Telco Foundation Launches Apps4Change
14 November 2013 at 9:45 am
The Telco Together Foundation has launched an online education program – Apps4Change – to help Australian charities better understand the adoption of mobile technologies to support common Not for Profit objectives, such as fundraising, service delivery and cause awareness.
Research shows that more Australians now access the internet from mobile devices than from PCs and laptops, and a recent Magna Global study found 57 per cent of website visitors expect their experience to be mobile friendly.
“It is now more important than ever for charities to understand the impact of emerging mobile technologies on their operations,” Renee Bowker, CEO of Telco Together Foundation, said.
“The Apps4Change program is an opportunity for the telco industry to support Australian charities wanting to learn more about mobile technologies and apps, through a simple exchange of information.
“Unlocking the power of mobile technology has the capacity to help charities be more effective, especially in terms of engaging new and younger donor segments, considering that text and online giving are emerging as preferred channels for Gen X and Y donors.
“Australia has become the fifth biggest downloader of mobile applications (apps) per head, globally and the recent Reading Room research revealed that only 16 per cent of Australian charities offer a mobile website and 3 per cent (of the 30 charities studied) offer an app, and 80 per cent offer no mobile experience at all.
“After speaking with numerous charities over the past 12 months, it became clear that mobile technology is a common area of confusion. The Not for Profit sector is often restricted by limited resources and an inability to spend valuable community dollars on technology consultants and research.”
The Foundation says mobile apps is the focus of Apps4Change, with the website apps4change.org.au acting as a centralised hub for information on mobile apps in the charity space.
It says the site will also showcase creative and innovative charity apps, categorised by key functionality – fundraising, service delivery and cause awareness – and provide inspiration for charities and app developers working in this space.
Not for Profits can submit their apps by completing the ‘Submit Your App’ section of the website.
“The website features a learning centre, with useful tips for developing, marketing and measuring the effectiveness of apps. These topics will also be explored through a series of free webinars on mobile applications to be delivered in the coming months,” Bowker said.
“To overcome the cost barriers for charities, Telco Together has also been working in conjunction with its member organisation AppsWiz, and fundraising platform provider EveryDay Hero, on the development of an easy to use, low-cost app solution, suitable for charities.”
The Telco Together Foundation launched in July 2012, and is a registered charity that brings together the telecommunications industry in support of disadvantaged communities in areas including indigenous communities, the homeless, mental health and refugees.
Members of the Foundation include Optus, Vodafone, NBN Co, M2, iiNet, AAPT, Aggregato, Alcatel- Lucent, Cisco, Community Telco, Informatel, Skybridge, Telcoinabox, and Vocus Communications. The Foundation is governed by an Advisory Board chaired by Mike Quigley, and with CEO level representation from members.
