Nonprofit organizations aren’t exactly hung up on leveraging modern technology.
They lack that sense of urgency and use it only when absolutely necessary. And who can blame them? These originations have tight budgets and goals that have little to do with profit margins.
Well, the truth is not harnessing the power of technology can backfire. In this day and age, digital touches everything and everyone. It helps us reach people and fulfill our promises.
So, here is why you need to take digital transformation seriously.
Technology as a Strategic Asset
Technology isn’t just some major expenditure or a necessary evil.
It’s an investment in the present and future of the organization. Namely, tech implementation can pay dividends in more than one way.
It drives innovation, facilitates organizational change, and improves operational efficiency. These benefits positively reflect on the ability of a nonprofit organization to deliver on its mission.
Likewise, tech adoption can bolster the nonprofit’s fundraising capability. You can rely on data to properly evaluate and demonstrate your social impact, making a strong case for yourself.
Beyond that, technology aids in connecting with stakeholders and target groups. The Child in Need Institute, for instance, fine-tuned its intervention design through data analytics, cloud tech, and mobile solutions.
As a result, it was better able to help vulnerable adolescents gain access to essential services.
Laying the Knowledge Foundations
Smooth adoption holds the key to reaping the benefits and avoiding unnecessary headaches.
This process requires digital knowledge and expertise at the highest level (senior management). It’s up to leaders to take responsibility and distribute knowledge across the organization.
Another top priority is nurturing a dynamic culture of innovation. You don’t want to overlook this ingredient because it directly affects the ease of implementation.
The next best thing is hiring external experts and outsourcing certain tasks to them. They can help with tool selection, offer IT consulting, and do ongoing maintenance. This tactic is quite cost-effective as you don’t have to hire full-time and in-house.
Tooling Up
If you’re not tech-savvy, it can be difficult to figure out what tools to add to the arsenal.
Apart from digital solutions, you can also opt for non-digital and hybrid ones. Choices depend on your specific case and needs. To make the right calls, set clear goals ahead of time.
Experts recommend focusing on objectives such as social impact and sector competitiveness. You can also seek to employ technology in order to find volunteers and top talent. Anything that increases your core capabilities is probably a worthy goal.
We know this is a lot to handle, but don’t fret. Go step-by-step and learn as you go. You will become more comfortable with tech and start acting as a true champion of digital transformation.
Tech Age of Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations are often reluctant to invest in technology.
Yet, the benefits of adoption are varied and all-encompassing. Many players in the sector are waking up to the potential, and you can’t afford to lag behind.
Digital platforms can empower staff and stakeholders in forwarding the mission and goals of the organization. Your top concern is to select and implement them strategically.
So, do your homework and come up with a plan. Build a culture of innovation and embrace change. You’ll strengthen your organization from within and generate more public value while at it.
If you seek IT services for your nonprofit, get in touch with us right away.
