Editor's Note: You Are Innovators

What a time to be alive. The innovation I’ve been seeing year after year never ceases to amaze me. And when I say innovation, I’m not only referring to technology. Sure, the technology of our time continues to evolve. I mean, seriously, did you know there is such a thing as a “fetching” robot? I came across an article in WIRED the other day about a robot that has been assigned to a paralyzed veteran and can do basic tasks (e.g. grabbing objects, opening doors). Pretty neat stuff, huh? Getting back to the point ... the innovation I’m referring to is the ability to conjure up creative ideas and execute them—well.

One of the things that I love most about my job is that I get to explore the Interwebz and find new and exciting nonprofits—and meet the people behind them. And let’s face it, with so many nonprofits popping up on the radar, it’s hard to keep up. But not only do I manage to keep up, I am continuously blown away by all of the unique nonprofits out there with fresh ideas that I haven’t seen before.

One particular nonprofit of note is one that we came across at AFP’s International Fundraising Conference: Union & Fifth. As a woman with a keen sense of style (at least I’d like to think so) and a borderline (maybe unhealthy?) addiction to shopping, I was enthralled to see what this organization was doing. Who out there can say that they’ve bought a clothing item for way too much money, only to find that they’ve only worn it a handful of times or maybe not even at all? I know I’m guilty of that. And of course in the for-profit world, there are companies out there that can sell your slightly worn clothes (e.g. eBay, Poshmark, Tradesy). Union & Fifth is taking that same concept, but plot twist, they are donating money earned from the sold fashion items to charity. Recently, I spoke with the organization’s president and founder, Christena
Reinhard, who gave us all the deets. You can read all about it here.

So, fundraisers, nonprofiteers, social good whiz kids—you all are awesome, creative, adventurous, intelligent and innovative. Keep those fresh ideas coming, because we are going to need that perspective in this new era of overwhemling innovation.

Know of a one-of-a-kind nonprofit you want to tell me about? I would love to hear about it. Drop me a line at nhute@napco.com. Until next month!

Nhu Te
Editor-in-Chief
NonProfit PRO

Editor's Note: This article appeared in the July/August issue of NonProfit PRO. Click here to view the entire issue.