For many nonprofits, 2022 was a time of rebuilding, reimagining, and reshuffling. We focused on assessments and strategy to grow capacity post-pandemic. We saw trends like the Great Resignation, followed by Quiet Quitting, affect employee retention and engagement. And we cared more about our people, committing to better serve and advance employees. Now that 2023 is here, it’s time to look at the likely nonprofit trends for 2023. In this article, we’ve synthesized five trends for nonprofits in the New Year, with tips to keep you at the leading edge.
Use brand reputation to attract talent.
This trend is all about becoming an employer of choice, a nonprofit where top talent wants to work. Today’s employees—especially younger generations—care more about the mission of their workplace than ever before. In the wake of the pandemic and social unrest, people have reevaluated their careers and are focused on finding greater purpose in work. Emphasize why your mission is one worth aligning with, and how you are making a difference in the local community and world at large.
Develop a thought leadership platform.
One practical way to build brand is via social media presence. LinkedIn has become the platform-of-choice for many people who are establishing their thought leadership in a particular area of expertise. It’s also the place where current and potential donors will learn what your nonprofit is up to and how they might support you. Post content about topics that matter to your organization. Promote virtual and in-person events where you are speaking or participating. And interact with other agencies in the same industry by commenting or sharing to build your credibility.
Provide donors more choices.
When it comes to fundraising this year, the most important strategy is to give people choices. Today’s donors want their giving experiences to match how they prefer to buy or shop online. This means incorporating modern payment methods such as Apple Pay, Venmo, and PayPal, along with the traditional direct deposit, credit card, or pay by check options. The most progressive nonprofits are even investing in cryptocurrency. The Giving Block reported that, via their platform, “on average, nonprofits received $69,644 in crypto donations in 2021, an increase of 66 percent from 2020.”
Invest in employees.
According to Nonprofit HR, “forty-three percent of U.S. social sector organizations report that a lack of opportunity for upward mobility, or career growth, is a primary reason for voluntary turnover.” Looking ahead to a year of potential economic uncertainty, employee engagement will continue to be a challenge. Nonprofits that hire and promote from within will save resources, and those that provide more personalized learning and development options will encourage employee retention. Investing in employees is a smart strategy for long-term organizational sustainability.
Keep championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
And while you’re at it, focus on belonging and access, too. This trend will continue to be critical as donors and employees increasingly seek nonprofits committed to social justice. Per Scholas—an organization that advances economic equity and opportunity through tuition-free, rigorous technical skills training, professional development, and employer connections—recently launched a campaign called Unlocking Potential: Changing the Face of Tech. This campaign aligns with the nonprofit’s hope for 2023: a paradigm shift where the tech industry becomes as diverse as the customers it serves.
Partnering with Brighter Strategies in 2023
Given these five predictions, next year is certain to be one to focus on your people, planning, process, and performance. Brighter Strategies believes the following ideas will always be important for nonprofit success, regardless of changing seasons and trends:
- People are an organization’s most valuable asset. When they are working to their full potential, the entire organization wins.
- No matter what the destination, a comprehensive and tailored plan equips your organization’s leaders and employees with a map forward.
- Internal evaluations help your organization put into place the systems that can ensure success.
- We provide you with an overview of your current performance and strategies for improvement.
We look forward to partnering with you to do your good work in 2023. Contact us today to learn more.
Conducting Evaluation with a DEI Lens
Evaluation is not always the objective, fact-based process we think it is. Our own biases and blind spots can affect the outcome of an evaluation process. That’s why it’s important to conduct evaluation using a lens focused around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
