The work environment for nonprofits is evolving quickly, especially with the rise of new digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the shift toward data-informed decision-making. Nonprofit leaders are now under immense pressure to keep up with these changes, integrate new technologies, and enhance their digital skills and those of their workforce.
According to Canada Helps’ 2023 Digital Skills Survey, 48% of participating charities reported that they don’t have the skills, knowledge or expertise to improve their use of digital tools. This article discusses training and resources you can use as a nonprofit leader for your nonprofit to thrive in the digital landscape.
What is digital upskilling?
Digital upskilling involves providing training and resources for essential digital skills so that your employees can keep pace with digital transformation. As a nonprofit leader, digital proficiency starts with you to ensure your organization continues to deliver on its mission in this ever-changing environment.
What resources are available for nonprofit leaders?
Training Programs
Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR) offers customized “Digital Leadership Training” for nonprofit executives and board members.
Tech Impact’s Nonprofit Technology Learning Centre has a variety of training courses and an on-demand library for nonprofits relating to skills required for the digital workplace, like data engineering and automation as well as a “Technology Policy Workbook.”
LinkedIn Learning offers online courses for leaders to enhance their digital capacity, including “Digital Leadership” and “Data Analytics for Business Professionals." This platform also features an array of courses to help with digital upskilling for your employees, ranging from topics like advanced Excel to Power BI.
The Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) contains digital HR courses from “People Analytics” to “ChatGPT for HR”.
Online learning platforms like Coursea and Udemy also offer a variety of courses for leaders looking to evolve their nonprofit in the digital age, including “Introduction to Digital Transformation” and “Digital Transformation - Leadership Foundations.” These platforms also provide courses related to digital workforce skills such as data analytics, data management, digital marketing, social media, MS Office Suite, cybersecurity, UX design, and AI.
Soft skills are arguably equally important when it comes to thriving in the digital workplace. Training related to communications, problem-solving, innovation, and critical thinking are valuable for nonprofits to consider within their digital upskilling opportunities.
Other Resources and Tools
NTEN's Tech Accelerate provides nonprofit organizations with a free online assessment tool to evaluate their technology adoption, practices, and policies. Tech Accelerate also shares trends, needs, and successes of nonprofits using technology for their mission.
TechSoup Canada connects eligible nonprofits with donated and discounted technologies through their technology donations program. They also provide learning resources to equip nonprofits with technology tips and best practices.
Nonprofit Tech for Good provides nonprofits with useful, easy-to-understand news updates and resources related to digital marketing and fundraising.
There are also many digital tools related to fundraising, communications, project management, and information management that will require digital literacy for their effective use. For instance, Google for Nonprofits provides eligible nonprofits with access to Google’s premium products, including Google Ad Grants and Google Workspace for Nonprofits. As well, CharityGPT is an AI powered tool that supports nonprofits with communications, fundraising, marketing and operations.
As the sector continues to evolve in response to new technology, digital upskilling is an essential tool for nonprofit leaders aiming to drive their organizations forward. By embracing the training programs and resources available, nonprofit leaders can build the necessary digital skills for themselves and their teams to navigate and leverage emerging technologies effectively while continuing to make meaningful changes in their communities.