A lot of talk this week on the future--both immediate and long-term.

On the New Voices of Philanthropy blog, author Trista Harris asks other bloggers for their predictions on what foundations will look like in the future-10, 25, even 50 years down the line.  Some of the predictions?  Foundations will be better equipped to handle turns in the market (given today’s economy, we are wishing for this one to develop early).  Foundations will be more strategic and concentrate on multi-year giving.  Sean at Tactical Philanthropy even predicts a “social stock exchange” that, apart from traditional financial markets with the same model, would actually lead to a better sense of community and camaraderie.

Speaking of a looking ahead, as talk of an unstable econom heats up as evidence points to a looming recession, we can’t help but wonder what this will mean for foundations and the nonprofit sector.  Michael Seltzer, who authored a book for foundations following the economic downturn in the 80’s, talks about how the economic outlook affects the nonprofit sector and sees a handful of immediate ways in which the industry can really feel the burden.  A downturn in the economy can lead to a decline in corporate giving.  Individuals, who are faced with unemployment and rising economic insecurity, tend to cut back on their contributions.  A declining market can mean a decline in returns on endowments.  And local governments also feel the pains, leading to cuts in social services programming.  

It's often that those who are must likely to feel the hit are hit the hardest.  It's times like these when the nonprofit sector needs to show its true colors-- a willingness to fight for others all with a tireless spirit.  Talk about change.  Be effective.  Show your results.  Prove your worth.  Make everyone know that what little dollars they have left in their pocket can work for good.  And let us all hope the bounceback is strong and swift.