Effective Strategies for Difficult Times

These are times of chaos and complexity. The financial sector is in upheaval, foundations are being drained of their endowments, and nonprofits are struggling to survive. Yet out of enormous challenge, comes the opportunity for enormous innovation and change. To help philanthropists globally and locally tap into effective strategies for positive change, Headwaters presents, “Strategies for Difficult Times.”

Over the next year, Headwaters and colleagues at Oxford Said Business School and HEC Paris School of Management will release a series of strategy papers showcasing the most effective strategies for addressing some of the world’s most challenging issues. In the context of philanthrocapitalism, we will showcase business and social sector strategies that work. The goal of this work is bring the best ideas to the field, maximize impact, and powerfully put to use limited resources.

We begin our series with Wicked Problems. Followed by:

• April: Positive community solutions
• June: Scenario planning
• August: Alignment Framework and double loop learning
• October: New leadership strategies and boundary-less organizations
• December: Chaos theory and complex adaptive practices

Overview of Wicked Problems

We begin our series with the wicked problem frame because it seems right for the times. The world is experiencing a series of wicked problems, the consequences of which can be felt at all levels. The endowments of grant givers of all sizes have shrunk considerably and nonprofit organizations – both globally and locally-focused – are attempting to meet increased demand for services while trying to keep their doors open. Yet time and again, out of chaos comes innovation and new ideas – and new opportunities for the philanthropic community to affect real and profound change.

Click here to read the full report
Click here for a resource list