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’ll use blockchain technology and its possible benefits for nonprofits.
“Say what?” you ask.
“Stick with me,” I answer.
A couple of years back, my 11-year-old grandson and I listened to a podcast about bitcoin where the word “blockchain” was repeated many times over. A few days later the word popped up in my news feed, but with a different application. I didn’t (and still don’t) have a clue what “blockchain” is or how it works. That said, I like the possibilities described by Zach Bronstein, chief operating officer of Endaoment, nonprofit, in an article titled “Leveraging Blockchain.”
Enhanced efficiency, reliability, and transparency are key to blockchain philanthropy’s growth and represent the building blocks of the future of charitable giving. By harnessing the power of blockchain technology, nonprofits can mobilize swift support for people, organizations, and causes by building trust with a new generation of donors. Blockchain technology represents an important step forward for nonprofits focused on the future.
Maybe not soon and maybe not for every organization, but I’m intrigued by how the emerging technology could 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.
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?”