Tech tips and tools for UK charities and non-profits

Black and white photo of hand tools on a piece of wood
Photo by Hunter Haley on Unsplash

Post updated in 2018 to reflect new tools

WHY USE TOOLS?

We use a range of tool to increase the digital skills and digital literacy of ourselves and our clients.

“Digital literacy is the set of competencies required for full participation in a knowledge society. It includes knowledge, skills, and behaviors involving the effective use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs for purposes of communication, expression, collaboration and advocacy” What is digital literacy, The Audiopedia, 1 Apr 2017

Several events, websites and organisations have sessions about tech tips and tools which contribute to digital literacy – below are some of the ones we know best

EVENTS

‘Events’ section in our April 2016 blogpost How do you review your digital footprint?

FINDING THE RIGHT TECH – A TOOL

Alidade – an interactive guide, developed by The Engine Room, Pawa254 and the Network Society Lab in 2015-2016, that helps social change organisations ask the questions that can help them decide what kind of technology tool would fit with their project. a series of guided questions along each step of the process of choosing technology: from assessing your users’ technology habits, to deciding which technical partner can do what you want.

Alidade aims to help you focus on what your project needs to do to reach its goal. Each step includes tips, real-life examples, and useful resources to help you answer the questions.

At the end, Alidade produces a structured PDF document that you can use to get colleagues on board with your idea; explain your requirements to technical providers, or show funders that you’ve done your homework.

TIPS AND TOOLS

Free Digital Tools for Connected Managers – a simple guide to free online tools for organising events, arranging meetings, sharing outcomes, keeping up to date, problem-solving, project management & connecting, published by RnR Organisation in 2014.

READING

7 free and discounted marketing tools for charities, Kirsty Marrins, Just Giving blog, 19 June 2017

13 Free Digital Tools for Charities Media Trust, 7 Dec 2018 (Article reproduced with permission from NAVCA)

The digital tools that charities are using in 2018 by James Gadsby Peet, Charity Connect, 22 Jan 2018

All Resources
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