Three major types of change increase opportunities for
non-profits and foundations. They are technological, social and demographic;
and political and regulatory changes. The
savvy social entrepreneur can identify the changes on the horizon and
strategically position the non-profit to ride the wave of opportunity that
advances.
The opportunities not only create new markets, missions and goals,
but they also alter the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the organization.
A technological change massively expands innovation, as in
the case of using computers in the classroom and now e-curriculum like Khan
Academy. However, keep in mind not all technological change is commercially
viable. Some change may even trigger how competition and operations work,
as in the case of social media and fundraising for non-profits. With the emergence of the internet,
blogosphere and twitter-verse, there is a much more level playing field and a
greater expectation for transparency within the governance of non-profits than
ever before.
Social and demo-graphical change always increases
opportunities because the customer and market segmentation shifts as well as
the wants and needs of the people. The social trend of drinking bottled water
leads to opportunities for non-profits concerned with environmental
conservation. The aging baby-boomer generation leads to opportunities for
non-profits working in health care and home healthcare. The needs for assisted
living centers, Spanish educational content and organic food stores are greater
than ever before.
On the other hand, political and regulatory changes can both
enhance or restrict opportunities for non-profits depending on the impact and
nature of the change. A legislative bill
cutting long term unemployment benefits may constrict the household finances of
the poorest in the country. But a program focusing on revitalizing and
providing capital to the poorest neighborhoods can enhance the job outlook for
the citizens.
Non-profits can benefit
from these changes by identifying the gaps and quickly positioning themselves
to be of service.
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