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Policy priority: Building the digital capacity of the sector

Women leaning against wall with laptop
Policy priority: Building the digital capacity of the sector

A more digitally enabled nonprofit and charitable sector will result in greater efficiency, communication and collaboration. To adequately serve the needs of society, the digital capacity of the sector must be enhanced.

Why it matters
Nonprofits are a key partner in the delivery of services that ensure community health and wellbeing. Without access to critical technologies such as computers, teleconference platforms and stable broadband connections, the ability of nonprofits and charities to reach and serve their communities will remain limited. This was especially true during the pandemic when in-person programming was constrained. 
Did you know?
  • Unlike the for-profit sector, the nonprofit sector does not receive dedicated innovation supports from the federal government.
  • The sector faces two main barriers to adopting new technologies: access to funding for technological adoption and the high cost of purchasing technology.
  • Due to slim operating budgets, charities and nonprofits usually focus on investing in technology that can deliver the best value per dollar, which is often not the latest technology.
  • Many charities use outdated technology. Often, the software or hardware being used has been discontinued and has limited technical support options. 
Helping nonprofits grow in a tech-driven world
 

The Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR) has a vision of a digitally-enabled nonprofit sector, where Canada’s nonprofits use data and tech to advance their mission and multiply their impact. The Centre will take a holistic approach, convening working groups on research and knowledge mobilization, public policy, grantmaker practices, digital skills and literacy, shared platforms, tools, and standards, vendor relationships, data standards and infrastructure, and access and connectivity. This initiative is a true sector collaboration with five co-founders, including Imagine Canada, and over 85 advisors at launch representing the diversity of Canada’s nonprofit sector. 

Founding organizations:

CIO Strategy Council brings together the country's most forward-thinking CIOs and tech executives.

Tamarack Institute develops and supports collaborative strategies that engage citizens and institutions to resolve important community issues across Canada and around the world.

nten supports organizations around the world by bringing together the nonprofit community, providing credentials and training, and facilitating community sharing of skills and resources.

The Social Economy through Social Inclusion (SETSI) model aims to tell a story, change mindsets, change perspectives and develop communities.

Imagine Canada supports charities, nonprofits and social entrepreneurs who build, enrich and define our nation and the communities they support around the world.

Founding orgs
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