The world of not-for-profit (NFP) organisations continues to spin many plates, with demands for higher standards of accountability and transparency (both internally and externally). Factor in the uncertainty of the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, and it becomes clear that times like these certainly aren’t easy.
In the most recent Advanced Annual Trends Survey, 85% of respondents from NFP organisations expressed worries about the current economy. However, despite these concerns, many charities and memberships have yet to prioritise digital transformation efforts such as cloud migration.
In fact, only 12% of respondents expressed plans to prioritise such efforts in the coming year, despite 49% acknowledging the importance of technology in supporting their organisation's profitability.
With more donors and investors requiring real time updates on their investments, it is imperative that NFPs adapt to the digital age to improve operational efficiencies and enhance stakeholder engagement.
Why is the cloud so significant now?
NFPs face an ongoing struggle to adapt their services to the needs of employees, volunteers, and donors via a variety of channels, devices, and schedules (while simultaneously managing escalating expenses and dwindling incomes).
During this period of immense pressure, not only must they streamline administrative duties to save money, but they must also engage donors effectively (with their consent) to sustain and expand revenue.
The shift to cloud technology ensures NFP organisations are well-positioned to streamline operations, automate processes, access real time data, and make data-driven decisions with accuracy.
How can digital innovation allow for more focus on charitable causes?
Change is never easy or comfortable. However, sticking to the same outdated processes can be equally as damaging to not-for-profit organisations as the rest of the world evolves in this digital era.
Among those continuing to use legacy software systems, 94% of respondents said they worked outside of their assigned working hours, because they wanted to take advantage of the less busy periods when not at work (47%), and had to deal with an overwhelming workload that could not be accomplished during normal working time (44%). Only 6% of those working for a non-profit claimed they didn’t work outside their designated hours.
However, all is not lost, as NFP organisations that have already adopted cloud-based back-office systems are reaping the benefits by facilitating efficient work execution (48%), enabling easy remote access (48%), and providing timely information for accurate decision-making (42%).
The flexibility of the cloud also reduces time spent on manual tasks, freeing up people to devote more energy toward philanthropic endeavours by providing quick and easy access to data, streamlining laborious tasks, and allowing people from all walks of life to donate money/time. This ultimately allows NFPs to maximise their impact in society while minimising operational costs.
Looking to the future
Cloud services offer many opportunities for improved operations, including better communication, collaboration, and data management capabilities.
At the same time, however, they require careful consideration before being adopted, as no single approach will work for every charity or membership. Rather than making an “all or nothing” decision, these groups should view cloud adoption as a solution to a specific problem and assess how best to implement the necessary changes.
By taking advantage of the various capabilities of cloud technology, not-for-profit organisations stand to gain greater efficiency and effectiveness in their day-to-day activities.
Now is the time to implement the kind of leadership that is focused on talent and innovation. These kinds of investment can facilitate future growth while providing employees with the tools needed to be productive and engaged, so you can build a better future together.
Mark Dewell, managing director – public, private and third sector, Advanced
Related Articles
