible work environments into more of an established practice this year, ensuring employees retain their work-life balance established during lockdowns.
On top of that, Alan Belin explains that a few philanthropic organizations are adopting a four-day work week during summer months. In all industries, this has been shown to create a better work-life balance.
This trend will hopefully battle the seemingly never-ending burnout, helping individuals refresh, revitalize, and return to work ready to make a difference.
Diversifying Revenue
Since the economic forecasts aren't looking so positive, charity organizations are focusing on diversifying revenue streams this year. Traditionally, they rely on one major source of funding, but that's changing, according to Alan Belin.
Each organization needs to find multiple ways to ensure their business stays up-and-running. 2023 is the year for thinking creatively about money.
Donate Now, Pay Later
"Donate now, pay later" platforms are all the rage this year, allowing donors to pledge a lump sum and pay it off over several months. The organization, on the other hand, receives the money upfront.
Alan Belin reports that several companies have fore-fronted this trend, innovating how non-profits receive funds and the way donors pay them.
Working Smarter and Simpler Via Technology
Technology is proving its worth in many philanthropic organizations at the moment. Implementing software to track engagement, automate processes, and receive money is necessary to save time and money, especially for charitable companies with small staff teams.
This year has already seen more organizations lean on tech to undertake their workloads. And that's likely to continue reports Alan Belin.
Boosted Focus on Donor Retention
Difficult economic times are prompting more non-profits to bring a renewed focus on donor retention.
Discovering and developing relationships with brand-new donors is time-consuming and effort-intensive. Thus, philanthropic organizations must devise strategies to hold onto their well-established donation partners by planning, tracking, and performing campaigns to boost success rates.
Predictions for This Year and Beyond
Alan Belin says that with the trends in mind, industry participants have drafted industry predictions for the remainder of the year and beyond.
Unions Will Increasingly Form
The sector's staff are increasingly unionizing amid the clash of tight budgets and reasonable demands.
Ultimately, the boosted union formations will see funders pressured into significantly raising funding across non-profit territory.
Four-Day Work Weeks May Rise
As mentioned, some organizations are already implementing the four-day work week. However, the growing number of unions will purportedly urge more companies to take the same approach as the year ticks on.
More Creative Forms of Communication Will Come Out
Writing and podcasts will remain winners for non-profit communication. However, philanthropic organizations are beginning to explore creative communication means, like:
- Shadow puppetry
- Beat poetry
- Stand-up shows
- Videos
- Satirical skits
Alan Belin also notes that target audiences are changing. Thus, new and exciting ways of spreading the word are essential for organizations wishing to stay ahead of the curve.
Progressive Foundations Will See the Light at the End of the Tunnel
In the coming months (and years), more foundations will abolish conservative policies and practices, giving rise to progression and ending corruption. Again, this is likely thanks to the changing target audiences and the modern views upheld by many demographics today explains Alan Belin.
Eradicating the Traditional Board Model
Last but not least, the decades-long board model will come to a firm end, as industry participants predict. But what will take their place?
It appears that community boards, co-ops, minimally viable boards, and other structures will flood the sector, bringing even more philanthropy to already-philanthropic endeavors.
