The digital age has revolutionised the way people do business and the way they interact with their customers, colleagues, and donors. Non-profit organisations are no exception. As with all other businesses, non-profits are embracing the digital transformation to improve their effectiveness and achieve greater financial transparency and accountability.
However, as a non-profit organisation, you may not have access to capital or the necessary funds to invest in a comprehensive digital transformation, or be able to afford even basic IT solutions. In fact, a recent survey showed that Australian and New Zealand not-for-profit organisations are only spending an estimated 6% of their operating expenses on IT.
Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to improve your organisation’s digital presence without going broke.
Why non-profits need robust IT
Relying on outdated digital practices can lead to operational inefficiency and even financial ruin. The growth of the non-profit industry is partly due to the digital transformation happening across all industries.
However, the non-profit sector is lagging behind in this area because it is often underfunded and understaffed. This means that there may be little or no knowledge about how technology can help non-profits.
Digital transformation can save your organisation money, increase revenue, and improve your ability to do business with stakeholders, donors, and employees. Investment in more efficient IT solutions can improve revenue, decrease operational expenses, and create jobs within your company.
Invest in better hardware and software
Sometimes, saving money in the long run means spending more money now. By investing in robust hardware and software that your company can use for a long time, you should not need to upgrade often.
Hardware is the foundational building block of the digital ecosystem. It includes hardware devices such as computers, network devices, and servers. It also includes software such as operating systems, applications, and databases. Hardware is, therefore, key to your organisation’s digital transformation.
When choosing hardware and software, you should look for solutions that are cost-effective, easy to navigate, and flexible. Hardware and software should also be compatible with one another. When purchasing hardware, speak to the team at Lindentech to make sure you are purchasing the correct equipment for your needs.
Invest in better hardware that is up-to-date and compatible with modern software, so that you can ensure both components will have long lives and will not need to be replaced anytime soon. Software should also be upgradable so that it can be easily adapted to the evolving needs of your organisation.
Utilise the power of the cloud
The cloud, a network of computers and electronic devices that are linked to the internet, is the new frontier for digital transformation in the non-profit sector. It allows for the outsourcing of digital services such as email, file storage, and CRM.
Using the cloud allows you to focus more on your core activities. It also gives you access to a wide range of software solutions that may not be available at your office or in-house. The cloud also facilitates collaboration between different parts of your non-profit. You can have multiple people working on a project at the same time, while the data is stored in one place. This improves efficiency and collaboration.
Outsource to a managed service provider
A managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that manages your IT infrastructure. It offers a wide range of IT solutions and solutions, including managed cloud computing, managed services, and cybersecurity solutions.
MSPs are ideal for non-profit organisations in their quest for digital transformation. They can offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-savings. A managed service provider can also help your organisation achieve better cloud security and compliance.
This is especially important for financial endeavours, such as fundraising and account balancing.
Implement a long-term IT strategy
A successful IT strategy needs to take into account your non-profit’s long-term goals. It should be an ongoing process that involves decision-making, strategy evaluation, and implementation. It is also important to regularly review your IT strategy and make adjustments as needed.
A successful IT strategy can be achieved through an in-depth analysis of your organisation’s needs and the context in which your organisation operates. This analysis will help you identify gaps in your IT infrastructure and identify cost-effective solutions.
Use open-source software
IT solutions like open-source software are free. It is also available on the internet, as opposed to commercial software. Some open-source software is also compatible with commercial software so that you can easily transition to better IT solutions.
Open-source software can significantly reduce your IT costs. You can also find a lot of free software online that can be useful in your organisation’s IT transformation. Most open-source software is intuitive and easy to use.
Get started with the IT experts
Digital transformation can bring new opportunities for your non-profit organisation. Investing in better hardware and software can help your company save money, while outsourcing to a managed service provider can improve security and scalability. The best way to save your non-profit money is through better IT solutions.
The IT strategists at Lindentech specialise in helping non-profit organisations achieve their goals and reach potential through the right IT solutions. Talk to them today and discover how you can save money while thriving in the non-profit sector.
