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Not-for-profits share ICT know-how and resources
Pictureed: Representatives of the consortium, with Minister for Government Enterprises Ljiljanna Ravlich, at the presentation of the Lotterywest cheque.
Imagine the Western Australian not-for-profit sector working collaboratively to develop and access information communication technology…
This vision has come one step closer to reality with a $175,000 Lotterywest grant to explore the development of a state-wide framework that would support the shared development and management of information communication technology (ICT) by the not-for-profit sector in WA.
Identifying the need
In looking at the numerous not-for-profit (NFP) organisations’ ICT grant applications to Lotterywest, it became clear there was potential for the sector to explore a shared solution. Lotterywest invited expressions of interest from eligible organisations to lead an ICT capacity-building initiative for the NFP sector.
Starting the ball rolling
Sixteen NFP agencies were keen to participate in this initiative and agreed to form a consortium to put in an expression of interest. Lead agencies, the WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS), Community Sector Services (CSS), Infoxchange and the WA Telecentre Support Branch developed a joint proposal. With guidance from Lotterywest, the proposal was refined into a successful grant application.
“WACOSS was keenly following research and developments in ICT strategies, especially those being tried overseas for instance in the United Kingdom and Canada” said Lisa Baker, WACOSS Executive Director. “We were influenced by an encouraging UK model, ICTHub, where a consortium of not-for-profits were implementing ICT strategies to improve service effectiveness and deliver efficiencies across community based organisations.”
Infoxchange had also started developing programs and services specifically designed to meet the needs of NFP organisations. “This project is the perfect opportunity to collaboratively undertake comprehensive data collection and research as a base line for looking at what models will be most effective in WA,” said Sumit Dutta, Infoxchange State manager.
Working together
This project brings together organisations from across the entire sector - organisations with very different visions and client groups – but all sharing a common set of values formed around passion, commitment, equality, fairness and justice for all. “It is important that the sector has the opportunity to drive this project and use the expertise of ICT specialists to help us develop our ideas, “added Lisa Baker.
What this initiative means for our community
ICT is used across the NFP sector for research, advocacy, sharing information, collecting data, reporting, acquitting and applying for funds. It also used to communicate with stakeholders, market services and raise funds.
ICT has the potential to build organisation and sector capacity, resulting in improved services for clients and the wider community. The community can also be more confident that funding and resources to the sector will be used as efficiently and effectively as possible.