Looking to start an argument? Make someone cry? Clear a room? Nonprofit technology brings up ALL the feels – and usually not in a good way. The implementation of new nonprofit technology often takes twice as long as expected, leaving staff feeling ‘voluntold’ to handle the tech with little training or support.

But what if it doesn’t have to be this way? What if we could shift the narrative and transform technology from a big bad wolf into a force for good within nonprofit organizations? It’s time for a digital culture that prioritizes human connection and emotions over blind innovation.

Recently the Yeeboo Digital team was fortunate enough to interview Tim Lockie, CEO of the Human Stack, a company that helps rethink the way we structure technology in our minds and then in our organizational practices. A long-time digital transformologist, Tim has focused on understanding technology adoption in the nonprofit space – and has a breadth of experience and knowledge on what has and has not worked.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of nonprofit tech adoption and shed light on the specific challenges that nonprofits encounter. We will explore the reasons behind these challenges and uncover practical solutions that can empower nonprofits to harness the transformative potential of technology. By understanding and addressing these obstacles head-on, nonprofits can unlock new opportunities to amplify their impact and achieve their missions more effectively in the digital age.

Technology has had a profound impact on nearly every aspect of our lives, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. 

As nonprofits strive to address complex social issues and make a positive difference in the world, embracing technological advancements has become essential for achieving their missions. From the early days of basic software solutions to the current era of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, nonprofit technology has come a long way, revolutionizing how organizations operate, communicate, and create social impact. 

According to a recent report by the Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (NTEN), 92% of nonprofit organizations consider technology to be important for their success. With sources such as the Stanford Social Innovation Review and the Chronicle of Philanthropy reporting on the growing significance of nonprofit tech, it is clear that this evolution is not just a trend but a necessity in the ever-changing landscape of the nonprofit sector. 

But what is standing in the way of nonprofits from adopting new technology to the best of their ability? Above and beyond budgetary constraints, what constraints are we seeing on effective adoption?

At the initial stage of nonprofit tech adoption, resistance is a common response from users within the organization. Change can be intimidating, and individuals may feel threatened or uncomfortable with the introduction of new technology. They may fear that their roles will be replaced or that they won’t be able to adapt to the changes it brings.

As users move into the reluctance stage, they begin to acknowledge the potential benefits that the technology can offer. However, they still harbor hesitations and doubts about its effectiveness or impact. It’s a stage where curiosity and skepticism coexist, and users may need reassurance and further evidence to fully embrace the new technology.

Change is an inevitable part of any organization’s growth, and the same holds true when it comes to adopting new technologies. However, this process of embracing innovation can often lead to frustration, resistance, and confusion within an organization. Let’s dive into the insights shared by Tim as we navigate the delicate balance between innovation and disruption.

Change saturation refers to the threshold at which individuals become overwhelmed by the amount of disruption and change they experience. When people reach their change saturation point, negative emotions can arise, leading to resistance and an aversion to embracing new technologies. Tim emphasizes the importance of considering and addressing change saturation right from the start of a technology project.

One of the major challenges organizations face when embarking on disruptive technology projects is the disconnect between executive expectations and the actual progress of the project. Technological progress often follows a curve-like trajectory, which can result in differing perceptions of speed. Executives may hope for rapid transformation, while those directly involved understand the need for a more gradual approach.

To bridge this expectation gap, Tim suggests transparent communication and setting realistic milestones. By clearly outlining the stages of technology adoption and the anticipated timeline, organizations can manage expectations effectively and ensure alignment between executives and staff regarding the project’s progress.

Instead of solely focusing on the technical aspects of a project, Tim advocates for prioritizing human engagement to reduce disruption and resistance. This involves creating change capacity by energizing the organization and allowing ample time for adjustment.

1.Organizations should invest in building energy and enthusiasm for the technology adoption process. Engaging staff and stakeholders through effective communication, training sessions, and workshops can generate buy-in and alleviate fears associated with change.

2. It is crucial to allocate sufficient time for individuals to adapt to new technologies. Rushing through the adoption process often leads to overwhelmed staff and diminished morale. By allowing adequate time for learning, experimentation, and gradual implementation, organizations can increase adoption rates and mitigate resistance.

The journey of technology adoption in the nonprofit sector can be challenging, but it also holds tremendous potential for optimizing operations and achieving greater impact. Tim Lockie’s insights on understanding change saturation and managing expectations shed light on essential considerations for successful technology adoption.

By recognizing the emotional and psychological aspects of change saturation, organizations can address resistance and foster a culture of openness and innovation. Prioritizing human engagement and investing in comprehensive training programs create an environment where individuals feel empowered to embrace new technologies.

In the past, the prevailing belief was that success in nonprofit tech adoption depended on convincing resistant and reluctant users to embrace new technologies. However, Tim challenges this notion, unveiling a fresh perspective that emphasizes the power of engaged users. These individuals, who are already deeply involved in the technology and its functionalities, become natural influencers within their organizations. Tim suggests that by nurturing engagement among this group, nonprofits can create the essential internal momentum needed for widespread technology adoption.

Engaged users act as catalysts, igniting a ripple effect that propels the entire organization towards positive change. Tim underscores the importance of directing resources and efforts towards harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of these influential individuals. By leveraging their expertise and passion, nonprofits can build a culture of innovation and collaboration that transcends any initial resistance.

Recognizing the significance of engaged users prompts a critical shift in perspective. These individuals truly understand the capabilities and impact of nonprofit tech, as they actively participate in its use. Their valuable insights and firsthand experience make them key allies in transforming organizational practices. Empowering these influencers allows nonprofits to leverage their knowledge and drive meaningful change.

Tim sheds light on the importance of comprehensive organizational systems and a thriving digital culture. He highlights the need for a centralized database and integrated systems to enhance performance. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of measuring digital culture as a distinct entity, as it directly influences an organization’s ability to embrace and optimize technology solutions.

Contrary to common belief, Tim reveals that even small nonprofits typically operate between 20 and 50 systems. This revelation sparks a fundamental mindset shift when it comes to managing multiple systems effectively. By acknowledging the complexity of the technological landscape, nonprofits can proactively streamline processes and eliminate potential obstacles.

One often overlooked area is the informal support provided by frontline staff after the completion of technology projects. Tim underscores that this hidden support can lead to brand damage if it becomes a widespread practice. Addressing this issue requires action from organization owners and project executives, who must actively foster an ecosystem that ensures formal support without overburdening frontline consultants.

By focusing on engaged users as influencers, organizations can unleash the momentum necessary for widespread adoption. Through embracing integrated systems, measuring digital culture, and addressing hidden support, nonprofits can navigate the complex technology landscape with confidence.