With increasing demands for service and rapidly diminishing resources for responding to those demands, nonprofits must find new approaches for making their mission happen.
Throw in the constant challenge of uncertainty and disruption and the need for new, innovative thinking is crystal clear.
One of the best pieces of advice I got from my time working in the world of NASCAR racing was from Bill France, Jr, who said “Anticipate and solve your problems in advance.”
Trista Harris’s book FutureGood, really resonated with me and I reached out to her with these five questions to ask how nonprofit leaders can apply futurism thinking.
What is futurism?
“Futurism is the practice of looking ahead to anticipate emerging trends and shifts. It is not about predicting a single outcome, but about creating a range of possibilities so leaders can make informed choices today. Futurism helps organizations move from “reacting to change” to actively shaping the future they want to see.”
How can nonprofit organizations benefit from futurism thinking?
“Nonprofits operate in a rapidly changing environment. Futurism equips them to anticipate disruptions, explore alternative futures, and align strategies with emerging opportunities. This future-focused lens helps organizations stay relevant to the communities they serve, strengthen their missions, and lead social change rather than simply adjusting to it.”
What are steps organizations can take to implement futurism?
“Start by becoming aware. Begin looking for signals of the future in technology, medicine, work, education…whatever fields you are already working in. Make space in your schedule for (I recommend 5% – that’s 2 hours in a 40 hour work week) thinking about the future. As leaders begin to normalize these skills, they can share them within their organizations. Invite your staff to discuss their findings. Creating fertile ground for this work is a huge part of implementing futurism.”
What would you advise boards who are being introduced to this concept?
“Boards should embrace futurism as a key part of governance. Their role is not just stewardship of resources but guiding the organization toward relevance in the years ahead. Ask questions about long-term impact, challenge assumptions, and encourage leadership to explore alternative futures. Curiosity and openness are the starting points for boards ready to shape what comes next.”
What is the key message from your book FutureGood?
“The central message of FutureGood is that the future is not predetermined. Leaders have the power to shape what comes next by making intentional choices today. By practicing futurism, we can move beyond short-term fixes and create strategies rooted in hope and possibility. The book is a roadmap for building a future that is more equitable, vibrant, and just.”
Thank You Trista for sharing these tips for applying futurism thinking!
What are the consequences of not adopting new ways of thinking and embracing new approaches? What new, innovative approaches are you taking to ensure your nonprofit resilience and remains relevant?