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Lead story

Nonprofits’ tech dreams and challenges

Editor's note:

Nonprofits face a Catch-22 when it comes to adapting to new technology, according to a survey conducted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Although 64% of the nonprofit leaders we surveyed say improved technology use is among their organization's top three priorities, nonprofits often struggle to get the money for tech basics, let alone more advanced tools. Adding to that, many grantmakers don’t fund technology – and the ones that do often focus on cutting-edge projects. That can lead to pressure to adopt new tech, such as AI, out of desperation.

“The stakes are high,” reports Sara Herschander. “In more than a dozen interviews with the Chronicle, digital experts and nonprofit leaders issued the same stark warning: The gap between digitally savvy nonprofits and those struggling to adapt threatens to reshape which organizations survive and which communities are served.”

News and trends 

Points of Light, founded by former President Bush, aims to double American volunteerism by 2035

The organization hopes to inspire 75 million more Americans to donate their time over 10 years.
By Thalia Beaty/The Associated Press

Lambda Legal, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ rights, exceeded fundraising goal by $105M

The group plans to spend $80 million over the next five years to hire more attorneys and improve pro bono representation.
By Thalia Beaty/The Associated Press

Commentary and analysis

Our funding was frozen by the Trump administration. Here’s how we’re fighting back.

Climate United learned staying silent amid baseless lies and attacks only makes matters worse.
By Beth Bafford, Climate United, for the Chronicle of Philanthropy

AmeriCorps is on the chopping block – despite research showing that the national service agency is making a difference in local communities

The independent federal agency had been facilitating the work of approximately 200,000 volunteers a year, deploying them across the country through partnerships with thousands of nonprofits.
By Pamela Paxton, The University of Texas at Austin, for The Conversation U.S.

Other nonprofit news of note

• Billionaires’ kids are stepping up to guide trillions in giving (Bloomberg)
• In challenge to Trump, Smithsonian says It controls personnel decisions
  (New York Times)
• Celebrating difference: Des Moines nonprofit CultureALL commemorates 20 years with birthday bash (Des Moines Register)
• Head of San Francisco nonprofit goes on hunger strike to protest Mayor Lurie’s budget cuts (San Francisco Chronicle)

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• Giving Today is published by Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
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