What does the future hold for philanthropy? Futurist Trista Harris returns to Untapped Philanthropy to share insights on how nonprofits can prepare for the evolving landscape of social good. As a repeat guest, Trista builds on past conversations with fresh perspectives on defending the sector against misinformation, leveraging AI, and setting a long-term vision for impact.
Philanthropy has long been seen as a force for good, but Trista warns that public perception is shifting. “Philanthropy, at its base, is love of humankind… and suddenly, it’s under attack,” she explains. With increasing scrutiny and political challenges, nonprofits must clearly articulate their impact and ensure they are prepared for potential threats—both physical and digital.
AI is rapidly transforming the nonprofit sector, sparking both excitement and concern. Trista reassures listeners that “AI is going to create more jobs than it gets rid of” and encourages organizations to embrace it as a tool to streamline repetitive tasks, freeing up time for innovation and relationship-building.
One of Trista’s key recommendations is for nonprofits to shift from short-term thinking to a long-term vision. “I think the most important thing to do is to set aside 5% of your time for the future,” she advises. By envisioning where their work needs to be decades from now, organizations can better align their current efforts with their ultimate goals.
As philanthropy faces new challenges and opportunities, Trista Harris offers a roadmap for navigating uncertainty with clarity and purpose. “This is not the time for anticipatory obedience… This is really the time for us to double down and to be strong in this moment,” she urges.
For more from Trista Harris, visit wearefuturegood.com.
For a comprehensive list of all Untapped Philanthropy episodes, visit the Fluxx blog, or your favorite podcast listening station, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Download the transcript here.
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