The Future Starts Now

As 2010 begins, some nonprofit leaders and futurists are looking beyond the immediate concerns of the bad economy to ponder what the charity world will look like a decade from now.

Many predict the next 10 years will usher in a sea change in American demographics, new ways for people to use technology, and a restructuring of the institutions that serve the common good.

While specific ideas vary, charity experts and others largely agree on five major trends that will reshape philanthropy and fund raising by 2020:

A grayer America. In the next 10 years, the number of Americans over the age of 65 will rise sharply, creating a potential windfall in new contributors to the nonprofit world but also increasing demand for social services.

Technology advances. Mobile devices and a world in which technological innovation is more common will force charities to rethink how they raise money and serve people in need.

The growing influence of Hispanic Americans. The number of Hispanics in the United States will grow, challenging charities to do a better job recruiting Hispanic volunteers and donors.

Global philanthropy. Asian economies will generate a new class of megadonors, while climate-change disasters will trigger greater giving by Americans to causes overseas.

Charitable business. The popularity of tax-exempt charities may wane as business is increasingly seen as the main engine for social change.

To be sure, those trends have already started to transform the nonprofit landscape, and some charities and foundations are responding. But experts say that in the years ahead these driving forces will gather strength, and for philanthropy to thrive it must do more today to prepare for them.

Ben Gose and Suzanne Perry contributed to this special report.