Philanthropy often gets described as the 4-T’s – Treasure, Time, Talent and Ties, but perhaps we should add another to the list, Technology. Technology has become the great enabler of our time. It allows us to capture and analyse data to inform our decision making and it can automate and streamline philanthropic processes. Technology has also transformed service delivery during the pandemic, providing continuity of service and greater geographical reach to support greater outcomes.
The events of the past two years have forced philanthropy to re-examine the way it works, and technology has evolved to support this transition. It not only provides a bridge between funder and grantee, but also underpins the values of the organisation. Whilst it should not replace a trusting relationship, it can support equity and transparency, whilst also simplifying granting and reporting processes.
But knowing where to start can be challenging. Where do you find the relevant data and how do you interpret it to meet your needs? How can you harness technology to make the application process and reporting less onerous and help deliver greater impact for everyone?