How can we leverage technology to revolutionize our sector?
Attending BubbleCon 2024 was like stepping into a time machine and realizing our sector accidentally set the dial to 1995. As I watched an AI create a fully functional online store faster than most nonprofit boards can approve meeting minutes, I had an epiphany: we’re dangerously disconnected from the technological revolution happening around us.
Let’s face it: the nonprofit sector has treated technology like that distant relative we only call when the Wi-Fi stops working. Imagine Canada’s report shows our sector has the country’s largest gap in digital technology adoption despite contributing 8.3% to Canada’s GDP. It’s like we’re trying to solve 21st-century problems with 20th-century tools. Many charities still rely on outdated tech — not as bad as floppy disks and dial-up modems, but pretty close — often using software or hardware that has been discontinued. Unlike businesses, we don’t receive dedicated innovation support from the government, which is bordering on criminal, considering how much more efficient we could be with strategic investments in technology.
But here’s the kicker: our technological lag isn’t just about funding. It’s about mindset. We’ve been so focused on putting out fires created by technology — such as a rapidly changing employment environment — that we forgot to see how our sector could embrace it to better empower vulnerable communities. As I watched demonstrations of fintech and govtech innovations, it felt like we were still trying to win a Formula 1 race with a horse and buggy.
I watched in awe as someone typed, “I want to create an online shop where I can sell plants, shirts, and coffee mugs with my logo.” Like that, the system populated a full online store ready to publish! It was astonishing. Imagine if every client in our employment training program could create their own online store faster than we can say “outdated resume”! What if nonprofits could whip up apps for different departments on the fly, customizing experiences for different clients and groups?
This technological revolution isn’t just about making our jobs easier. It’s about transforming how we serve our communities. We’ve isolated ourselves from technology under the guise that technology is harmful or too complex for our clients, not realizing that our technological stagnation is holding back the very communities we aim to serve. It’s time we stop treating innovation like a luxury and start seeing it as a necessity.
So, how can we leverage technology to revolutionize our sector? Let’s talk about creating an AI-powered grant matching service. Imagine creating an app that finds funding opportunities faster than your ED can say “budget cuts.” What about a community impact visualization tool? It only takes a few minutes to build an interactive app that shows our collective impact in real-time, proving once and for all that we’re more than just feel-good stories and bake sales.
Moreover, embracing technology can significantly enhance collaboration within our sector. By leveraging platforms like Bubble.io, we can break down silos, open communication and cooperation and start seeing efficiencies in service access, delivery, and evaluation.
Imagine a world where every nonprofit can create custom applications tailored to their specific needs. We could see innovative solutions addressing local issues — from mental health support apps to community resource directories — all created by those who understand these needs best.
BubbleCon 2024 wasn’t just a tech conference but a wake-up call. We can either continue operating in our comfortable bubble (yes, pun intended) or embrace the technological revolution for real change. After all, if we can navigate government funding applications, surely we can handle a little AI. Let’s embrace this opportunity and lead the charge toward a brighter future for all. Who knows? With the right tools, we might change the world faster than an AI can build an app. Wouldn’t that be something worth celebrating at the next board meeting?
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