Authored by Kendra Appleheimer | Senior Manager
Nonprofits are under constant pressure to do more good with less. That requires making the best use of new technology and using the right tools to set their organization up for success.
To help, we’ve rounded up the top 5 nonprofit technology trends that leaders should pay attention to now:
#1 Start Using AI in Your Everyday Processes
As a nonprofit, you can’t ignore the buzz around AI. While it can’t replace human intelligence, organizations that use AI to analyze data and streamline manual processes can increase their efficiency and donations.
Here are a few ways to consider incorporating AI into nonprofits:
- Automate repetitive daily processes like data entry or updates with Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- Utilize RPA to collect data–financial, donor statistics, or even campaign results–from multiple systems and consolidate it into a concise report
- Unlock new fundraising opportunities by using Machine Learning (ML) to analyze the donor database for trends and patterns, and then make predictions on future outcomes
There are countless ways for a nonprofit to blend AI into everyday processes effectively. But if figuring out where to begin feels overwhelming, be sure to check out our complete guide on how to add AI into an organization.
Before diving headfirst into AI and its many uses, we recommend first establishing a company-wide AI policy to ensure effective use and positive outcomes.
#2 Build a Stronger Cybersecurity and Data Security Plan
Nonprofits are a favorite target for cyber threats and attacks, and they’re on the rise. Research predicts that ransomware attacks will strike a business every two seconds by 2031. But prevention is possible.
Protect Sensitive Data with a Strong Privacy Policy
Since most nonprofits retain personal information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, and even healthcare information, it’s essential to establish and share a clear privacy policy. Donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries expect organizations to protect their sensitive data.
Organizations can build trust through transparency by:
- Sharing a privacy policy that outlines how data is collected, used, stored, and protected
- Making the privacy policy easily accessible on the nonprofit’s website
- Revising the policy as laws and regulations change
- Notifying donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries when updates are made
Secure Internal Systems with Cybersecurity Tools
While threats may be at an all-time high, there is also an abundance of proper data security measure options for nonprofits.
Specific tools gaining traction in the nonprofit space to assess threats are:
- Duo Security or Microsoft Authenticator for multi-factor authentication
- Okta or Google Workspace SSO for single sign-on controls
- Proof Point Essentials or Barracuda Essentials for real-time scanning of links and attachments
Fortunately, many of these tools are incredibly user-friendly, with simplistic interfaces and straightforward training.
Another measure organizations must take is implementing comprehensive cybersecurity training—not just for their IT personnel, but also for their general staff. It’s important all levels of an organization’s staff can detect threats and respond accordingly when one is present.
Build a Strong Incident Response Plan
While no organization wants to fall victim to a cyberattack, nonprofits need to be prepared with an incident response plan. They should consider how they would recover from a cyberattack and how they’d determine if data was exfiltrated.
Historically, ransom payments to cyber criminals could be avoided if good backups were in place. However, today’s cybercriminals are exfiltrating sensitive data even before launching ransomware. These professionals then threaten to release the stolen data if the victim doesn’t pay them.
Without the right data filtration tools, nonprofits could find themselves between a rock and a hard place, needing to decide if they have to pay a ransom to prevent the release of data. A company-wide incident response plan is no longer a nice to have, it’s a requirement.
#3 Adopt Cloud Software
A surprising number of nonprofits are still using outdated software to manage records, donor information, and important research.
These legacy systems are often slow, difficult to use, and incompatible with modern workflows. As remote and hybrid work models become the norm, the need for flexible, cloud-based solutions is more urgent than ever.
“Upgrading to a cloud system has really helped us reduce the amount of infrastructure that we have to manage. We’ve reduced the number of servers we have in our server room. We’ve increased the ability for our staff to be able to get to their information from anywhere, on any device. And all of those things have increased our efficiency as a nonprofit.”
Willy Agee | Vice President of Administration, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Now is the time to get the proper cloud system in place. Cloud systems and cloud technology can:
- Easily integrate with other tools
- Streamline processes and encourage collaboration, regardless of location
- Provide easy access to data from anywhere, at any time
When it comes to choosing a system, we recommend nonprofits consider:
- Sage Intacct
- NetSuite
- Workday
- Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Of course, each nonprofit needs to choose a system that appropriately aligns with organizational processes, addresses overlapping functionalities, and has the proper data integration capabilities.
#4 Implement Data Analytics and Data Quality
In the past, managing and analyzing large datasets was nearly impossible, and very time-consuming.
Today, nonprofits that use AI to support their data analytics and reporting see massive benefits. One example is Shatterproof, a healthcare nonprofit that our team helped implement Power BI. Shatterproof used these new Power BI dashboards to improve the quality of tracked metrics for their treatment facilities and expanded their network without sacrificing quality.
Next-generation machine learning, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) devices are being used to create accurate and evolving 360-degree views of their donors and impact. With improved data analytics and data quality, nonprofits can make informed decisions and plan for the future.
#5 Modernize Fundraising Technology
Gone are the days when donors would sit down each month to write and mail a check. Nonprofits must shift to a digital-first mindset across all avenues, including marketing and member engagement.
Modern, mobile-first fundraising technology is revolutionizing the donation process. Nonprofits can now:
- Create a platform where donors can simply pull out their phone and donate in real-time
- Use digital payment methods like Apple Pay, Venmo, CashApp, Google Wallet, and Zelle
- Attract younger donors via new marketing channels, which is a demographic nonprofits often struggle to reach
- Engage with donors through visualizations that help them see the live impact they’re making on the mission
Updating the technology and automating data collection, fundraising, marketing, and member engagement are big steps that nonprofit organizations should continue to make. It helps organizations raise funds while maintaining their focus on delivering and carrying out their mission, which is exactly what Special Olympics Maryland accomplished when they implemented Tableau dashboards for their annual Polar Bear plunge campaign.
Our team used Tableau to create dashboards for Special Olympics Maryland that showcased the top donors/organizations for each of their corporate plunge teams. The increased visibility into donations also increased competition among teams, resulting in a goal-breaking year of fundraising.
The resources technology provides nonprofits are beyond measure. In the months to follow, AI, cybersecurity, cloud adoption, data analytics, fundraising technology, and data security will present new opportunities for many nonprofits.
Ready to Try on These Trends?
If you’d like input or guidance on how to adopt technology that will help your nonprofit realize its short- and long-term goals, we’re here to help!
Reach out to our Technology Advisory team with a message about your challenges and we’ll steer you towards the right innovative technology to meet your needs.
Accelerate Your Impact With Technology!
Don’t let outdated, unreliable systems slow you down.
SC&H Group’s Technology Advisory Services professionals help middle-market businesses and nonprofit organizations adapt to new technologies and implement strategic plans that enhance progress, generate value, and accelerate growth. Learn More.
