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So is civil society prepared for the future? Probably not…

“So is civil society prepared for the future? Probably not. Most organisations have to live hand to mouth, juggling short-term funding and perpetual minor crises. Even the bigger ones rarely get much time to stand back and look at the bigger picture. Many are on a treadmill chasing after contracts…” quote by Geoff Mulgan
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“So is civil society prepared for the future? Probably not. Most organisations have to live hand to mouth, juggling short-term funding and perpetual minor crises. Even the bigger ones rarely get much time to stand back and look at the bigger picture. Many are on a treadmill chasing after contracts and new funding.”

Geoff Mulgan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Many NGOs operate reactively, trapped in short‑term survival, limiting strategic foresight.

In simple terms: Organizations focus on immediate needs, missing long‑term planning.

Key Takeaway

Build capacity for strategic thinking.

Themes

non‑profit strategy future planning

Mood

concerned analytical

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Grant writing
  • board retreats
  • policy advocacy

Key Concepts

Systems thinking resource allocation resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can NGOs balance day‑to‑day work with future planning?
  • What structures support sustainable funding?
A Different Perspective

Limited funding hampers long‑term vision.

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