Trustees’ Week earlier this month provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on where your organisation is with its IT strategy, and to look at ways in which IT can help staff to be more efficient and impactful.
Building an IT strategy often poses a challenge, especially for charities that may not have an extensive technical background or the luxury of large internal IT teams.
However, developing a robust IT strategy is essential in today’s digital age, and it is actually very achievable even without technical expertise. Here is how you can do it.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the technical details, it is important to take a step back and understand what your charity truly needs from its IT infrastructure. This involves identifying the key areas where technology can have the most significant impact. Think about the daily operations, survey staff to see where they struggle the most, discuss communication needs, data management and identify manual workflows or cumbersome processes. Including staff and volunteers in this knowledge gathering will provide a clearer picture of where the current gaps are and what improvements are necessary.
Getting the Basics Right
Leveraging Microsoft 365 and Azure
A solid IT strategy begins with establishing a reliable and scalable infrastructure. For many charities, this means replacing outdated legacy systems and servers with more modern, cloud-based solutions. Microsoft 365 and Azure are powerful tools that can help you achieve this transformation, that come with significant charity discounts.
Microsoft 365 offers a suite of applications that facilitate collaboration, communication, and productivity. With tools like Teams for communication, SharePoint for document management, and OneDrive for cloud storage, your charity can operate more efficiently and securely.
Azure provides a comprehensive cloud platform that allows you to build, manage, and deploy applications. It’s perfect for replacing on-premises servers, offering scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness. By moving to Azure, you can reduce the physical and financial burden of maintaining legacy hardware, while also gaining access to advanced features such as virtual machines, databases, and development tools.
Focusing on Data Security
Once your infrastructure is in place, the next step is to ensure that your data is secure. Data security is paramount, particularly for charities that handle sensitive donor information and beneficiary records. Microsoft 365 and Azure come with built-in security features, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and advanced threat protection. Make sure to take full advantage of these features to safeguard your data against unauthorised access and cyber threats.
Integrating Disparate Systems
Charities often use a variety of systems for different functions, such as accounting, volunteer management, and donor relations. However, these systems can sometimes operate in siloes, leading to inefficiencies and data inconsistencies. Integration is key to overcoming these challenges. Use tools like Azure Logic Apps and Microsoft Power Automate to connect disparate systems and automate workflows. This way, you can ensure that data flows seamlessly between platforms, providing a unified view of your operations and improving overall efficiency.
CRM, Automation, and AI
Finally, to truly maximize the potential of your IT strategy, consider implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. CRMs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 can help you manage relationships with donors, track engagements, and personalize communications. Beyond CRM, look into automation and AI to further enhance your charity’s operations. AI tools can provide insights from data, automate routine tasks, and even predict trends, allowing you to focus on strategic decision-making.
Conclusion
Building an IT strategy without technical knowledge might seem daunting, but it is entirely feasible with the right approach and tools. Start by understanding your charity’s needs, get the basics right with a strong IT infrastructure, and build from there focusing on data security, system integration, and advanced technologies like CRM, automation, and AI. By leveraging solutions like Microsoft 365 and Azure, you can create a robust, scalable, and secure IT environment that supports your charity’s mission and enhances its impact.
Trustees play a critical role in guiding charities towards a successful future. Embrace the digital transformation, and don’t hesitate to seek help from IT professionals when needed. Together, we can build a more connected and efficient charitable sector.
For more information see our Nonprofit Modern Workplace “end state” here or speak to us for further support.
