Hey there, social good enthusiasts!
It’s time for our annual blog roundup, and wow, what a year it’s been! In 2024, we poured our hearts into 49 blog posts that dove deep into the topics that matter most to our community.
This year’s top 10 blogs were a fascinating mix—some expected, some total surprises (who knew we’d be making a Coldplay reference?). From exploring community voice to unpacking workplace culture and impact communication, our team has been on a mission to bring you insights that truly matter.
These aren’t just blogs—they’re windows into the passion that drives our work. Each piece reflects our commitment to learning on the front lines of social good.
Check out which blogs made the top 10 below!
Curious about what’s ahead for the social good sector in 2025? Be sure to subscribe to the Impact Insider for a sneak peek into our trend predictions for the new year!
Feeling anxious about networking? You’re not alone. This candid guide transforms networking from a nerve-wracking experience into an approachable opportunity for genuine connection. Whether you’re an introvert, newcomer, or seasoned professional, discover practical strategies to navigate social gatherings with confidence, make meaningful relationships, and create a welcoming environment for yourself and others.
2. A Decade of Growth: Insights from Next Stage’s Journey
Embark on a reflective journey with an entrepreneur who has learned that purpose, collaboration, and vision are the cornerstones of meaningful work. This personal blog from Josh Jacobson (Next Stage CEO) reveals insights gained from a decade of social impact consulting, offering inspiration for those seeking to transform their passion into profound professional purpose.
3. Coldplay’s Game-Changer: Impact Reports in Entertainment
Discover how entertainment icons like Coldplay and Billie Eilish are revolutionizing social impact through innovative sustainability reports. This compelling blog explores how artists are transforming fan engagement, blending creativity with purpose, and demonstrating that meaningful change can emerge from unexpected places.
4. This is for All the Lonely People
Loneliness is more than a personal struggle—it’s a societal challenge with profound implications. This poignant blog reveals how connection, trust, and collaborative action can combat isolation, emphasizing the critical role of community-building in social impact organizations and their ability to support both employees and the communities they serve.
5. Making the Business of Incarceration Our Business
Unveiling the hidden complexities of mass incarceration, this powerful blog from Helen Hope Kimbrough (Senior Director, Community Voice, Next Stage) explores the systemic challenges facing justice-involved individuals. Through research, personal stories, and nonprofit efforts, the blog illuminates the profound impact of the criminal justice system and highlights Charlotte’s emerging work toward second chances and community reintegration.
6. Igniting Change Through Movement-Building Marketing
Discover how movement-building brand marketing transforms nonprofit storytelling beyond traditional donor acquisition. This compelling case study with The Center for Community Transitions reveals how nonprofits can invite people into meaningful narratives, centering lived experiences and inspiring deeper understanding of complex social issues.
7. Embracing the Outsider: The Benefits of Hiring Beyond Industry Boundaries
This blog reveals how diverse talent can transform workplace innovation. By challenging traditional job requirements and embracing candidates from varied backgrounds, organizations can unlock fresh perspectives, transferable skills, and a more inclusive culture that drives meaningful impact.
8. Fundraising or Business Development: What Are We Really Doing Here?
This blog from Josh Jacobson (Next Stage CEO) unveils a transformative approach to donor relationships and nonprofit fundraising. By embracing a business development mindset, nonprofits can shift from transactional asks to value-driven partnerships, aligning donor self-interest with meaningful social impact.
9. Why “Wait and See” Is a Failed Strategy
Feeling stuck in organizational inertia? This powerful blog challenges leaders to break free from the “wait and see” mentality that undermines social impact. Drawing on lessons from the Greatest Generation and insights into modern leadership challenges, Josh Jacobson (Next Stage CEO) provides practical strategies for fostering a culture of proactive engagement. Discover how to prioritize community voices, embrace calculated risks, and create accountability that transforms good intentions into meaningful action.
10. Happy Hill: A Reflection on the Winston-Salem Neighborhood
Discover the powerful story of Happy Hill, an African American neighborhood in Winston-Salem, NC. This personal account from Jalah Blackmon (Director, Impact for Health, Next Stage) explores the community’s rich history, ongoing struggles against systemic injustice, and remarkable determination to preserve their legacy. Through Jalah’s transformative experience, readers will be moved by the courage of neighborhood activists fighting for recognition, justice, and generational dignity.
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