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Information and communication technologies transforming the nonprofit sector: a discussion paper

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have an impact on community, business and government-on how agencies, organisations and groups interact with each other and with citizens, clients and customers. This paper examines the social and economic role the community or nonprofit sector plays in Australian society and current policy in relation to the sector and the information economy.

There is a strong business case for nonprofit organisations to apply ICT, particularly the Internet. They can use it to enhance their effectiveness through improved delivery of services and interactive engagement with civil society, the community sector, government agencies and the business community. ICT can also enhance internal organisational efficiency and increase their visibility and capacity to raise funds. Case studies of innovative ICT use by nonprofit organisations illustrate these benefits.

Executive summary

Introduction

Section 2: The nonprofit sector in Australia

Section 3: ICT transformation in the nonprofit sector

Section 4: Key findings from case studies of ICT use by nonprofit organisations

Section 5: Initial conclusions

Invitation to comment and summary of discussion points

References and Glossary
Appendix A: International research and initiatives and APPENDIX B: Australian government initiatives

The papers are intended to stimulate public discussion and provide a basis for consultation on the social and community impacts of ICT. Interested parties are invited to provide comments and submissions on the issues raised in these papers. DCITA anticipates using the results of this consultation to inform future activities and policy directions.

ICT transforming the nonprofit sector: discussion points

The environment for uptake and use of ICT

This section outlined the nonprofit sector's current ICT capacity, the barriers the sector faces, and initiatives to promote full ICT adoption and the potential offered by emerging technologies.

What evidence and research is available to indicate the state of ICT readiness of the nonprofit sector in Australia?

What further work needs to be done to gain a reliable picture of the ICT capacity and needs of the nonprofit sector and of nonprofit organisations?

Should industry sector of operation, for example the welfare sector, community arts, be considered in programs to promote nonprofit adoption of ICT?

Are there any overseas approaches to assisting nonprofit organisations with their ICT needs that might be worth considering in Australia? How might they need to be modified?

How might nonprofit organisations best identify the level of need and demand for broadband connectivity and aggregate their broadband needs and demand:

at a local and regional level?
on a state/territory-wide basis?
at a sectoral level?
at a national level?

How might nonprofit organisations also identify and aggregate their needs and demand (as above) for:

procurement?
e-business systems and capability?
wireless, open source software and other emerging technologies?
access to the Internet and email?
training and technical support?

Nonprofit organisations using ICT to build capacity and capability

This section has outlined the business case for greater use of ICT within the nonprofit sector, in terms of increased organisational capacity.

What role should government and the business sector play in assisting nonprofit organisations improve their capacity and ability to make effective use of ICT?

Is there a role for larger nonprofits fostering access to ICT and effective use of ICT for smaller organisations?

Nonprofit organisations using ICT to build community capacity

This section shows how effective use of ICT by nonprofit organisations can have a positive impact on social capital through their role as trusted intermediaries, the promotion of community and member networking and community volunteering.

How are nonprofits using ICT to build social capital for their clients and members and in the wider community?

What factors restrict nonprofits' ability to use ICT for social capital building?

What role should local government play in developing social capital through the nonprofit sector?

What role should government, the business sector and civil society play in assisting nonprofit organisations improve their capacity to use ICT for building social capital?

Do you have empirical evidence of trust in your nonprofit organisation?

Can/should nonprofit organisations act to promote trust in ICT in general?

Discussion points raised by the case studies

This section examined examples of nonprofit organisations that have achieved significant benefits by embracing ICT. Discussion of the case studies demonstrated effective use of ICT to build internal capacity and improve social outcomes in terms of the organisations' initial objectives, the barriers and hurdles faced, the positive outcomes achieved, key success factors and future plans for ICT developments.

What further impediments affect the take up and effective use of ICT by nonprofits?

What other factors drive nonprofits to adopt ICT?

How has the changing relationship with government, competitive contracts for service delivery, impacted on the sector?

Data collection and government reporting requirements are an issue for the sector. What can be done to streamline or improve this situation?

What additional factors are important to nonprofits successful use of ICT?

What are some other leading examples of nonprofit organisations using ICT to

achieve organisational business efficiencies?
engage online with
1. other nonprofit and civil society organisations (and for networking)?
2. the wider community (and for community networking)?
3. private sector organisations?
4. donors and other funders?
5. government?
6. volunteers?
7. members (and for member networking)?
8. deliver services?
9. act as advocates and trusted intermediaries?
10. build social capital?

Document ID: 23625 |
Last modified: 6 February 2008, 11:09am