The Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience aims to build a digitally-enabled nonprofit sector, where Canada’s nonprofits use data and tech to advance their mission and multiply their impact.
Leading Canadian and global organizations have joined forces to launch the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience today.
For the first time, leading nonprofits are taking deliberate, collective action to build the digital capacity of the sector. The founders include some of the best-known names in the nonprofit sector, including Imagine Canada, Tamarack Institute and SETSI. It is receiving crucial assistance from global nonprofit technology leader, NTEN. And the CIO Strategy Council is bringing its support to bear to solve this critical challenge.
“Nonprofit organizations touch the lives of all Canadians – providing vital services to individuals, families, and communities,” says Katie Gibson, Vice President at CIO Strategy Council. “But most nonprofits aren’t equipped to thrive in the digital age. They’re forced to rely on outdated technology, and they lack resources and expertise. We’re asking them to save lives with one arm tied behind their back. We need to fix this.”
The Centre will focus on nonprofits most in need of resources to increase their digital resilience.
“Access to technology and digital skills is an equity issue. Well-funded nonprofits can invest in technology and reap the benefits. But Black-led and Black-serving organizations have been historically and systemically under-resourced,” says Victor Beausoleil, Executive Director of SETSI.
“There are also equity divides within organizations – executive and leadership staff are more likely to be white and program staff are more likely to be those in historically and systemically oppressed communities. How we train staff in technology needs to address this by including staff in all roles, of all backgrounds, and in all departments,” adds Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN.
Digitally-enabled organizations use technology skillfully to operate more efficiently and provide higher-quality, beneficiary-focused services.
“We have a window of opportunity coming out of the pandemic to create a truly digitally-enabled nonprofit sector,” says Cathy Barr, Vice President at Imagine Canada. “Overnight, charities across Canada had to pivot to provide services online and enable work-from-home. This was a bumpy transition for many. But now many of our members see the potential for technology to improve reach and accessibility, enable higher-quality, client-centred services, and drive deeper engagement with all their stakeholders. The Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience will help them make the most of this opportunity.”
The Centre will convene nonprofits, grantmakers, and tech experts to drive progress on: research and knowledge mobilization; public policy; grantmaker practices; digital skills and literacy; shared platforms tools, and standards; vendor relationships; data standards and infrastructure; and access and connectivity.
“For the past 20 years, the Tamarack Institute has honed our approach including collective action to catalyse transformational change,” says Liz Weaver, Co-CEO of the Tamarack Institute. “Digital resilience is a huge challenge requiring all hands on deck. We see the challenges that community-based collaboratives face when trying to develop shared data and measurement approaches which are vital to achieving impact. Improving digital literacy, access to technology, and resilience will make the work of community change more impactful. Together, we’re going to make this happen.”
“For more than 15 years, NTEN’s research about technology adoption and use in the nonprofit sector in the U.S., Canada, and beyond has consistently found that the most important need for nonprofit staff is training to put whatever technology they have to work for their mission,” says Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN. “We know that technology tools will change – every day and over time – but without the knowledge, skills, and practice in technology-related decision making, budgeting, planning, and evaluation, nonprofit staff in any department and in any organization aren’t supported in digital success. NTEN’s training programs combine our mission’s focus on equitable and strategic technology use with values of community and self-determination. We don’t want everyone to do everything the same; we want everyone to be able to do what is right for their community and organization. While Canadian nonprofit staff have been part of the NTEN community for 22 years, we are excited to extend our program models intentionally to reach more people with the kinds of training and support that can fuel their success.”
At launch, the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience has over 85 advisors representing the diversity of Canada’s nonprofit sector, from Whitehorse to St. John’s. See below for additional quotes.
“The non-profit sector is critical to supporting communities. Ensuring affordable access to digital solutions are critical to advancing data and technology equity to enable positive impacts for our society,” says Lawrence Eta, Chief Technology Officer for the City of Toronto and advisor to the Centre. “As a government leader, the launch of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience aligns to public service principles of advancing equity and inclusion, creating a strong technology ecosystem, and digital autonomy.”
Seed funders supporting the launch of the Centre include Okta for Good and Sonor Foundation.
“Through investing in unseen technology infrastructure, we can unleash talent and multiply impact across the social sector,” says Narinder Dhami, President of The Sonor Foundation. “The Sonor Foundation is honoured to support this work. We strongly align with the vision and ambition of this initiative and are excited to support the bold leadership driving this work forward. The philanthropic and public sector plays a critical role in enabling the digital transformation of the social sector. This isn’t feel-good, photo-op grantmaking. This is about investing in more effective solutions and structures to drive deeper impact across Canada.”
“At Okta, we believe that nonprofits –– who are doing society’s most important work –– should be as powerful as their missions,” says Erin Baudo Felter, VP, Social Impact & Sustainability at Okta, Inc. “As technology companies, it’s critical that we play a role in helping nonprofits make the digital transition. We’re proud to support the work of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience. This initiative has the vision, ambition, and cross-sector support needed to accelerate the digital transformation of Canada’s social sector.”
For full details, visit Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience
Contact:
Katie Gibson
Vice President, CIO Strategy Council
katie.gibson@ciostrategycouncil.com
Additional Information
Sector statistics from Imagine Canada
- Canada’s charities and nonprofits represent 8.7% of Canada’s GDP
- The sector employs approximately 2.5 million people, which makes up 12% of the economically active population.
Digital transformation statistics from World Economic Forum
- In 2030, 90% of jobs will require digital skills, 50% of jobs will be changed by automation, and 5% of jobs will be eliminated by automation.
Digital transformation of charities in Canada statistics from CanadaHelps
- The need is urgent: 1 in 3 charities believe that they will soon find it harder to do what they do if they don’t improve their digital capabilities.
- Smaller charities lag in digital adoption: 73% of charities with annual revenue of $500,000 to $1,000,000 have integrated or plan to integrate digital technology into everyday activities, while the same is true for only 42% of charities with annual revenue of less than $100,000.
- Funding is a major obstacle: 54% of charities do not have enough funding to make greater use of software and digital tools
Additional Quotes
Support from Nonprofit Leaders
“I would like to see more Canadian non-profits use technology to increase their impact. As we discovered in founding Black Mentorship In Technology during the pandemic, we were able to use technology to amplify our reach and introduce Black students in different provinces to careers in technology. I believe non-profits that can adapt to the changing needs of the communities they serve, by utilizing technology, will be the most successful in their mission.” – Tobi Ogunbiyi, Co-founder, Black Mentorship In Technology (BlackMINT)
“The past two years have proven that we can no longer wait to build digital resiliency in the nonprofit world. Many organizations found themselves needing to pivot quickly when the pandemic shut down in-person outreach, events and gatherings, but their clients still required assistance on a daily basis. Despite that identified need, technological capacity building in the nonprofit world often gets neglected in favor of programming and supporting clients more directly.
BYTE – Empowering Youth Society is a ‘by youth, for youth’ organization, supporting youth across the Yukon and Canada’s North. For youth today, digital leadership skills are a key component of connecting with peers, allies, education and future employers. In order to support youth in their transition into adulthood, we as a nonprofit must lead the way and build capacity to thrive in a digital environment.
If nonprofits wish to remain at the forefront of supporting their clients, we must create the change necessary to ensure our organizations receive the funding and support required to step into and remain ahead in the digital world.” – Josi Leideritz, Executive Director of BYTE
“We are very excited about the launch of the Centre. We know first-hand from our work with tens of thousands of charities across the country that the health and future of the sector, and in turn the causes and people they serve, requires urgent digital transformation. The Centre also offers a much-needed sector-wide approach that will rest on collaboration and streamlining to support all of us in many important ways and to create the ecosystem of learning and sharing” – Marina Glogovac, President and CEO of CanadaHelps
“Digital literacy for nonprofit leaders has been a passion of mine since 2016 when it became obvious that the sector was falling behind on everything from online experiences to digital security to adoption of tools to streamline day-to-day activities. It’s 2022. The time for digital transformation is not only here, but has been here, waiting for us for years! The Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience will help shift the belief that ‘digital’ lives with marketing or IT, to understanding that it must be a conversation at the executive table as a fundamental part of big picture strategy and decision making. It’s not too late to start moving forward – get involved today.” – Claire Levy, Director, Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Relations at Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP)
“Many organizations have worked hard to improve their digital presence for greater impact. Yet most do not have the capacity, in isolation, to fully advance their digital capacity and the skills of their leaders, volunteers and staff. Major sector-wide digital growth is urgent for the community sector as it plays its essential role in the social and economic progress of the country. The ability to conduct business online, to connect with colleagues, to influence policy makers and funders is urgent. Working together will make this a stronger, more integrated process as we seek to achieve true digital transformation. CSC NL will actively support this ambitious undertaking and is delighted to be a founding member of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience.” – Penelope Rowe, CEO of Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Centraide of Greater Montreal is thrilled to support the launch of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience. This builds on the momentum of the recent announcement by Quebec’s Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity of $5.4 million over 3 years to Centraide of Greater Montreal’s DATAide project, which will invest in the digital resilience of 3000 Quebec community agencies. By collaborating with the Centre, Centraide seeks to share our learnings and draw on the expertise of a pan-Canadian and global network. Quebec’s announcement is one of the first significant investments by a provincial or territorial government in nonprofit digital transformation. By working together, we will ensure it’s not the last.” – Claude Pinard, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal
“I am proud to be joining the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience as an advisor, on behalf of the Common Approach to Impact Measurement. The Centre’s work aligns so much with our own, of advancing digital infrastructure for better and more useful impact measurement that centers the needs of charities, non-profits, social enterprises, and the communities they serve. In a dynamic and increasingly digitized world, the need for nonprofit digital resilience is more urgent than ever, and it will take an ecosystem approach to meet that need. Only together will we build the tech and data equity needed to realize our cross-sectoral goals.” – Alicia Richins, Partnerships & Standards Lead, Common Approach to Impact Measurement
“In our journey to achieve digital equity as First Nations people we are often met with persistent structural barriers and technological challenges. Our communities and organizations are the least connected to reliable internet in the country. This means that the use of digital and connected technologies is too often inaccessible, an issue that must be addressed in our pursuit of reconciliation in Canada and in the upholding of First Nations rights. Through our work building the first Indigenous Digital Equity Strategy it has become abundantly clear that impactful systems change relies heavily on our ability to work together, collaborate meaningfully and maximize our resources to the utmost. The launch of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Reliance is a welcome presence in our ecosystem and we appreciate the spirit of collaboration being brought forward to our organizations.” – Denise Williams, CEO of First Nations Technology Council
“As an organization that over the last couple of years has become a fully remote workplace and successfully transitioned all of our programming for children to virtual platforms, we recognize the importance of embracing technology and using digital to do good. I am very excited about the launch of the CCNDR because the social good sector often struggles in this area, but not for one reason alone, there are many factors. The multi-pronged approach of this initiative to address education, resources, policy, funding, collaboration and procurement is what is needed to create movement-wide change.” – Rikesh Lakhani, Executive Director of Future Possibilities for Kids
“The pandemic boldly illustrated the already urgent need for Canada’s non-profit sector to become more digitally literate and enabled. At a time when less than 40% of Canadian non-profits have integrated the use of technology and data in their operations, future-looking organizations are seeking to extend their impact through the skillful use of technology to improve reach and accessibility to their constituent stakeholders and provide them with higher quality services. The CCNDR provides an essential cross-sectoral place for non-profits across the country to collaborate on bringing data and technology together to modernize the sector, while allowing each organization to focus on delivering on their respective missions and serving their constituents, funders, and society. I am excited to be participating as an advisor for this new national Centre and its mission to galvanize resources, convene experts, modernize policy and catalyze new ideas to advance digital resilience across the non-profit sector in Canada.” – Charles Finley, Chief Experience Officer of Futurpreneur Canada
“We have seen firsthand the colossal role technology plays in enabling us as an organization to achieve our vision of unleashing the economic, social, and civic potential of newcomers. The skillful use of technology multiplies impact, and yet less than 40% of Canadian nonprofits have integrated the use of computer technology, software, digital tools, and software empowered processes. The Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience’s innovative and forward-thinking framework is a much-awaited and welcome addition to any nonprofit’s network of support as we continue to swiftly advance in our use of technology to provide higher quality client-centered services, improve reach and accessibility, and make data-informed decisions.” – Hyder Hassan, CEO of Immigrant Services Calgary
“Too often in our sector we take a transactional approach that supports one organization or one project at a time. We need to shift toward a system-level view of what’s needed to develop capacity and strengthen the sector overall for greater impact. Digital literacy and equity are critical and we’re excited about the potential for the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience to enhance skills in community impact organizations across the country.” – Annika Voltan, Executive Director of Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia
“The COVID pandemic accelerated the digital transition of civil society. Now, more than ever before, digital technologies are an integral part of philanthropic efforts and civic engagement across different geographies and cultures. However, digital technologies have also created new forms of marginalization, colonization and oppression. Therefore, activists and leaders of civil society must be actively engaged in the development, implementation and construction of digital tools in order to ensure that these technologies serve the positive growth of communities, individuals and the environment.
The consolidation of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience signifies a step further to create a conversation among different stakeholders in complex transdisciplinary topics that cross the boundaries of industries and disciplines such as data standards and infrastructures, digital literacy and skills, and artificial intelligence. For the Indigenous Friends Association, as an Indigenous-led tech not-for-profit, it is fundamental to be part of this collective effort because it provides a vehicle for Indigenous peoples to be an active part of the conversation and be able to offer some ethical principles to be considered in the implementation of digital technologies.” – Alejandro Mayoral Baños, PhD, Executive Director and Founder, Indigenous Friends Association
“Conversations about access have always been something I am interested in – who has it, who doesn’t and who holds the door, or the keys to room(s) inside. This is work we explore at Inspiring Communities as a nonprofit seeking to lead systems change efforts in Atlantic Canada. We may be experiencing a sector-wide (and) pandemic-related ‘digital revolution’ in which we can no longer deny the benefits and crucial need for transformation in how we fund and use digital tools in nonprofits to administer and deliver programs and services. While we will see a return to in-person supports, we are in a new normal and there are aspects of our work that will not be returning to ‘business as usual.’
The Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience elevates the conversation and brings a much-needed national strategy and framework to navigate the breadth and depth of issue-focus and issue-exploration surrounding digital capacity and infrastructure among providers in the nonprofit sector. Bringing together partners across funding, non-profits and community advocacy is a welcome shift to hopefully generate some much needed action. I am pleased to be part of the sea change.” – Louise Adongo, Executive Director of Inspiring Communities
“As an innovation and data driven organization with a razor-sharp focus on youth, we are pioneers in virtual care and e-mental health solutions and deeply committed to the Canadian Centre for Non-profit Digital Resilience. Kids Help Phone is dedicated to creating social change through unprecedented access to support for all young people in every corner of Canada while setting a new global standard for best practice in e-mental healthcare. We are guided by a deep commitment to the potential of innovation and technology to change and save lives because our mission is simple: no young person in Canada will ever be alone in their time of need.” – Katherine Hay, President & CEO of Kids Help Phone
“Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, but those whose priority is to engage in human-to-human frontline services can easily fall behind in terms of digital literacy. By coming together as a sector, we can identify the knowledge gaps and build out just-in-time trainings and support networks to ensure the social purpose sector does not fall behind.”– Stacey Dakin, Managing Director of Mentor Canada
“The Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR) is needed now more than ever, specifically in supporting our sector and our organization serving immigrants and refugees. There are many immigrants and refugees arriving to Canada with little to no support and having no access to digital technology – this is particularly a result of the pandemic. This has put the clients in our sector further behind in terms of accessing the job market. In addition, approximately half of the jobs our employer partners are now sharing are specifically state remote work. While these are good jobs, they are made inaccessible to new immigrants and low-income clients who lack access to digital technology. Skills for Change welcomes the CCNDR and we hope to support the organization with insights into how we can provide more equitable access to digital technology, to better integrate new immigrants and refugees into the Canadian economy.” – Surranna Sandy, Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Change
“On behalf of our 211 system in Ontario, we applaud and support the creation of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience. Nonprofits have shown throughout the response to COVID and other community crises that they are willing and able to work together to meet urgent needs. The same collaborative approach is needed in the sector to drive digital innovation, efficiency and evidence-based decision making. We can not and should not build this capacity in silos, but rather build a set of shared tools, infrastructure, data and capabilities that will allow the sector to better meet the needs of those we collectively serve.
COVID has highlighted deep disparities in our communities, including in digital access and literacy. If our sector is to meet the needs of all people, we need to be aware of the digital divide that exists and find ways to fill those gaps. The Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience will help our sector increase its knowledge and tools so that we can in turn help those who face access barriers.
211 Ontario and the 211 system nationally are focused on how our 211 data can be shared with nonprofits and decision-makers to inform planning and program investments. We also recognize the importance of leveraging shared infrastructure, data and tools in a system that is chronically underfunded – and likely to be even more strained with post-COVID austerity looming. We are excited to be a part of this work at a systems level to improve the service journey for Ontarians.” – Karen Milligan, Executive Director of Ontario 211 Services
“Nonprofit organizations need robust data infrastructure systems to adapt to changing circumstances, whether decreased resources, emerging needs, updated guidance, or new crises. Ontario Nonprofit Network’s Data, Evidence-use, and Learning Strategy (DEAL) is working with Ontario nonprofits to build an inclusive and effective data strategy for the sector. We are pleased to support the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience and its focus on data accountability and transparency. This is great news to strengthen the data ecosystem to best support nonprofits and communities.” – Cathy Taylor, Executive Director of Ontario Nonprofit Network
“United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) and its network of 70 United Ways and Centraides support over 5,000 communities and thousands of community organizations across the country. As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that digital transformation and capacity building is critical to supporting a modernized and resilient community services sector. A sector-based approach to digital transformation will strengthen the ability of charities and non-profits to serve the growing and complex needs of individuals, families, and communities. UWCC supports the work of the Centre and we are looking forward to continuing to identify and implement solutions together.” – Dan Clement, President and CEO of United Way Centraide Canada.
“Whether we love it or not, digital technology powerfully shapes our lives. How that happens – who benefits – is up to us. We need more institutions working in service of a digital age that supports sustainable systems and beautiful lives for everyone, not just a few. That’s why I care about nonprofit involvement in using and shaping digital tools and policy approaches to them. I am glad to see the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience working towards this goal in a way that is thoughtful, action-oriented and inclusive from the start. The work done by the CCNDR team will help groups like Volunteer Alberta and the Digital Law & Innovation Society engage in much-needed national work on technology use and policy that favours civic engagement and the rule of law. That’s why I am an Advisor and champion of the CCNDR’s work. Onwards and upwards!” – Hero Laird, Board President at Volunteer Alberta
“The launch of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience is very welcome news. West Neighbourhood House is one of many Canadian non-profits who are using digital tools for the public good. We deliver online programming and services, support low-income people’s access to computers and the internet, as well as using tech for communications and accountability processes. Given the rapid evolution of technology, we appreciate the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience to monitor and assess the potential impacts of new digital tools, help continued capacity-building in our sector, and liaise across sectors and geographies to ensure non-profits are maximizing the use of technology for public benefit. We thank the leadership of the cofounders for this initiative and are excited to be part of the work going forward.” – Maureen Fair, Executive Director of West Neighbourhood House and Emily Paradis, Board President
“As one of the largest social service providers in Toronto, WoodGreen is both inspired by and excited to support the mandate of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience. Non-profit organizations play a valuable role in bettering our communities through our diverse and impactful services and programs, yet we struggle to acquire and leverage the modern technologies, data tools and skilled human resources that would allow us to take these offerings to the next level, improving both client outcomes and making our sector even more effective. We know that many of the barriers we face are consistent and shared across organizations; additionally, we know that client outcomes are magnified when organizations across the sector are elevated in tandem. A sector-level approach to eliminating these challenges is therefore paramount to success, not just for us, but for the clients and communities we work with.” – Jaclyn Leigh Hicklin, Director, PMO at WoodGreen
Support from Nonprofit Tech Professionals
“I’m so excited for the launch of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience. With more than 86,000 nonprofits across Canada facing increasing demand and decreasing funding, the need for meaningful change is more urgent than ever. By bringing organizations together to create an ecosystem that can leverage our scale (8.5% GDP!) we can finally start to drive meaningful change and prioritize tech equity in the nonprofit sector. I work to decrease the technical barriers social services face, and have seen firsthand how the right technology can multiply impact and multiply mission advancement. I’m honoured to play a role in supporting the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience!” – Helen Knight, nonprofit technology consultant
“The world has gone digital and we live in a digital-first era. This presents the greatest threats and opportunities for the nonprofit sector. Failure to adapt could spell the end of institutions but equally obvious are the opportunities for organizations to reach large audiences at scale with flexible digital infrastructure. A digital transformation impacts organizations in a variety of ways, encouraging collaboration and making information more accessible. Technology is moving from a convenience to a necessity and we are proud to build artificial intelligence that works for large and small nonprofits.” – Mark Hobbs, CEO of Fundmetric, a data capture infrastructure platform for nonprofits
“For at least a decade affordable, low-code technologies have been transforming service delivery, operations and every possible related workflow – in all sectors. In this time, while charity staff and leaders were attending to our communities’ most pressing needs and complex problems, a digital operations revolution took place around them. Before the start of the pandemic, resources were scarce for organizations wanting to deliver their mission with the help of digital technologies. Now is the time to make sure those newly flowing resources are well-leveraged and directed to the organization most at risk of being left behind.” – Aine McGlynn, nonprofit technology consultant
“Giving non-profits the support to build capacity, access expertise, and champion digital investment is so critical to enhance the sector’s impact in communities across Canada. We’re excited to be part of this new centre’s work and look forward to sharing Blueprint’s experiences helping non-profits improve service delivery and data management for which digital capacity is vital.”- Karen Myers, CEO & Founder of Blueprint, an evidence generation non-profit
“Strong digital infrastructure and ecosystems are critical for Canadian nonprofits. In order for Canadian nonprofits to not only meet their missions, but also the emerging challenges of the future, ambitious sectoral approaches are necessary to ensure that the rising tide of technology lifts everyone together” – Jason Shim, nonprofit technologist and co-author, Bitcoin and the Future of Fundraising
