5 Nonprofit Trends on Software/Technology, Special Events and Staffing for 2015
To get a handle on what’s in store for 2015, NonProfit PRO rounded up some of the nonprofit industry’s finest, who were kind enough to share their nonprofit trends for 2015. Here are five trends on software/technology, special events and staffing.
SOFTWARE/TECHNOLOGY
Miriam Kagan, senior fundraising principal, Kimbia
1. Transition from integrated platforms to best-of-breed point solutions. While all-in-one-place models still rule for many, the leaders are finding that solutions that try to do everything for everyone may not do anything well. As the cloud makes data movement easier and removes barriers of having to store data in one place, the industry will begin to evaluate point solutions (both from nonprofit and commercial providers) to create a connected ecosystem that cherry-picks platforms that do one thing well and can still talk to the CRM. Having invested heavily in data, many will now want to leverage that data using the best platforms to fundraise, engage with constituents, deliver mission, etc.
Richard Perry, founding partner, and Jeff Schreifels, senior partner, Veritus Group
2. The rise of virtual nonprofits as cause-driven entrepreneurs find that they can do good without the burden of traditional infrastructure, buildings and employees.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Jeff Shuck, CEO, Plenty
1. Look to organic events for inspiration. Very often, the largest and most successful programs started not at headquarters but from volunteers in the field. The Ice Bucket Challenge was the latest in a long line of campaigns that surfaced directly from constituents. If your organization is searching for new ideas on experience, acquisition or retention, you’ll likely find inspiration at the local level.
2. Stop worrying about your walk. Worry about your mission impact instead. A few years ago, the space was shaken up by the rise of mud and obstacle events. A palpable sense of concern arose within organizations that had done well by the walk — they wondered if they would be left behind by the shiny new car on the event block.
Over the last year, however, we found that pedestrian walks not only still dominated the landscape, compromising seven of the 10 largest fundraising events, but most also realized increased revenue. The simplicity of a walk allows cause-focused constituents with significant fundraising power to rally specifically around your mission — not a fiery obstacle course.
What matters more than ever, however, is the real silver bullet of fundraising: what you do with the money. What impact are you making in the world? Fundraising revenue is only a proxy for mission impact, so the real fundraising leaders will begin to realize that to do their jobs effectively they have to understand, assess and be involved in the program delivery side of their nonprofit.
STAFFING/HIRING/TRAINING
Rachel Armbruster, CEO, Armbruster Consulting Group
1. The issue of high staff turnover in development offices continues to be a hot topic. Trends I have seen recently include flexible work hours, more telecommuting, increased use of online meeting technology to reduce travel and alternating jobs within development departments to avoid burnout. One step I haven’t seen yet though is the rethinking of job descriptions and qualifications. Many organizations continue to use job titles and descriptions from a decade ago, and they really aren’t reflective of the work or the ideal candidate. I think progress will have to be made in this area for our fundraising dollars to raise significantly.
