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Social Sector Trends to Watch in 2025
The social sector is facing a complex and volatile landscape in 2025. While there are some positive trends, such as increased institutional trust in nonprofits, emerging community-based partnerships, and strategic technology integrations, there are also significant challenges, including funding threats, policy changes, and workforce shortages. Here we explore some of the key trends, opportunities, and risks that social sector organizations need to be aware of in Q1 to thrive in the coming year. But first, let’s understand how to make the most of trend inquiry and scenario planning.
Trend Inquiry
Trendspotting and trend analysis can be powerful for strategic planning by creating credible illustrations of what the future might look like. Based on that, community-based organizations and their cross-sector partners can align community priorities and resources to help all people reach their full potential.
The essential process of trend investigation is about asking the right questions about the right things. These can roughly be divided into three areas, with examples of questions below:
- Identification of trends. What are the trends we should follow? Are there any associated systems and disciplines we need to understand better before determining trend relevance?
- Analysis of the effects and possible projections. In which directions can a trend lead? What impact can a trend have on our strengths and weaknesses? Can we expect more or less support from partners and collaborators?
- Analysis of the implications. What do these trends mean for our community? How will child and family well-being change as a result? Do we have adequate organizational capacity in relation to this trend?
Scenario Planning
Developing robust scenarios can help bridge present circumstances with future requirements. The range and value of organizational opportunities based on trend analysis depend on scenarios that should include most of these criteria:
- Plausible. Logical, consistent, and believable
- Relevant. Highlighting key challenges and dynamics of the future
- Divergent. Different from each other in strategically significant ways
- Challenging. Questioning fundamental beliefs and assumptions
By evaluating relevant trends compiled through primary and secondary research and using the analysis to explore governance and operational scenarios, the ability to optimize programs and services and create achievable pathways to positive community outcomes is strengthened.
Harnessing Trends
The Social Current Knowledge and Insights Center, available through our Impact Partnerships, helps professionals in human/social services to learn, improve, and innovate by providing timely, useful, and relevant information and resources.
Professional librarians routinely gather trends data on a variety of organizational topics, such as workforce resilience and service innovation, as well as meta trends that encompass demographics, systemic and environmental factors, technology, and more.
This is done by:
- Employing an evidence-first approach to evaluate and scan the knowledge base of an area of inquiry, especially scope, relevance, and utility
- Reviewing and evaluating information sources for credibility and thoroughness
- Working closely with subject matter experts to define specific questions to be answered, problems to be solved, or opportunities to uncover
Systematizing the information in a way that users can quickly and easily understand.
Key Trends We’re Following in 2025
Below are some of the key topics that we will be monitoring in 2025.
Funding and Policy Trends
- Institutional Trust: Despite an increase in institutional trust, the social sector braces for funding threats.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: To handle economic and political uncertainty, nonprofits seek to diversify their revenue streams.
- Insurance Liability Crisis: Human services organizations are facing unprecedented financial strain due to increased liability insurance costs.
- Tax Policy Implications: The expiration of TCJA provisions and a new focus on nonprofit exemptions could result in major impacts to the social sector.
Technology Trends
- Leveraging AI: Social sector organizations are using AI to automate routine functions, gain organizational insights, and increase productivity.
- Risk Management: While capitalizing on innovative technologies, nonprofits must remain human-centered and mitigate risks such as algorithmic bias, cybersecurity risks, and privacy risks.
Workforce and Performance Trends
- Nonprofits are struggling to pay competitive wages and many social sector employees face financial hardship.
- Workforce shortages continue to impede nonprofit progress and innovation.
- Leadership gaps reveal inequities and barriers to advancement
- Workforce Resilience: Burnout continues to plague nonprofits, but many organizations are making employee mental health a priority
- PQI: Nonprofits are developing and updating their PQI Models to stay sustainable and mission-oriented.
- Partnering with Social Cooperatives: Nonprofits are promoting worker co-ops through incubation.
Social Determinants of Health Trends
- New community partnerships will be formed to address SDOH.
- New policies will impact the way we measure and address SDOH.
- Expanding the definition of SDOH.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Trends
- Opportunities and uncertainties on the horizon for DEIB initiatives.
- Technology will provide crucial insights into the impact and effectiveness of DEIB initiatives.
- Intersectional approaches will provide a more nuanced and inclusive delivery of DEIB workplace initiatives.
While the social sector faces a complex landscape of opportunities and threats in 2025, Social Current is here to partner with you along the way. By staying agile, adaptable, and mission-driven, social sector organizations can continue to thrive in the coming year. Social Current offers a variety of resources and solutions services to help you navigate funding and policy changes, build workforce resilience, and address social determinants of health. We are committed to helping you achieve your mission and make a positive impact in your community.
Download the full trend report for details and ways to partner with Social Current.
How to Access Our Specialized Researchers & Tools
As you plan for 2025 and beyond, make sure you’re utilizing all the tools in your toolbox. For more information on the resources portal, including the Ask-a-Librarian reference request service, visit the Social Current Hub or contact the Knowledge and Insights Center.
About the Knowledge and Insights Center
The Knowledge and Insights Center offers a robust resources portal through the Social Current Hub, which includes a digital clearinghouse library with over 20,000 records; aggregated research and business databases; diverse topic collections and library guides; original content summarizing complex information; and coaching that helps users maximize these resources.