How Charities Can Embrace Technology© STUART MITCHELL 2013

Introduction

Charities face issues as wide ranging as those faced by all societies across the world

Any cause, however, can benefit from embracing advances in technology. For example: communicating causes to the general public

increasing funding and volunteer recruitment

carrying out work to help the disadvantaged

Technology can help charities become more: efficient

effective

dynamic

Publicity and Fundraising: The Internet Pt1

Big challenges facing charities are: publicising their causes and the work that they do

raising the funding that they fundamentally rely upon

The internet allows charities to: inform the general public and potential donors what they do and why

obtain their funding or services directly from their donors

recruit volunteers through social networks

It’s never been easier to create a web presence through: standalone web sites

incorporating engaging rich content including videos, games, blogs and infographics

social networking sites

Charities can integrate off-the-shelf e-commerce systems, such as PayPal or WorldPay, to receive donations

operate online charity shops

Publicity and Fundraising: The Internet Pt2

A simple web site or blog can be created by a computer literate charity worker

However, digital development or web design agencies can provide a rich online presence

Some agencies will specialise in working with charities using flexible ‘agile’ practices

possibly offering special concessions (e.g., discounts, free resource etc)

It is important for each charity to: find the right agency for them

form a strong relationship with the agency to achieve best results

Publicity and Fundraising: Social Networking Pt1

There has been a boom in social networking such as Facebook or Twitter

Social Networks give charities a way to: reach the communities that form on these networks

communicate directly with them

The premise of sharing means that: a charity’s message can be easily shared and recommended

across the communities (and sometimes the general public too)

the message can spread in a way and at a speed previously not possible

…if they can engage effectively with users of these sites

Publicity and Fundraising: Social Networking Pt2

A charity’s reach can be greatest when it combines its own website channel with social media channels to:

promote information and updates from their own website through social media

organise fundraising events participants can buy into the cause and actively share it with their communities to

raise awareness, sponsorship and encourage other participants to volunteer

Blogs/social media updates integrated with online donation facilities can provide running feedback on:

the success of fundraising activities

the effectiveness of the work that is being carried out with those funds

Donors are able to see exactly where and how their money is being used increasing motivation to provide further funding

Publicity and Fundraising: Mobile Internet/Apps Pt1

The twin benefits of mobile technology: Charities can provide updates whilst working ‘in the field’

The public can access information and donate from wherever they are

For example, a charity worker providing aid in the wake of a natural disaster can: tweet from their mobile device as they are on the scene

record an on-location video diary

…to bring the extent of the crisis to the attention of the public

Can be the only information outlet when operating in difficult scenarios

Publicity and Fundraising: Mobile Internet/Apps Pt2

Mobile donations can be made via: mobile apps

mobile browsers

text messages (with money taken from the mobile bill)

Chance of more donations when the urge/motivation occurs on-the-go no need to wait until back home or at the nearest bank

Chance of greater generosity with money being transferred in a digital ‘virtual’ medium

Working With Tech: Intro Pt1

Aforementioned technologies can have more direct applications can assist the work that charities carry out

Charities can benefit from technologies such as: extensive wide area networks (WAN)

secure communication between fixed remote locations

virtual private networks (VPN)

secure communication between any remote locations

the connectivity of wireless technology and 3G connections

portable smartphones and tablets

Working With Tech: Intro Pt2

…by improving: the speed with which data can be shared

communication between fixed and roaming locations

…to become more responsive

effective

efficient

Charities can take their work to those who need it most

What’s more, technology can be promoted to help the vulnerable become: self sufficient

empowered

integrated into society

Working With Tech: Efficiencies in Health Care Pt1

Healthcare technology often at the forefront of technological advances e.g., scanners and robotic surgical devices

revolutionising the effectiveness of both diagnosis and treatment

can be very costly

inspiration for other areas

Mobile technology can overcome obstacles faced by healthcare workers on location

Working With Tech: Efficiencies in Health Care Pt2

Example of creative use of existing tech: robots on which tablet computers are attached, providing

video conferencing facilities

mobile face to face communication tools

can be used at the patients bedside

allows consultations to occur between patient and doctor even when the two parties are in different hospitals

ensures that the patient receives the most appropriate consultation and in good time

makes the hospital efficient (the cost is not small but is less than employing extra staff)

better use of resources for all its patients

Working With Tech: Mobile Devices in the Field Pt1 Mobile devices can provide a commentary in the field on:

charity work being done

and the conditions being faced by charity workers

Also invaluable in sharing information between charity workers, instantaneously

on the go

The demands of the in-need can be responded to more effectively and expeditiously

Working With Tech: Mobile Devices in the Field Pt2 For example:

International charity workers who are treating patients in the field can communicate symptoms to colleagues based in a central location, using mobile phones, text messaging, instant messaging email and even video, so that the diagnoses and treatments can be determined remotely but then implemented on location, straight away

Alternatively workers can use these mobile technologies to arrange and change logistical planning whilst in the field, to respond dynamically where the need is greatest by communicating and researching the information they need as they go

Working With Tech: Corporate Giving

Charities employing any technology should always: approach the original provider (or any other big business that has

charitable links)

…to see whether there are any cost savings to be had due to their charitable status

Providers may offer concessions and discounts

Some may provide services gratis as part of their corporate giving schemes, e.g.: staff time and expertise

digital services

computing resource (e.g., cloud hosting)

Tools for the Disadvantaged: Intro

Many technologies can be employed by the people themselves who the charities are supporting

They can be used to solve some of the obstacles that they face in their everyday lives

Charities are vital in: increasing the awareness of these technologies and

their benefits

rolling them out to those who will make use of them

Tools for the Disadvantaged: Accessible Tools Pt1

There is a growing awareness in technological circles of the concept of accessibility: making technology usable for those with disabilities

More websites, mobile phones and computers are becoming usable by such groups

These individuals are gaining a rich medium through which to access the world around them

Examples of accessible technologies include: the use of screen readers with compatible websites to provide content to the

visually impaired

large button/display mobile phones

intelligent zoom functions on any type of device

voice activated controls

Tools for the Disadvantaged: Accessible Tools Pt2

Accessible technologies can allow individuals to: communicate with friends and family where they may have

struggled in the past

become more self sufficient (e.g., maintaining jobs or simply doing their own online shopping)

reach the support they need more readily, whether it be:

their carer/charity worker contacts

valuable online support groups and communities which they can use to share and received advice and counsel

Tools for the Disadvantaged: Mobile Tools Pt1

Cutting edge technology can therefore help disadvantaged individuals improve their own quality of life, through: charities finding ways to utilise the technology that the individual

already owns

introducing new solutions that can also be of benefit  

Accessible digital technology can be used for: self monitoring

e.g., events, symptoms or medication

either in cloud based calendars or specially built applications

for accessing advice and support on tap (as above)

for interactive, accessible, intuitive and engaging learning and education or for mobility

Tools for the Disadvantaged: Mobile Tools Pt2

In particular the burgeoning smart mobile phone market with its: internet capabilities (using WiFi, 3G and soon 4G)

plethora of apps

built in cameras and video recorders

touch screens

…has delivered a pocket sized solution combining so many of the latest technologies

making them available in an accessible medium and free of location ties

in a format which can therefore be taken to those who most need it wherever they are

More specific examples of how these possibilities have been realised include: mobile apps which use in-built cameras to read QR (quick response) barcodes on packets of

medication to take the user to a web page with all the information and guidelines that they require,

one touch mobile devices which can be used by victims of domestic abuse to alert the authorities when they are being abused and record the event as evidence (e.g., Vodafone’s TecSOS service).

Summary

It has never been more affordable for charities to: make use of such integrated high technology themselves

promote the adoption of that technology amongst individuals in-need

Thanks in part to the mass market adoption of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets

The market moves forward at such a pace it is just a question of “watch this space” for the possibilities that lie ahead in the next few years

Useful Resources

The Charity Commission

Vodafone’s Mobile for Good Foundation Videos

Web Design Agency Specialising in Not For Profit Sectors

Law Firm Specialising in Charity Law

Cloud Based Hosting Services for Organisations

The Charity Technology Trust for Advice and Services

Charity Technology News from Suppliers and Charities