Top 10 Nonprofit Technology Myths Debunked
Top 10 Nonprofit Technology Myths Debunked: Why your nonprofit organisation needs a robust security strategy in 2024 and beyond
Nonprofit organisations often face unique challenges when it comes to technology. They may have:
- limited resources
- lack technical expertise
- operate under outdated assumptions about what technology can do for them
In this post, we will debunk some of the most common nonprofit technology myths and show you why your nonprofit organisation should be investing in a robust security strategy in 2024.
Myth #1: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to worry about cyberattacks
This is one of the most dangerous myths that can put your nonprofit organisation at risk. Cyberattacks are not only targeting large corporations or government agencies, but also small and medium-sized nonprofits that may have valuable data, such as donor information, financial records, or sensitive communications.
According to a report by the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), More than 70% of nonprofits have not run even one vulnerability assessment to evaluate their potential risk exposure (2024).
Cyberattacks can have devastating consequences for your nonprofit organization, such as reputational damage, legal liability, financial losses, or operational disruption. Therefore, you need to take proactive measures to protect your data and systems from cyber threats, such as implementing strong passwords, encryption, backups, firewalls, antivirus software, and security awareness training for your staff and volunteers.
Myth #2: Nonprofit organisations can’t afford to invest in technology
This is another myth that can hinder your nonprofit organisation’s growth and impact. Technology solutions are not a luxury, but a necessity for any nonprofit organisation that wants to achieve its mission and goals.
Embracing the latest technology can help you streamline your operations, improve your efficiency, enhance your communication, increase your fundraising, expand your reach, and measure your outcomes.
Having a technology partner like CSG can also help you save money in the long run, by reducing your operational costs, increasing your productivity, and avoiding potential losses from cyberattacks or data breaches.
Your technology investment is not a one-time expense, but an ongoing dedication that willpay off in multiple ways. You don’t need to spend a fortune on technology, but you need to allocate a reasonable budget for your technology needs and plan ahead for your future technology goals.
Myth #3: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to update their technology
This is a myth that can make your nonprofit organisation obsolete and vulnerable.
Technology is constantly evolving and changing, and so are the needs and expectations of your stakeholders, such as your donors, beneficiaries, partners, and regulators.
If you don’t keep up with the latest technology trends and innovations, you may miss out on new opportunities, lose your competitive edge, or fall behind on your compliance requirements.
Updating your technology is not only about buying new hardware or software, but also about adopting new practices, processes, and policies that can improve your performance, security, and quality.
Updating your technology is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires regular assessment, evaluation, and improvement.
Myth #4: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to train their staff and volunteers on technology
Don’t risk limiting your nonprofit’s potential and productivity.
Technology is only as good as the people who use it, and if your staff and volunteers are not trained in how to use your technology effectively and securely, you may not get the best results from your technology investment.
Training your staff and volunteers in technology is not only about teaching them how to use specific tools or platforms, but also about developing their digital skills, literacy, and confidence.
Training your staff and volunteers in technology is not a one-time activity, but an ongoing learning process that requires regular feedback, support, and encouragement. That’s why CSG will work closely with you and update you of any relevant changes to your charity sector so that you stay ahead of the curve.
Myth #5: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to collaborate with other organisations on technology
Not collaborating with other organisations on technology can lead to isolating your nonprofit organisation and reduce your impact.
Technology is not a silo, but a connector that can help you build relationships, partnerships, and networks with other organisations that share your vision, values, and goals.
Collaborating with partners like CSG on technology can help you leverage your staff’s expertise, resources, and best practices, as well as share your own knowledge, experience, and lessons learned.
Collaborating with other organisations on technology can also help you create synergies, efficiencies, and innovations that can benefit your organisation and your community.
Collaboration within technology is not an optional choice, but a strategic decision that can enhance your capacity, credibility, and sustainability.
Myth #6: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to measure their technology impact
Technology is not a goal in itself, but a means to an end, and you need to measure how your technology is helping you achieve your mission and objectives.
Measuring your technology impact is not only about collecting data, but also about analysing, interpreting, and communicating your data to your stakeholders, such as your:
- donors
- beneficiaries
- partners
- regulators
Measuring your technology impact is not only about reporting your outputs, but also about demonstrating your outcomes, impact, and value.
Measuring your technology impact is not a one-time task, but an ongoing practice that requires clear indicators, methods, and tools.
Myth #7: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to innovate with technology
Technology is not static, but a dynamic field that offers endless possibilities for innovation and experimentation.
Innovating with technology is not only about adopting new technologies, but also about:
- adapting existing technologies
- creating new technologies
- combining different technologies to solve problems, meet needs, or create opportunities.
Innovating with technology is not only about following trends, but also about setting trends, or challenging trends that are not aligned with your mission and values.
Innovating with technology is not a one-time project, but an ongoing mindset that requires curiosity, courage, and collaboration.
Myth #8: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to listen to their stakeholders on technology
This is a myth that can alienate your nonprofit organisation and diminish your trust.
Technology is not a top-down, but a bottom-up approach that requires listening to your stakeholders, such as your:
- donors
- beneficiaries
- Partners
- and regulators
So that you can understand their needs, preferences, feedback, and suggestions. Listening to your stakeholders on technology is not only about conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups, but also about engaging them in co-design, co-creation, or co-evaluation of your technology solutions.
Listening to your stakeholders on technology is not only about satisfying them, but also about empowering them, or challenging them to think differently or act differently.
Myth #9: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to be ethical with technology
Technology is not a neutral, but a value-laden domain that can have positive or negative consequences for your organisation and your community.
Being ethical with technology is not only about complying with laws, regulations, or standards, but also about adhering to your own principles, values, and codes of conduct.
It is important to also practice good measures through promoting social justice, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Being ethical with technology is not a one-time obligation, but an ongoing responsibility that requires awareness, reflection, and action.
CSG provide our customers with solutions to achieve your ethical goals, such as reaching net zero by 2030 and more.
Myth #10: Nonprofit organisations don’t need to have fun with technology
Technology is not a chore, but a joy that can bring you happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
Having fun with technology is not only about playing games, watching videos, or listening to music, but also about exploring, discovering, or creating something new, useful, or beautiful.
It is your chance to inspire others and help make a difference in the world. Having fun with technology is not a one-time reward, but an ongoing source of motivation, passion, and purpose.
We hope that this post has helped you debunk some of the most common nonprofit technology myths and encouraged you to embrace technology as a powerful ally for your nonprofit organisation.
Technology is not a threat, but an opportunity that can help you achieve your mission and vision in 2024 and beyond. Technology is not a magic bullet, but a strategic tool that requires careful planning, implementation, and evaluation.
That’s why your nonprofit organisation needs a robust security strategy that can help you protect your data and systems, optimise your performance and quality, and maximise your impact and value.
If you need help with developing or improving your security strategy, contact us today and let us help you make your technology work for you and your community: sales@csgrp.co.uk