The not for profit sector has been growing at an exceptional rate in the U.S. and looks set to continue to do so long into the future. Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies reports the development of this sector has been tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which details the growth of jobs in the sector sits at three new jobs for every one created in the for-profit sector. Technology is changing the way non-profit groups are working to attract donations and educate the masses about their work.
The relationship between non-profits and technology grows
One of the most important trends for non-profit groups in the coming years will be the developing relationship between technology and charitable donations. The nature of giving by some of the top executives in the tech industry has already fallen under the spotlight of government agencies, according to Inside Philanthropy. However, the importance of the top tech leaders to charity will increase as new tax laws reduce the benefit for private individuals giving to not-for-profit groups. Philanthropists, such as Julie Queler will become increasingly important for good causes such as student loan forgiveness and women’s rights.
Artificial Intelligence rises in importance
Non-profit groups have always had a difficult relationship with data which they have collected for decades but rarely used successfully. AI does not solely mean the development of artificial worlds for video games and other leisure activities. Instead, artificial intelligence means a not for profit can use complex algorithms to learn more than ever before about their donors, programs, and impacts on society.
The Internet of Things impacts charitable groups
The coming years will see the move towards connectivity in every aspect of life accelerated as non-profit groups move closer to existing and potential donors. A basic misunderstanding of the world of connectivity may be holding back the advance of this area in the not-for-profit sector. Using the Internet of Things can be complex but the rewards for a non-profit can be huge. The new software being developed is capable of trawling social media platforms to identify potential donors who share ideas and values with potential donors. This software is capable of using the Internet to identify the changing attitudes of existing donors to ensure changes in society are reflected in a pragmatic approach by non-profits.
Digital currency continues to rise
The evolution of currency is continuing with more than 2,000 digital currencies already in existence around the world. Starting with Bitcoin, digital currencies have developed Online with only a certain number of tokens available for each set of coins developed. The problem for non-profit groups is the volatile nature of Web-based currencies which have seen prices rocket upwards before crashing down over the last decade. Not-for-profit groups could follow the lead of major retailers and hold payments made in digital currencies until prices hit their highest values.
Looking outside the U.S.
All non-profits are beginning to become aware of the potential for foreign donors to play a bigger role in the U.S. philanthropic sector. Over the last few years, the number of Chinese donors to non-profit groups has been expanding and bringing greater levels of donations to important charitable programs. The wider use of technology has offered foreign donors the chance to explore the U.S. not-for-profit sector in an easy to manage way.
