Harnessing the Power of Nonprofit Technology to Achieve Digital Equity and Digital Maturity

In an era where digital transformation reshapes every corner of our lives, nonprofit organizations are finding themselves at a crossroads. On one hand lies the potential to significantly amplify their impact through technology; on the other, the challenge of navigating an ever-evolving digital terrain. This issue of Nonprofit Navigator takes a deep dive into why building capacity in nonprofit technology is not just an option but a necessity, and we're going deep into what "digital maturity" can and should mean for your nonprofit.

Definition and Importance of Technology to Nonprofit Work

"Technology" in general is a broad and often amorphous term, but it generally refers to the usage of tools, systems, and resources for facilitating tasks or activities. In the context of nonprofits, technology can encompass everything from basic hardware like computers and smartphones to more complex software programs and online platforms. Your technologies may vary, but likely include everything from the platforms you use to manage human resources and payroll, your donor management system, your website, your on-site security systems, your client management portals, your team training tools, and so much more!

The importance of technology in nonprofit work cannot be overstated. With the rise of digital communication and social media, technology has become a crucial means for organizations to connect with their audience, engage volunteers and donors, and spread awareness about their causes. Additionally, technology can greatly streamline internal processes such as data management, fundraising efforts, and team collaboration.

But why does this matter? Using technology in our work isn't just about being more efficient, but it's also about seeking digital equity and pursuing digital maturity. "Digital equity" is the concept that everyone should have equal access to technology and digital resources, regardless of socioeconomic status, location, or other factors. And "digital maturity" means utilizing technology effectively and strategically to achieve our mission and goals.

The Digital Divide and Its Impact on Nonprofits

Although technology has the potential to be a powerful tool for nonprofits, there is a significant digital divide that exists between different communities. This gap can be seen in disparities such as access to high-speed internet, computer literacy, and overall technological resources.

For nonprofit organizations working to address societal issues and serve marginalized communities, this digital divide creates additional challenges. They may struggle to reach their target audience or provide necessary services due to lack of (or limited) access to technology. In turn, this further perpetuates systemic inequalities.

Therefore, it is imperative for nonprofits to not only utilize technology in their work but also actively strive towards closing the digital divide.

Understanding Digital Maturity Holistically

One key aspect of harnessing the power of nonprofit technology is understanding and striving towards "digital maturity." This means having a holistic approach to using technology in your organization that goes beyond just implementing scattered tools and systems. Often, when a team brings on a new technology tool, there can be the belief that the tool will do the work or solve long-time problems. Unfortunately, this isn't usually the case until the systems behind the tool are refined, which is a key part of achieving digital maturity. With this in mind, digital maturity involves fully integrating technology into all aspects of your operations and strategic planning, while keeping the needs of your population in focus.

Digital maturity encompasses multiple dimensions such as infrastructure, processes and workflows, data management, digital skills training for staff, and more. It also requires ongoing evaluation and adaptation as new technologies emerge and needs of the community evolve.

Strategies for Building Nonprofit Technology Capacity

Building capacity in nonprofit technology is a continuous process that requires dedication, resources, and a clear plan. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Complete a technology audit: Take an inventory of all your current technologies and assess their effectiveness, integration capabilities, and overall alignment with your organization's goals. Determine the purpose that each serves and give it a score identifying how effective it is.

• Develop a dream technology plan: Create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you would love to see technology will be utilized across all aspects of your organization, from fundraising to program delivery to marketing.

• Invest in training: Provide ongoing technology training for staff to ensure they are equipped with necessary digital skills and knowledge. This could include basic computer literacy courses or more specialized training on specific software or platforms. Prioritize data management: Data is a valuable asset for nonprofits, and effectively managing it can greatly enhance their impact. Invest in systems and processes that allow for efficient collection, analysis, and utilization of data.

• Embrace innovation: Don't be afraid to experiment! Keep an eye on emerging technologies and be open to trying out new tools that could potentially enhance your work.

• Collaborate with other nonprofits: Pooling resources and knowledge can greatly benefit the nonprofit sector as a whole. Consider partnering with other organizations to share technology solutions, brainstorm ideas, and learn from each other's experiences.

Do This One Thing to Up Your Technology Game

If you're not in a place where you can tackle the strategies above, consider doing just this one thing: utilize online collaboration tools. These can improve communication and efficiency among team members, especially if you have remote workers or multiple locations. For example, at the team or department level, bringing on a workflow management system like Monday.com (which offers discounted and free options for nonprofits) can help keep everyone on your team on deadline and can even eliminate most emails!

Going Further with Nonprofit Technology

Technology has become an essential component of nonprofit work, presenting both challenges and opportunities. By striving towards digital maturity and actively working towards closing the digital divide, nonprofits can leverage technology to achieve their mission in a more efficient, effective, and equitable manner. Building capacity in nonprofit technology is an ongoing process that requires dedication, collaboration, and continuous evaluation. But by prioritizing this aspect of our work, we can make great strides towards creating a more digitally inclusive and impactful nonprofit sector.

The Merit Nonprofit Professional Development system offers a wealth of resources and training opportunities just for nonprofit professionals, including a nine-course series on nonprofit technology. Learners can enroll for this learning path and pursue their Certificate in Nonprofit Technology or can enroll in the entire Merit® learning experience in pursuit of their Certificate in Nonprofit Capacity Building.

For board members who are ready to take the next step in enhancing your nonprofit's governance abilities, including its overall technology approaches, the Nonprofit Help Center offers a comprehensive learning opportunities within the Nonprofit Board Member Basics online course.