In the replay from our launch event of 2024, we delve further into the critical technology trends that are set to shape the landscape for nonprofits in the coming year.
From AI and process automation to cybersecurity and social trends, the nonprofit sector is experiencing an influx of technological advancements. The future is bright for nonprofits that are willing and ready to adapt to these changes. As we move into 2024, the focus will be on harnessing these trends to enhance operations, improve efficiency, and ultimately achieve mission goals.
Social Media Trends
The importance of understanding and leveraging social trends cannot be understated. Trish Riswick, a team lead on the Hootsuite social team, highlighted how their annual trends report has been critical in discerning three major trends – ROI, platform, and AI. Nonprofits must focus on generating engaging content, eliminating self-promotion, and transitioning to a consumer-centric approach on social media platforms. Harnessing the power of entertainment and educational content can build stronger relationships with audiences and drive engagement.
AI: How Nonprofit Marketing Professionals Should Work With the Robot
Joel Harrison, a marketing and messaging consultant for nonprofits, focused on AI’s roles in optimizing efficiency in communications. There’s no denying how much AI has played a pivotal role in recent years, from email drafts and website copies to presentations and outlines. Despite its immense benefits, challenges like copyright infringement, accuracy, context, and repetitive content remain. Therefore, organizations need to establish rules to guide their utilization of AI, treating it as a junior staff member and retaining human control over final decisions, for more effective use.
Cybersecurity: A Rising Concern for Nonprofits
A look into the future isn’t complete without discussing cybersecurity. Sharlene Gandhi, a tech and data reporter at Future of Good, brought our attention to the increasing cyber threats targeting nonprofits. Dealing with cyber attacks requires a solid understanding of cybersecurity infrastructure, software, and training. It’s about protecting data, ensuring its availability and integrity while safeguarding its confidentiality. Running internal audits, creating policies, and paying keen attention to cybersecurity insurance were among the strategies shared.
Harnessing AI for Effective Grant Proposals
Deepa Chaudhary of @impactdaos demonstrated how AI could be used to generate grant proposals quickly. She showed the process of using AI to create a complete grant proposal for TechSoup Connect BC, streamlining and simplifying what is traditionally a time-consuming process. In the future, all nonprofits can look to leverage similar technologies to increase efficiency in their operations.
Process Automation: The New Frontier
Kevin Mulhall of TechSoup dove into process automation, highlighting how repetitive tasks can be automated to increase efficiency and reduce human error. By using tools like Zapier and Power Automate, organizations are put in a prime position to streamline workflows, reducing redundancy and enhancing effectiveness.
Decentralization for Civil Society
Jesse McKee, the head of strategy for a nonprofit called 221A, discusses the trends and opportunities in the digital space for nonprofit organizations. He highlights the concept of decentralization and the emergence of Web3, where infrastructure and platforms are being dispersed into smaller spaces and individuals have more control over their own infrastructure. 221A has been conducting experimental research in areas such as blockchain technology and is working on projects like a community-run free Wi-Fi network and a Node Library for decentralized hardware and infrastructure. They believe that decentralized technology can be used alongside centralized technology to address the needs of civil society in the future.
5-Minute Data Analytics: The Bare Essentials for Busy Nonprofits
Amy Hooper, a content marketing and copywriting professional, discusses basic best practices for content marketing in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the importance of creating high-quality, audience-focused content and includes tips on using relevant links and calls to action. Amy also highlights key metrics to track, such as views, bounce rates, and conversions, to measure the performance of the content.
Applying Startup Innovation to Creating Social Impact
Mina Damian, a former nonprofit sector employee turned startup advisor, discusses the problem of leveraging technology in the nonprofit sector and highlights the benefits of using innovative startup solutions.
Human-Centered AI
A presentation by Meena Das, CEO of Namaste Data, on the importance of human-centric AI and five key considerations for nonprofits when implementing AI solutions.
Process & Workflow Automation
Process and workflow automation involve using technology to perform repetitive tasks or processes without human intervention. By automating routine activities, nonprofits can streamline and optimize workflows, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency. This technology utilizes algorithms, scripts, or workflows designed to execute and manage automated processes. TechSoup’s Kevin Mulhall takes a closer look at some examples and tools in the automation space.
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