Technology
We live in a world in which technology is changing rapidly. NFP organisations sometimes find it challenging to stay abreast of all the latest information and communications technology (ICT). ICT can help your community organisation deal with challenges such as demographic growth and shrinking resources by helping you do more with less. To support the Victorian community sector keep up to date with the newest trends, the Office for the Community Sector has put together a range of resources.
What are the barriers that prevent greater use of ICT?
Through talking to dozens of organisations across Victoria, we have identified some of the more common barriers that get in the way of a digitally proficient NFP sector. Read the report on Improving ICT Uptake in the Community Sector (Word 1.2 MB)How to improve your ICT use: a step-by-step guide
Using case studies from the community sector, the guide Community Organisations Making the Most of IT guide (PDF 1.7 MB) or (Word 281 KB) explains how to assess the ICT competency of your organisation and then improve the way technology supports your core business. This guide draws upon six real life examples to demonstrate how some simple steps can help you move towards where you want to be.Best practice ICT from the Victorian community sector
These inspirational examples from across the state were the winners of an Office for the Community Sector grants program, Showcasing ICT Innovation. Drawn from the true stories of sports organisations, historical societies, disability support services, education providers and more, these resources were created by other community organisations to help you emulate their success stories:- Continuing Education Bendigo presents a range of free online tools that are fun and easy to use.
- Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau discusses how a range of online resources and communication strategies for volunteer management could work for your organisation.
- GippSport explains how to use free online training sessions to deliver live video, voice, multimedia and PowerPoint style presentations to sporting clubs and other small groups. Feild demonstrates how to use social networking tools like Skype and Yammer, based on their experience supporting staff working in isolated settings to access supervision, collegiate support and learning and development. View their Guide to Skype (Word 370 KB), Yammer Guide (PDF 1.1 MB) or (Word 72 KB), and their Acceptable use of Yammer policy (Word 35 KB).
- Sandybeach Centre clarifies the benefits of using a virtual server (PDF 1.4 MB) or (Word 46 KB) and how your organisation could use one.
ICT Planning and Collaboration: the iTaNGO project
Ultimately, to use ICT effectively you need to incorporate technology into the strategic, business and financial planning of your organisation. The iTaNGO project has been designed to help organisations take this step through workshops, free resources, communities of practice and a demonstration project.More useful ICT resources
- Infoxchange - Affordable access to technology for NFPs
- Donortec, run by Connecting Up - Provides donated and discounted equipment and services to NFPs
- Australian Government Digital Business website
- NZ Community Net Aotearoa
- UK National Council for Voluntary Organisations
- Doing IT Better project run by VCOSS and Monash University
- Nonprofit Technology Network
- Idealware - "Helping nonprofits make smart software decisions"
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