It’s the time of year when we reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the new year ahead. Many leaders and organizations are coming out with their predictions for 2020. As we track them, we’ve uncovered a few key themes that are sure to impact our sector in the coming year.

1. Technology Integration

Thought leaders making predictions for 2020 almost universally mention the role of technology in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our work.  

Scot Chisholm, CEO and co-founder of the social enterprise technology company Classy, talks about technology from the perspective of integrations that infuse giving into typical consumer habits and experiences. In his post 5 Fundraising Trends for 2020 and Beyond, he wrote, “As technology continues to evolve—think things like “Alexa, make a donation,” and the advent of driverless cars and essentially a “second living room”—we’ll only see more opportunities and integrations crop up that allow nonprofits to interact with consumers through platforms like Uber, Venmo, Shopify, and Twitch.”

In her annual predictions, philanthropic futurist Trista Harris talked about the growth of the role of Chief Digital Officers. “These CDOs will hire staff and consultants with expertise in automation to limit the amount of time that staff spend on repetitive duties like checking nonprofit status, updating databases, and managing reporting and instead use that time to deepen relationships in community,” Harris shared via her website.

The Forbes Nonprofit Council also cited cutting-edge technology in their listing of 12 Nonprofit Trends We’re Likely to See in 2020. Council members referenced artificial intelligence, donations via text, new platforms for nonprofit connections, investments in technology to drive innovation and blockchain.

2. Election Effect

The election climate, and the implications the election may have on fundraising, are common themes in 2020 predictions. Chisolm anticipates a potential surge of donations for certain causes as November’s election nears.

In the Forbes article, council member Thom Ruhe of the NC Idea Foundation called for nonprofits to stay focused on their mission and priorities, noting, “We will need to be the safe port in the storm and an antidote for what will likely be challenging times.”

Harris sees foundations being leaders in defending democracy. “From creating spaces for people to come together and discuss solutions to complex issues, to reinvigorating our civics curriculums in schools, to ensuring the safety of elections locally and globally, foundations will have to develop new skills and relationships to have an impact on this critical need.”

3. Employee Wellness and Flexible Work Environments

Both Harris and Chisolm predict nonprofits and foundations will more deeply explore employee wellness and flexible work environments in the coming year.

“With such concerning data surrounding fundraiser turnover and satisfaction, it seems clear that the organizations that place greater emphasis on what employees are asking for—flexibility—will be the organizations that rise to the top,” Chisolm shared.

Harris offered specifics for workplace improvements, including employee wellness programs, additional remote work options, additional vacation days and investments in improving organizational culture. 

We will be reporting on additional 2020 trend reports as they become available. Stay tuned to CMF’s social media channels!