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'Behind the scenes' in not-for-profit organisations around the world, how not-for-profit organisations - both grantmakers and grantseekers - use information technology (IT) is becoming increasingly relevant.
In the UK and USA, people and organisations in the sector are already making use of "web 2.0" - internet features that allow more dynamic website content and online communities that visitors can control and interact with, as well as allowing website creators more opportunity to keep their information fresh.
In addition to internet developments, software created specifically for use in the not-for-profit sector (such as processing grant applications) is becoming frequently more available. Similar, open source software (that is, multi-authored software that is available free, free of copyright, and is relatively easily modified) is becoming more widely available and used, its lack of licensing costs providing attractive opportunities for the not-for-profit sector.
Philanthropy Australia is very conscious of the need for the Australian not-for-profit sector to forge forward into making best use of the technology at hand to aid distribution to and communication with both the general public and the rest of the sector. With this goal in mind, we are carrying out an IT plan that allows us to lead by example, establishing a number of new features through our website to communicate with and distribute information to both our Members and other people in the sector.
This topical issue page collects news and resources for people and organisations looking for tips and information on the rapidly expanding use of IT in the not-for-profit sector.
| Date | Title & Summary of Resource | Download/Access |
16/08/07 |
Grantmaking 2.0: Using New Technology to Enhance Grantmaker Practices This is an article by Amy Lucky (of Blueprint Research & Design in the USA) published by Grantmakers for Effective Organisations. The piece, as Amy describes, “is meant as a quick introduction to inspire as well as provide constructive cautions for foundations just beginning to explore ways to integrate the use of Web 2.0 into their grantmaking practices.” It seems to come at a time when the discussion on how grantmaking organisations can use technology is increasing. The piece outlines four instances to “illustrate a handful of the myriad ways grantmakers can use new technologies productively to help accomplish four common goals”. The goals Amy has outlined are: 1. Facilitate communication among grantees This article is valuable reading for staff of grantmaking organisations in Australia who are considering (or want to start considering) the ways their organisation could benefit from better use of technology and the internet. |
 Read the article |
12/07/07 |
Ten things (just ten!) that every not-for-profit executive needs to know about information technology A very accessible piece from a not-for-profit tech that should be read by anyone who is wary of taking the leap into technology! This piece lays out in simple language just why and information technology will work for your organisation and your goals. Don't worry about techy language - this piece has none, it deliberately speaks to you and your own understanding of the issues that matter to you. |
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09/02/07 |
Marketing Your Knowledge: A Report to Philanthropy's R&D Organizations How are good ideas circulated in philanthropy? From the Williams Group, developed with and for participants in the David and Lucile Packard Foundation Knowledge Project (USA), this thought-provoking paper gets to the bottom of how knowledge is shared within the philanthropic sector, and where change is needed. As well as clearly outlining problematic elements, the paper offers potential solutions to develop this facet of the sector. |
Click here to read the paper. |
09/02/07 |
More than Bit Players: "The Internet is transforming all aspects of society and the not-for-profit sector is no exception. Today's networked economy operates under a new set of rules. not-for-profit organizations - and the foundations that support them - need to adjust their practices to accommodate these new realities. To better understand how the networked economy will affect not-for-profits, Surdna commissioned this study from communications policy expert Andrew Blau." (USA) |
Click here to read the study (originally posted 2001) |
24/01/07 |
not-for-profit e-business report "The NNIC survey was conducted by the CISA-led NNIC consultation consortium, in association with the Not-For-Profit Network, and John Sheridan of Digital Business Insights. John has now used the survey resource material to supplement a number of case studies about the successful use of software products in a number of not-for-profit and small business contexts. He has set out to demonstrate that productivity benefits can be found in all organisations, regardless of industry type and size. He believes productivity improvements can be enjoyed by all organisations regardless of where they are, who they are and what they do and he sets out his model for the growth of ICT capacity in small and medium organisations." |
Click here to read the report (originally posted December 2006) |