I think it is a function of a needed paradigm shift among nonprofit leaders/managers regarding startups funds/mechanisms as well as a fundamental change in the structure of financing nonprofits. I think both are happening currently:

The traditional model of financing nonprofit startups is grants from foundations. There is a trend towards a wide base of support of citizens. (we are calling it a Citizen Base here at Ashoka). Open source collaboration by citizens on the internet in the form of Mozilla, Wikipedia, and OpenSource software are examples of the power of a strong citizen base of support. Out on the streets it is happening as well and we are trying to document it at citizenbase.org.

The financing of startup nonprofits is also changing. Money is pouring into philanthro-venture capitalism. Foundations are providing the money while these venture minded philanthropists perform the due diligence and require the business like discipline from applicants. Even larger changes are in the works with groups like Ashoka and their Social Financial Services Initiative (http://ashoka.org/financial_services). Citizen sector startups will have more efficient options for funding.

So, I think, exciting changes are happening as we speak, the question is how fast will the pendulum swing and when will it reach that tipping point after which it is the norm across society.

I can’t help thinking that people want to *share* it as much as use it. Viral marketing as a result of being something of great utility..