Web Conferencing Enables Nonprofits to Meet Challenges

  

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While nonprofits were once considered somewhat of an afterthought in the global market, this sector now represents significant growth and is home to organizations that range from hospitals and human service organizations to advocacy groups and chambers of commerce.

Even as this sector accounts for 5.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 8.3 percent of wages and salaries paid in the United States according to the Urban Institute, those operating in this sector still face common challenges when it comes to growing the membership base, satisfying stakeholders and maintaining the core mission all on a tight budget.

Technology Delivers Benefits

The good news is that nonprofits have access to technology today that was financially out of their reach not long ago. Most nonprofits today are networked, have Internet access and e-mail addresses. The focus now has to shift from basic technology options to those that can actually improve efficiency as the organization drives awareness and membership as well as educates and trains constituents.

In order for these tools to make the desired impact in the nonprofit, they must be easy to use, affordable and be able to support high volume. Many of these organizations function across large geographical boundaries and communication can be a challenge if the right tools are not in place. Even more important is communication with donors and other stakeholders, which must be made a priority where possible.

Continuity Matters

With tighter budgets, nonprofits also have to be able to easily and cost effectively replace staff members or volunteers when they leave the organization or a program. If staff or volunteers cannot be easily brought up to speed, programs may be reduced to inefficient or ineffective operation, which can hurt creditability in the community and donations and other support in the long run.

To prevent problems internally and drive effective communications both inside and outside of the organization, nonprofits need a solution that can overcome the challenges of training, communicating, building community and membership while controlling costs. One proven solution is that of Web conferencing.

Advanced Communication Tools Now in Reach

This advanced technology tool was easily out of reach of the nonprofit in the not too distant past due to the substantial cost. As the technology has evolved, its cost has come well within an affordable range for this sector. Now, such organizations can use it to build community and disseminate information.

Now that Web conferencing is within the financial range of the nonprofit, the organization can enjoy such functionality as document sharing, call recording, chat transcripts, support of multiple presenters and platform support. In addition, participants can gain the value of face-to-face communication when travel is not an option.

Challenges will always exist for the nonprofit, but with access to new technology, these challenges are more easily overcome so the focus can be on the core mission.