Technology can be transformative for nonprofits - helping staff to avoid burnout, better target fundraising efforts, and improve budgeting. But there are pitfalls to avoid.

Tech experts and authors of The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in an Automated World, Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, recently shared their insights and tips for nonprofits looking to technology as a solution to their common problems. The new Key Takeaways, How to Use Smart Tech to Meet Your Mission, contains highlights from the discussion:

  • Don’t let past bad experiences get in the way. Social media may have soured many nonprofits views on technology, but the opportunities and capabilities offered by the newest wave of technologies is too powerful and transformative to be ignored entirely.
  • Start small and learn as you go. Don’t leave the work of technology solely to technical team members.
  • Be as selective about technology as any other aspect of your organization. Technology changes, but due diligence doesn’t.
  • Be aware that software and data are not always value neutral. Technology alone isn’t enough to ensure fair and equitable outcomes.
  • Keep humans involved. Remember that technology is meant to support the work of humans. Used correctly, tools like chatbots can help enhance the work that nonprofits do.
  • Be vigilant about ethics of technology. Data can be used to better target those who care about your mission, but it can also be used irresponsibly.

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Technology can be transformative for nonprofits - helping staff to avoid burnout, better target fundraising efforts, and improve budgeting. But there are pitfalls to avoid.

Tech experts and authors of The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in an Automated World, Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, recently shared their insights and tips for nonprofits looking to technology as a solution to their common problems. The new Key Takeaways, How to Use Smart Tech to Meet Your Mission, contains highlights from the discussion:

  • Don’t let past bad experiences get in the way. Social media may have soured many nonprofits views on technology, but the opportunities and capabilities offered by the newest wave of technologies is too powerful and transformative to be ignored entirely.
  • Start small and learn as you go. Don’t leave the work of technology solely to technical team members.
  • Be as selective about technology as any other aspect of your organization. Technology changes, but due diligence doesn’t.
  • Be aware that software and data are not always value neutral. Technology alone isn’t enough to ensure fair and equitable outcomes.
  • Keep humans involved. Remember that technology is meant to support the work of humans. Used correctly, tools like chatbots can help enhance the work that nonprofits do.
  • Be vigilant about ethics of technology. Data can be used to better target those who care about your mission, but it can also be used irresponsibly.
© The Chronicle of Philanthropy 2022