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Nonprofit Leaders 2min read

[INFOGRAPHIC] The 2017 Global NGO Online Technology Report

Nonprofit Tech for Good released its 2017 Global NGO Online Technology Report, which provides a glimpse into how non-governmental organizations utilize technology to further their missions. With cooperation from a number of global partners and sponsored by the Public Interest Registry, the report is:

a research project that seeks to gain a better understanding of how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide use online technology to engage their supporters and donors … and is based on survey results of 4,908 NGOs worldwide.

Covering topics like web and email communication, online and mobile fundraising tools, and social media, the report outlines benchmarks for organizations on six continents. Looking specifically at North American groups:

  • 97% have a website
  • 76% regularly send email updates
  • 86% accept online donations
  • 45% regularly publish a blog

With regard to social media, NGOs in North America have an average of:

  • 24,284 Facebook likes
  • 10,945 Twitter followers
  • 2,043 Instagram followers
2016 Online Technology Benchmarks (via Nonprofit Tech for Good)

2016 Online Technology Benchmarks (via Nonprofit Tech for Good)

Effectiveness of Online Technology

Another significant piece of the report is the section outlining the overall effectiveness of technology in fundraising. Not surprisingly, email and blogging were rated the most effective in the survey.

Global NGO Technology Effectiveness Ratings (via Nonprofit Tech for Good)

Click to enlarge Global NGO Technology Effectiveness Ratings (via Nonprofit Tech for Good)

What This Means for You

This data doesn’t mean that if you don’t have 24,000 Facebook likes you are somehow failing in your mission. These numbers are averages of organizations of all sizes.

What it does mean is that your nonprofit needs to utilize these and other platforms to reach your donors. It has become an expected means of communication. If you’re not regularly updating social media sites and sending out emails, you are being left behind by those who are.

Download the Report

View all the report infographics.

You can download the full report here.

About the Author

Matt is dedicated to making the world a better place. He works passionately to help charitable causes use mobile technology to raise the funds they need. In addition to his role at Givelify, he volunteers with the Southside Animal Shelter and Kentuckiana Pug Rescue.

Matt Chandler