Over the last decade the discussion around nonprofit technology (#nptech) has primarily been social media, mobile technology, and online fundraising, however as the internet enters its next phase, nonprofits need to better understand some of the more complicated concepts that will shape the internet and its use in the decades to come.
Advancements in internet technology will change how we live, how we serve, how we fundraise, and how we interact with humans, the natural world, and machines.
1. Blockchain – #blockchainforgood
A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed and public digital ledger that is used to record transactions across many computers so that the record cannot be altered retroactively without the alteration of all subsequent blocks and the collusion of the network. – Wikipedia
NTEN: Restoring Trust in the Nonprofit Sector with Blockchain
Social Media Week: The Essential Guide to Blockchain for Brands
Bond: Top 11 Resources on Blockchain for Global Development
2. Cryptocurrency – #cryptoforgood
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. A cryptocurrency is difficult to counterfeit because of this security feature. A defining feature of a cryptocurrency, and arguably its most endearing allure, is its organic nature; it is not issued by any central authority, rendering it theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation. – Investopedia
As of 2/26/18: Number of Cryptocurrencies: 1,577 Total Market Cap: $450,941,873,379
Tech Impact: Bitcoin and Blockchain Provides Transparency for Donations
Beaconfire RED: Should Nonprofits Accept Bitcoin and Other Cyrptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrencies to Watch: Gift Coin, Mission Coin, NGO Coin, Wishcoin
3. Artificial Intelligence – #aiforgood
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. – Techopedia
SAS: Artificial Intelligence: What It Is and Why It Matters
Charity Digital News: Artificial Intelligence: The Future of the Charity Sector
Nonprofit Quarterly: Tech Giants Join with Nonprofits to Consider AI Practice
4. Encryption – #encryptionforgood
Data encryption translates data into another form, or code, so that only people with access to a secret key (decryption key) or password can read it. – Digital Guardian
Upwork: Encryption Basics: How It Works & Why You Need It
Nonprofit Risk Management Center: Data Privacy and Cyber Liability
Public Interest Registry: What to Do in the Aftermath of a Data Breach
5. Internet of Things – #iotforgood
The Internet of things (IoT) is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these objects to connect and exchange data. – Wikipedia
LinkedIn Group: The Internet of Things for Nonprofit Organizations
Internet Society: The Internet of Things: An Overview
Nonprofit Tech for Good: 5 Ways the Internet of Things Could Transform Fundraising
6. Cloud Computing – #cloudforgood
Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of software and hardware installed at your organization’s physical location. – PC Magazine
TechSoup Global: Global Survey Reveals Why NGOs Are Moving IT to the Cloud
Charity Digital News: [INFOGRAPHIC] Staying Safe in the Cloud
npEngage: Why is the Cloud Right for Your Nonprofit
Newly Released! The 2018 Global NGO Technology Report
Published in العَرَبِيَّة, English, français, português y español, the 2018 Global NGO Technology Report is based on the survey results of 5,352 NGOs from 164 countries.
