“Social media is, by any account, forcing a paradigm shift in the way nonprofits conduct their business.”

Throughout history, as with everything else, nonprofits have experienced change. Changes to the products and services we offer, how we identify opportunities to serve, how we approach potential volunteers and donors, etc. One thing that distinguishes great nonprofits is how they adapt to these changes.

If you haven’t noticed, technology is one of the leading causes for such change. For example, nonprofits operated differently before everyone had a telephone in their home. Fax machines brought a new opportunity to communicate. The Internet and mobile phones offered new challenges and options. Text messages, apps, QR codes, social networks… What’s next? 

Enter David J. Neff and Randal C. Moss, and The Future of Nonprofits. Think of this book as a blue print for creating an environment that embraces one vitally important concept for your nonprofit organization. Innovation.

The Future of Nonprofits is broken down into three sections. Neff and Moss begin by offering a few definitions and explaining the importance of futuring, that is, concentrating on what happens next. This is where you to come to terms with the fact that we live in a constantly changing world and begin to visualize the environment in which your organization will operate tomorrow, next week, next year, etc.

In part two we learn about the three pillars of innovation; awareness, structure, and staffing. You will quickly discover that these three things represent the framework of any successful nonprofit organization, however, very few nonprofits have mastered them. You will learn how to use these concepts to transform good ideas into successful and thriving programs to benefit your organization.

To wrap everything up, Neff and Moss provide you with the recipe to implement your new innovation project (batteries not included). This includes how to start stuff, how to staff the project, and ways to motivate the group of energized entrepreneurs.

Of course, this is just a sampling of the amazing things you will learn by reading The Future of Nonprofits. Now that you have had a taste I have no doubt you will want to dive in and devour this great book.

I will leave you with one additional thought. Social media presents nonprofits with an opportunity unlike any other, to cultivate REAL relationships (2-way) with constituents. No other tool allows nonprofits to get to know their donors, volunteers, and those they serve, on a more personal level. Take the time to get to know your constituents and you will see a remarkable shift in how they interact with your organization.

How do you accomplish this?

Start by reading The Future of Nonprofits and create your roadmap to innovation.

**Social Media Club members (Open/Pro/SMB/Corporate) are welcome to participate in a free webinar hosted by Social Media Club featuring David Neff and Randall Moss, Authors of The Future of Nonprofits on Tuesday, November 29th at 2pm EDT. Register here!**