New tech program hands NFPs the digital keys

Posted on 20 Oct 2023

By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia

A joint initiative between IT company Ingram Micro and Microsoft is designed to grant not-for-profits affordable access to the latest technology tools.

A mountain of research has confirmed that many not-for-profits and charities are aware their data maturity is lower than it should be.

The studies have also found many of these same for purpose organisations often don’t have the time, capacity, or cash to do anything about it.

An initiative by IT company Ingram Micro and Microsoft aims to change all of that with a technology solution designed to support not-for-profits in Australia and New Zealand.

The program joins other discount services aimed at the NFP sector such as ConnectingUp powered by technology for social justice organisation Infoxchange.

The IMpact Program seeks to help NFPs to digitally transform, allowing them to work more effectively and better target the people they are trying to assist.

Cash and resource strapped for-purpose organisations often struggle to acquire and implement the latest technology.

The IMpact Program is designed to overcome these barriers by making technology solutions available at discounted prices, or in some cases, for free.

The initiative goes beyond the existing Microsoft discounted software offer for NFPs by helping for purpose organisations implement new technology along with access expert support and training to defend against cybersecurity threats.

While open to all NFP organisations, the program is tailored to helping those working in indigenous communities, aged care and rural and remote education.

Ingram Micro’s general manager for software-as-a-service (SAAS) business, Adam Smith, said the IMpact program was part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“We recognise the role that we play in the larger ecosystem and strive to not only be a good corporate citizen, but a community partner and advocate,” said Mr Smith.

“We implement this through philanthropic donations, matching gift programs, sponsorships, volunteerism, active participation in community events, monetary and in-kind donations, and representation on the boards of non-profit organisations.”

“For the NFP sector, technology can be truly transformative, allowing them to better carry out their mission of helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Ingram Micro’s general manager for software-as-a-service business, Adam Smith.

Empowering NFP’s with affordable technology was in line with this approach.

“For the NFP sector, technology can be truly transformative, allowing them to better carry out their mission of helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Mr Smith.

“By partnering with Microsoft, the IMpact Program delivers the tools the NFP sector needs to do their vital work.”

Participating organisations can access commonly used software programs such Microsoft 365 (which includes video conferencing application Teams, Outlook email, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Microsoft will also offer infrastructure support for NFPs taking part in the IMpact program via its Azure cloud platform and access to the company’s suite of business themed BizApps software applications.

"Overall, the IMpact Program aims to go beyond the Microsoft offers, leveraging other SaaS and hardware vendors to build bundles of services for the not-for-profit sector to complement the Microsoft offers," said Mr Smith..

Professor Anthony McCosker, from Swinburne University’s Social Innovation Research Institute said the question of data maturity was an important one for the NFP sector.

Speaking at the ConnectingUp conference in Melbourne earlier this year, he said the main goal of NFPs using data analytics and building data capability was to inform organisational learning to make adaptations leading to better outcomes.

These goals, however, were being pursued amid a backdrop of multiple debates about data collection and how it is used.

A recent global report on the level of data maturity in the NFP sector, found fewer than one in five organisations had enough staff to manage and develop their data capabilities.

Less than a quarter had the skills and capabilities to maximise the use of their data.

Microsoft ANZ channel partner director, Matt Bostwick, said the company also wanted to play a part in helping for-purpose organisations.

“Microsoft’s technology for social impact program is part of our commitment to delivering relevant, affordable and innovative solutions to help non-profits tackle the world’s biggest challenges.”