Does your charity need a tech makeover? A new hub is here to help
27 July 2021 at 8:21 am
The Digital Transformation Hub aims to create a better connected, and more efficient and resilient for-purpose sector
A hub to help build NFP’s tech skills and resilience has officially opened its doors, with experts hopeful it will transform the charity sector over the next decade.
An initiative of Infoxchange, the Digital Transformation Hub will provide charities and NFPs with resources to strengthen and develop their technological capability, their online presence and their digital reach.
Findings from a 2020 report revealed that while there was a growing need for NFPs to invest in digital technology many did not have the time, capability or budget to do so.
This need was heightened during the pandemic when organisations were forced to switch to online service delivery and remote working arrangements.
David Spriggs, CEO of Infoxchange, told Pro Bono News that while the pandemic had been tough for organisations, there was now an opportunity to do things differently.
“I think there’s an opportunity for organisations to look at how they might deliver their services differently moving forward,” Spriggs said.
“And as we move towards a COVID normal, organisations are thinking about how they can make better use of digital channels in delivery of services.”
So what are the resources?
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- A digital capability quiz to assess strengths, with tailored recommendations for opportunities to improve.
- Access to donated and discounted hardware and software for the NFP sector from Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Amazon, Zoom, MYOB, NetSuite and sector-specific providers.
- An “expert bar” where organisations can book one-on-one consultations with experts on subjects like grant applications, digital marketing, data security and much more.
- Training for technology leaders, staff and volunteers, including self-paced online learning with course content designed specifically for the sector, as well interactive group events and regular webinars.
- Guides and how-to content on key areas including tech foundations, IT management, information systems, digital marketing or cyber security.
Spriggs said receiving support to put in place efficient and reliable technology, would put organisations in a better place to support communities and connect better as a sector.
“If you look forward to five or 10 years in the future, I would hope to see a sector that is much more connected through the use of technology… and able to provide a better level of service to people in need and the communities we serve,” he said.
The hub was established with seed funding from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Gandel Philanthropy, with a range of government, corporate, philanthropic and academic partners contributing funding, resources and expertise.
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation CEO Dr Catherine Brown OAM said the hub provided opportunities for growth and redevelopment in the sector, such as making major steps towards a zero-carbon economy in the next decade.
“We see the hub as providing a strong platform from which NFP leaders and consumers can use digital tools to innovate and transform service or program delivery, develop refreshed financial models, strengthen collaborations across sectors, and ultimately become future ready for whatever challenges lie ahead,” Brown said.
Spriggs said Infoxchange would be keeping a close eye on how organisations are using technology over time, with findings reported in its annual report.
“Hopefully we will see organisations improving their satisfaction in the use of technology and improving their skills over that period of time,” he said.
Find out more about the hub here.
