We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
Episode 606: 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter (Recap): Navigating Uncertainty, Embracing Change + Unlocking Your Impact
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts: Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE
Introduction to the Series
In Episode 606 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott delve into the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter. This episode serves as a comprehensive recap of a limited series that explored eight transformative trends poised to reshape the nonprofit landscape. Partnering with Idonate, the hosts highlight how these trends emerged from hundreds of conversations with change-makers worldwide, aiming to empower nonprofit professionals to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and unlock their full impact.
Key Trends Discussed
1. Reframe, Don't Retreat
Featured Expert: Jeff Schuck
Becky opens the discussion by emphasizing the importance of maintaining bravery in championing nonprofit missions. She recalls advice from Scott Curran: "Reframe, don't retreat." This mindset encourages organizations to reinterpret challenges rather than withdraw in fear.
Notable Quote:
Becky [00:05]: "We already know what our values, what our beliefs, what our purpose, what our being is calling us to do. Do we have the bravery to have that step forward...?"
Jeff Schuck further elaborates on the emotional turmoil faced by nonprofits, highlighting the necessity of optimism and proactive response rather than succumbing to anxiety.
Notable Quote:
Jeff Schuck [07:15]: "There's so much that is ephemeral, so much is transitory... we're surrounded by change, but we're deeply resistant to it."
2. Advocacy Is Non-Negotiable
Featured Expert: Sixto Cancele
Advocacy has become a critical imperative for nonprofits, especially in politically charged climates. Sixto Cancele stresses that leadership in advocacy is essential and cannot be postponed.
Notable Quote:
Sixto Cancele [09:52]: "If you are struggling, you already know your answer. You're being called to lean into it."
Sixto underscores the dual consequences of action and inaction, urging leaders to use their innate intuition to guide advocacy efforts.
3. Community as a Multiplier
Featured Expert: Floyd Jones
Floyd Jones discusses the pivotal role of community in amplifying nonprofit missions. He posits that while products may attract people initially, it is the sense of belonging within a community that ensures sustained engagement and support.
Notable Quote:
Floyd Jones [13:22]: "People may come for the product, but they're going to stay for the community."
Jon and Becky highlight exemplary organizations like Team Rubicon and the Michael J. Fox Foundation that effectively utilize community as a multiplier to enhance their impact.
4. Simple Shifts on Repeat
Featured Expert: Adam O'Brien (AOB)
Jon introduces the concept of Simple Shifts on Repeat, advocating for small, incremental changes that collectively lead to significant improvements. This trend emphasizes the importance of experimenting with and iterating minor adjustments to achieve overarching goals.
Notable Quote:
Jon McCoy [16:28]: "We don't need more good ideas, we need more bad ideas." (Inspired by Seth Godin)
Organizations are encouraged to test hypotheses, such as tweaking email subject lines or optimizing donation forms, to enhance engagement and outcomes.
5. Owning Your Authentic Narrative
Featured Expert: Dr. Tim Lampkin
Becky discusses the necessity for nonprofits to own and evolve their narratives. Dr. Tim Lampkin emphasizes that organizations must continuously update their stories to reflect current realities and debunk outdated perceptions.
Notable Quote:
Becky Endicott [18:38]: "Your story is not the same story it was for your mission 10 years ago... It's the collection of many people, many interactions, many stories."
Organizations like Unshattered and Room to Read exemplify the effective use of authentic narratives to foster community and drive mission-centric engagement.
6. Redefining Impact Measurement
Featured Expert: Ori Carmel
Jon explores the trend of Redefining Impact Measurement, advocating for a balanced approach that combines both art and science. Ori Carmel argues for a nuanced understanding of impact beyond mere quantitative metrics, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and human connection in measuring true change.
Notable Quote:
Jon McCoy [20:09]: "It's the connection between that and the humans, the stories, the nuance, that's what's going to stand out."
By integrating qualitative insights with quantitative data, nonprofits can better articulate their true impact and foster deeper connections with stakeholders.
7. Fuel Young Generosity
Featured Expert: Manuela Testellini
Becky highlights the trend of Fueling Young Generosity, advocating for the early engagement of children and youth in philanthropy. Manuela Testellini discusses the significance of nurturing empathy, social responsibility, and justice-mindedness in young individuals.
Notable Quote:
Manuela Testellini: "Trust young people. We often dismiss them, but we should meet them where they are."
Organizations like Charity Water and UNICEF Next Gen are cited as exemplary in creating programs that engage youth in meaningful philanthropic activities.
8. Rise of the Change Leader
Featured Expert: Lindsey Fuller
Jon concludes with the trend Rise of the Change Leader, focusing on empowering individuals to lead transformative efforts within and beyond their organizations. Lindsey Fuller emphasizes the importance of scaffolding brilliance, making change actionable, and fostering collective leadership.
Notable Quote:
Lindsey Fuller [27:12]: "What happens when we spend all of our time trying to influence others with our wild ideas and not actually scaffolding that brilliance, making it actionable..."
This trend calls for a collaborative approach to leadership, where change leaders support one another to drive widespread impact.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Jon and Becky wrap up the episode by reflecting on the profound insights gained from the series. They encourage listeners to:
- Stay Curious: Remain open to new ideas and possibilities.
- Know Your Data: Understand both global trends and your organization's unique position.
- Start Conversations: Use the trends to foster dialogue within your organization and community.
- Run Pilots: Test new ideas on a small scale to assess their effectiveness.
- Be Brave: Implement innovative ideas with confidence and courage.
Becky shares a powerful quote from Howard Thurman:
Becky Endicott [29:24]: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it."
This encapsulates the episode's overarching message: by embracing these trends and fostering a community-centric, authentic, and proactive approach, nonprofits can navigate the complexities of the modern landscape and amplify their impact.
Final Inspirational Quotes:
- Young Pueblo [28:14]: "I gathered my habits and started releasing the ones that can never lead me to lasting freedom and joy."
- Howard Thurman [29:24]: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it."
Resources and Call to Action
Listeners are invited to visit We Are For Good to access an hour-long workshop with slides related to the 2025 trends. This resource aims to facilitate deeper engagement and practical application of the discussed trends.
Shout Outs to Our Partners:
- Donor Doc
- RKD Group
- Virtuous
These partners provide progressive tech tools and services that empower nonprofits to create a more generous world.
Engage with the Community:
Jon and Becky encourage listeners to share the series with their boards, staff, and wider community to foster growth, expand heartsets, and shift mindsets collectively.
Thank you for tuning into Episode 606 of the We Are For Good Podcast. Stay inspired, stay connected, and continue striving to make a positive difference in the world.