At the outset of our journey into the complex landscape of digital transformation, ILSS made it a priority to deeply listen. We conducted a comprehensive study to understand the landscape of digital transformation in the social impact space, speaking to over 40 nonprofits and 15 industry and domain experts. Our research also included extensive secondary research such as articles, reports, research papers, lectures, and podcasts. The primary tool for the research was a survey covering a wide range of topics, from demographics to the current use of technology and capacity-building needs.
In The State of the Sector Report on Digital Transformation for Nonprofits in India, we learned that, despite their diverse goals, organisations face common technology challenges. While great strides have been made in some areas, we need cohesive effort to generate transformative impact in digital. Digital transformation requires a deep understanding of the digital along with a shift in mindset and collaboration among stakeholders. One of our most prominent findings was that 87.5% of organisations expressed a need for structured mentorship from industry experts, highlighting the demand for capacity-building programs.
Need for Technology Intervention over the Next 3 Years
As the graph suggests, participants identified “Programs” and “Dashboards and Reporting”, as the most crucial areas that need technology interventions over the next three years.
After multiple rounds of internal brainstorming and consultations with sector and domain experts, we designed The ILSS Digital Transformation for Social Impact Program, that aims to equip nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and practical skills to adopt and implement digital transformation effectively. We designed the curriculum with a two-pronged approach. We carefully curated topics that address common needs and thus can be delivered in the form of standardised sessions by respective specialists. At the same time, we understood that many organisations have specific issues that need customisation and customised support. To achieve that, we established a pool of mentors to provide personalised guidance and supervise the learning and adoption journey of participants.
The program is built around the five stages of Digital Transformation life-cycle
The program, thus, is predicated on the following themes that were by our research and expert consultations:
1. Empowering the Senior Leadership
Our research shows that successful digital transformation must be driven from the top. Designing a program for senior leadership of nonprofits required striking a fine balance between rigour and practicality. While digital is complicated, we believe it is more difficult to talk about it simply and without jargon. In this program, we empower participants to approach technology with confidence, free from fear.
2. Structured Learning Journey
The program begins with introducing participants to both digital transformation and the program itself. It highlights the importance of digital transformation in the social sector, focusing on improving both program outcomes and organisational efficiency. The curriculum moves from conceptual understanding (e.g., “What is digital transformation?”) to practical application (e.g., case studies and individual problem-solving).
3. Real-life Case Studies
Expert talks and real-world case studies from a diverse set of NGOs are integrated into the program, providing participants with insights into successful and not-so-successful digital transformation efforts.
This includes a peek into their journey beginning with identifying the gap and sharpening the problem statement. As highlighted in the study, questions like build vs. buy, selecting the right vendors, funding through grants and reallocated resources, change management, and capacity building are also included in the presentation. These case studies could serve as adaptable models for participants.
4. Mentorship and Hands-On Learning
Participants work on real-life challenges of their organisations, applying digital tools and strategies to solve these problems. Mentors guide and support them throughout this process. The participants are also provided with a compendium of tools, technologies, and service providers to assist in their digital transformation journey.
Also watch: Navigating Digital Transformation in the Social Sector – Insights and Strategies
5. Collaborative Learning and Ecosystem Building
The program emphasises collaborative learning, with open discussions, individual reflections, and group sharing. Participants reflect on their learning through online classrooms and weekly sessions, fostering peer knowledge exchange.
We are creating an ecosystem of nonprofits and tech experts who can learn from each other and then collaborate and co-create. The sector will flourish with more communities of practice.
Through this structured approach, the program equips nonprofit leaders to accelerate their impact, minimise duplication of efforts, build digital capability, lead their organisations through digital transformation, and be part of a growing community they can lean on.
Learn more about the program here.
