New hub to enable digital transformation for not-for-profit sector

The Infoxchange Group has announced plans to develop a Digital Transformation Hub to help Australian not-for-profits build digital capability and resilience in the post-pandemic world. Funded by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Gandel Philanthropy, the Hub will evolve over the course of 2021.

The Infoxchange Group will lead a cross-sector partnership to assist organisations on their digital transformation journey. The Hub will bring together capacity building programs, access to technology solutions, web-based resources and tailored advice to help organisations have a greater impact.

The Hub will address a range of technology challenges faced by not-for-profits, such as access to affordable and fit-for-purpose technology solutions, and lack of skilled technical resources for advice on digital technology. The Hub will also provide resources and funding to assist with the implementation of digital transformation initiatives.

A report released by the Infoxchange Group illustrates that nearly two-thirds of not-for-profit organisations are less than satisfied with the way they use technology. Only 30% had the technology in place to adapt to staff working from home during COVID-19.

Infoxchange CEO David Spriggs said that COVID-19 caused enormous disruption to work processes, and emphasised the importance of efficient, reliable technology for not-for-profits to keep supporting communities.

“The Digital Transformation Hub will address these challenges in a one-stop shop that will empower not-for-profits to deliver services more effectively, improve staff productivity and better serve communities in need,” Spriggs said.

The Community Council of Australia (CCA) and the Charities Crisis Cabinet acknowledged the need to build digital capacity in the sector, and the need for the Digital Transformation Hub, particularly for smaller, less well-resourced organisations.

“As COVID-19 has so clearly highlighted, digital capacity is the key to significantly improving the productivity and effectiveness of charities. It is the communities we serve that miss out if we do not address the digital divide between charities,” said David Crosbie, CEO of the Community Council of Australia.

Dr Catherine Brown OAM, CEO of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, said the Hub will build the capability of the not-for-profit sector during the country’s recovery from COVID-19, particularly in the face of rising demand for services, and the need to take steps to transition to a zero-carbon economy in the next 10 years.

“I see the Digital Transformation Hub as providing a strong platform from which not-for-profit leaders and consumers can use digital tools to innovate and transform service or program delivery, develop refreshed financial models, strengthen collaborations across sectors and ultimately become future ready for whatever challenges lie ahead,” Dr Brown said.

Gandel Philanthropy CEO Vedran Drakulić OAM said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the challenges faced by many for-purpose organisations, with digital inequality arguably becoming one of the biggest challenges.

“The Digital Transformation Hub presents a unique opportunity to help many organisations, not only to be better prepared for the future crises, to be more agile and to adapt faster to changing conditions, but also to maintain relevant and efficient service delivery to their target audiences, whoever they may be,” Drakulić said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Goodvibes Photo