At least every once in a while (more often is ideal), it’s good for nonprofit leaders to look up and outside the “box” in which they operate. To scan the horizon for changes in the external environment. To be on the alert for ideas that are taking hold and/or disrupting the status quo in other places and industries.
My name for this practice is “trendspotting” and I encourage the boards with which I consult to make such watchfulness an expectation of every board member. Truth be told, however, I’ve yet to find a board that’s ready and willing to formalize the practice.
So I turn to you, dear Generous Matters readers, as possible recruits to trendspotting. I’ll be delighted for you to join me in posting and commenting on issues, ideas, innovations, and anything else that you think could impact (for good or bad) the nonprofit sector and faith-based organizations in particular.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
To get the ball rolling, I point you to an article about blockchain technology and nonprofits.
“Say what?” you ask.
“Stick with me,” I answer.
A couple of days back, my 11-year old grandson and I listened to a podcast about bitcoin where the word “blockchain” was repeated many times over. Then today the word pops up in my news feed, but with a different application. I don’t have a clue what “blockchain” is or how it works, but I like the possibilities described in the article, including:
A homeless person could access credit by leveraging his consistent interactions with outreach team members as proof of his ability to pay back a microloan. Donors could track their gifts from #GivingTuesday to implementation. The government could pay nonprofits through “smart contracts” that release funds as soon as services are provided – and no budget deficit, bank holiday or double-talking politician could stop it. Examples like these are how more and more people believe blockchain technology could revolutionize the nonprofit sector.
Perhaps there could be something here for ministries and other faith-based nonprofits.. Maybe not soon and maybe not for every organization, but I’m intrigued by how the emerging technology could, in the words of author Zach Williams, help nonprofits “serve clients in completely new ways.” Or in my words, help in growing givers’ hearts by enabling donors to “watch” their gifts at work.
Cryptophilanthropy sounds crazy, even sci-fi, but as this short video explains, some really smart people are working on some really creative ideas now in the real world.
For CEOs and other leaders struggling to keep up with the fast pace of technology, one more application could be the straw that breaks the proverbial back. It’s tempting to hunker down, close our eyes, and let technology pass us by. But watch we must and when appropriate, appropriate the new.
Not everything that’s spotted by board members and other organizational leaders will materialize into more than a trend. However, as the old adage advises, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A five-minute presentation at this month’s board meeting could be the start of something big for your organization.
Can you say “blockchain?”