The impact of all things becoming digital within the charity sector is huge, but equally offers brilliant opportunities to revolutionise the way organisations work. Most have had to embrace digital transformation to take positive steps, given the acceleration of customer demands, especially post-COVID. Digital is increasing the number of online donations, but despite this, according to the 2022 Charity Digital Skills Report, only 56% of charities have a digital strategy in place. This is despite 82% of charities seeing digital as more of a priority as a result of the pandemic.
Challenges charities face due to digital transformation:
- Budget constraints, a perception that digital transformation is costly
- Lack of in-house IT skills certainly around data integration
- Lack of understanding of the best digital tools
- Resistance to change due to lack of knowledge and awareness
There is a real opportunity to harness and use digital transformation to:
- Empower and increase fundraising efforts
- Expand trust and transparency
- Enhance marketing and communications
- Support day-to-day operations
To make sure a charity is evolving, it’s essential to look at future trends, stay ahead of the curve and create a digital transformation road map.
These are four examples of how technology can positively impact charities:
Cashless and App technology
From scanning QR codes to tap and donate devices. Removing the need for cash to donate can really help a charity increase donations. App development enables the user to benefit from an improved donating experience. This will save time and provide customers with information about how their donation has helped impact the charity. An app may also provide quicker service to integrate into internal systems.
Video conferencing
Video conferencing can really help charities with digital fundraising to effectively engage with everyone to spread their messages, increase their reach and minimise the cost of travelling. This also includes staff working remotely and contacting other local stores/warehouses.
Integrated data management
Many charities are dealing with donations and customer information. It’s important that all data is stored securely and any data input errors are avoided. Moving away from traditional spreadsheets and putting all data within a data management system enables better efficiency and recording of fundraising efforts.
Cloud technology
This sector relies on collaboration between people, volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries. Cloud technology saves costs while creating a reliable way to contact supporters and beneficiaries. Examples of cloud-based technology include Microsoft 365 and Dropbox. Both enable users to access on demand via the internet.
Ultimately, implementing digital transformation can really improve the way that processes and people work together, this can include:
- Reducing admin time so that volunteers and team members can focus on the job
- Empower teams to share information across departments to better advertise and market the charity
- Automate repetitive processes, saving precious time
- Improve access to information
- Enhance promotion of the charity to all ages
Digital transformation for charities can achieve much more than becoming more accessible, reducing inefficiencies, and improving user experience. It can ultimately aid in moving the charity forward, to achieve donation goals where everything is becoming digitalised. For their future success, all charities should put digital transformation at the forefront and start developing a comprehensive strategy to reap the benefits and to support their long-term donation strategy.
An example of how we’ve helped a charity transform through tech:
We created an easy-to-use app that works on all devices anywhere in the world. The team was mindful of the limited internet connectivity in remote locations, so the team of technical experts designed the app to work both offline and online, automatically syncing data when the device re-connects to the internet. The app visualises data in real-time, allowing for improvements to treatment options to be implemented quickly – ultimately helping the charity to save precious lives.
Read further charity case studies here.
Book a discovery call to discuss digital transformation options within the charity and non-profit sector.
