Do You Have 2020 Vision?

In less than one month, it will be the year 2020. All of us would like to have 20/20 vision, whether to see perfectly or to have the ability to successfully predict the future. According to Forbes Nonprofit Council, here are some trends we’re likely to see in 2020:

1. Nonprofit networking platforms
2. Earned income
3. A greater focus on mission and priorities
4. Artificial intelligence
5. Innovative sustainability

The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy predicts in a report published by Marts & Lundy that charitable giving will increase by 4.1% in 2020. Giving prospects next year will be influenced by the economy, stock market volatility, tax changes and donors’ perspectives. Contributions by individuals, foundations, estates and corporations are predicted to grow by 3.4%, 6.1%, 5.6% and 2.6%, respectively. These growth projections could be affected by various scenarios, such as named uneven growth scenario, flat growth scenario and economic downturn scenario.

Nonprofit Tech for Good believes nonprofits and fundraisers who focus on the following five topics and develop an overarching strategy will set themselves up for long-term results:

1. Big results for nonprofits that embrace flexible work environments
2. A resurgence of the “election effect” as the political climate heats up
3. A call for greater financial transparency and global effectiveness
4. The concept of integrated giving empowering everyday donors
5. The rise of giving experiences and conversations about sustainable impact

Fast Company points out that technology and social media is helping nonprofits widen and deepen their reach to the people they serve. Data-savvy skills and people skills are the top priorities needed by prospective employers. Tomorrow’s high potential talent wants to thrive in an agile, fast-paced environment that implements dynamic ways of work. Nonprofits will need to understand what makes them unique and recruit employees accordingly in an extremely competitive environment.

Do you have 2020 vision? If not, seek to understand what forces could affect you next year in your nonprofit role and adjust accordingly. Many complex factors are at work, so be prepared for multiple possible scenarios. Continue to be proactive and not reactive. The competition for nonprofit revenue has never been keener than at present. Donors now view investing their charitable dollars in more restrictive ways. The future is uncertain for all of us. Seek to sharpen your mission and find out what makes your organization more worthy of support than your competitors. Always have a vision for what you do, and seek, in the year 2020, to have 20/20 vision. You will definitely need to be on top of your game to succeed!