Benefits of mobile technology for NPOs

The developments in mobile technology are constantly evolving with the rapid inclusion of mobile devices into different user groups and their everchanging requirements. Mobile technology today has far surpassed the capabilities of just calling and texting contacts. Every new mobile device now has technologies like tracking, mapping, analytics, and cloud services which have all opened up innumerable advantages for nonprofits(NPOs).

There are 2.71 billion smartphone users, with every third person in the world owning a smartphone. The time is ripe with opportunity for NPOs to experiment with various mobile technologies for better engagement and service delivery. Mobile technologies aid in different stages of NPO services workflow, which from each stage can trickle into better efficiency and improved resource management.

NPO activities that can be made easier with mobile technology

Phone calling and Text messaging are fundamental features of any mobile device. With this, even a basic mobile handset can help NPOs have personalized engagement with stakeholders like donors, beneficiaries, supporters, staff etc.

Mobile phones now play an important role in the marketing of any organization. With the help of social media apps and their wide presence, NPOs can consider implementing marketing campaigns that could take them to a wider range of audiences. Most social media apps today also provide a ‘donate’ button that can be put in by NPOs, to simplify their efforts in asking for donations online. 

Mobile phones can assist NPOs that operate in disaster management and relief space, in sending alerts, managing volunteers etc during an emergency.

Apps on smartphones could help in collecting survey data to track NPO performance and measure its impact. 

Benefits of mobile technology

• Reduce Paperwork: Utilization of mobile technology can help reduce paperwork and cut short manual processes. This results in increasing the speed and efficiency of operations.

• Data collection: The collection of data is an important activity for many nonprofits. Doing it manually can prove itself time consuming and complex. Mobile phones can be used to record data and store it online with the help of data collection tools. With such a mode of data collection and storage, NPOs can do away with paper stacking and save costs and space.

• Real-time updates: Most NPOs strive to keep its stakeholders in the loop with regards to its activities. Mobile technology has the capability to implement functionalities to send out notifications on real-time updates through communication tools or apps.

• Simplify service accessibility: Apps and browsers can allow stakeholders to access NPO information/services from any geographic location. 

• Data Security: Usage of mobile technology provides nonprofits with more options to secure their data. Mobile devices allow nonprofits to implement data backup and recovery solutions that help in preventing data loss.