What’s in Store for Australia’s Not for Profits in 2013?
18 December 2012 at 9:21 am
2012 has been a big year for Australian Not for Profits with the establishment of the charity regulator, the ACNC. But what’s in store for 2013? The CEO of World Vision Tim Costello offers his top ten predictions.
1. NFP finances will stay tight as Australians continue to worry about the uncertain international environment and the two speed economy, and as governments chase surpluses for political reasons, especially in an election year.
2. The ACNC will started to get bedded down – more states will sign on to a single regulatory framework. Reduced red tape for charities will start to take effect, but the real benefits will take several years to show.
3. Demand for NFP services in Australia will continue to grow as government spending cuts start to bite harder.
4. More convergence between NFPs and the business sector – more constructive partnerships and collaborations, with positive results, but not the panacea for all ills.
5. Against the pessimistic tide, some prominent Australians from many fields will stand up and be counted as champions for fairness and hope.
6. Attracting and retaining the right people will be as tough as ever, in a constrained economic climate and with a competitive market for skilled professionals. Our volunteer force will remain as active and energetic as ever, and their numbers will grow.
7. Tight finance and growing demand will require innovation – more organisations will have to rethink their strategies, and draw on a wider pool of talent at board level, including more women on boards.
8. Despite the choppy political and economic waters at home, enough Australians will be looking beyond their backyards to ensure Australia will do more of its fair share overseas as well.
9. In an election year, it is just possible that some of our pressing issues – education reform, the disability insurance scheme – might find some bipartisan support instead of being political footballs.
10. In a difficult climate, more NFPs turn to public advocacy for their causes, using all available media channels including more social media.
All good points. I’m hoping for a 11th prediction – mega mergers. The NFP sector talks about merging entities for greater outcomes and I’m confident that in 2013 as charity founders move on, economic pressure rise, new energy comes in and smart heads see opportunity, the synergies will happen. Well, that is my hope. Less duplication and better outcomes.
Wishing one and all a very merry christmas and a happy new year.
I agree with all points especially the 7th. It is critical that NFP boards are comprised with people who have a diverse range of skill sets, backgrounds, and people willing to ask the hard questions and make hard decisions when necessary. In a perfect world I believe it should be mandatory for all NFP Board Members to undergo training in Governance to ensure they understand the major responsibilities and obligations of their appointment.