Unmasking Our Master Plan: Tackling Nonprofit Tech Decline Head On

Greetings to all you change-makers and #techforgood enthusiasts!

You may be wondering why we are talking about eggs, zodiacs, rulers, and calendars. Honestly, we just wanted to intrigue you using randomness to get you to learn about some exciting news we have to share (and illustrate the power of the number 12). We've been cooking up something incredible behind the scenes, and it's high time we pull back the curtain. So buckle up because this is going to be one transformational ride.

As you may know, The Human Stack is all about empowering nonprofits with top-notch technology insights, tools, and our Digital Driver's Ed for Small Teams course, uniquely tailored to their needs. A human-centered approach to technology can be a game-changer for nonprofits looking to elevate their impact and streamline their tech operations.

But the world of nonprofit tech isn't all sunshine and rainbows. And if we're honest (which, let's face it, we always are – being authentic is our thing), it's been getting a little worse over time. Ouch. We know it stings. But we're not here to sweep these issues under the rug. We're here to reverse this trend and invite you to be part of this transformative journey.

We've got some numbers to crunch, and they're more baffling than a Rubik's cube. Brace yourselves - here it comes: 90% of organizations are on the data collection train, yet only 5% use this data to guide their decisions. Now, isn't that a twist?

It's like investing in a gourmet kitchen full of state-of-the-art appliances but only using the toaster. We're barely scraping the surface with all these tools, all this potential. So what's going wrong? Why are we gathering mountains of data but barely making a molehill's use out of it?

Here's the thing: in the nonprofit sector, a widely accepted idea has been making rounds. The message is clear: organizations will be more successful in their fundraising efforts and better at delivering their services if they have newer, shinier, faster, and mightier tech in their arsenal.

And sure, we're not denying that. Upgrading the tech stack can definitely be a positive move. It's a bit like going from a sturdy old bike to a sleek, shiny new one – it's more efficient, faster, and, well, just a lot cooler.

But here's the kicker: what good is a high-tech bike if you don't know how to ride it or if it's so high-tech that you feel uncomfortable even getting on it?

What good is having an intricate dashboard of data and cutting-edge tools if the human hands that are meant to be wielding this tech power feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, and under-confident?

That's where we're dropping the ball. We're so focused on the tech upgrade race that we must remember the humans running the race who need to feel comfortable and confident in managing these systems to harness their value truly.

We're not just investing in tech stacks. We're investing in the human stack. And it's time we take a step back, rethink our strategy, and start investing in the humans who are at the heart of this digital transformation. We must ensure that our human stack – the people behind the tech – are comfortable and confident in navigating these tools.

Our new campaign, 1,200 in Twelve, aims to do just that. We're rallying foundations, associations, and organizations to help us spearhead a digital revolution in the nonprofit sector. The goal? To overturn the pattern of tech decline and ignite innovation. We're on a mission to onboard 1,200 small nonprofits onto this transformative journey in the next 12 months.

You might be thinking, "Great, but how can I be a part of this?" We're so glad you asked!

1. Partner: Are you a financial funder? Your backing can play a crucial role in driving this movement. With your support, we're confident we can reshape the industry.
2. Participate: We're looking for associations willing to host a cohort of our program for their member organizations. Also, we invite individual small nonprofits eager to unlock their tech potential to join our initiative.
3. Promote: We're on the hunt for advocates ready to amplify the impact of this campaign. Join us in creating a wave of support and be the change you wish to see in the sector.

The Human Stack promise? Our course and community will deliver results in six months using existing teams and systems. That's right; organizations already have what they need to accomplish significant change. We take a low-touch, high-quality approach, allowing small teams to make meaningful progress over time.

This isn't about implementing new tools or systems – we know the tech is good. This is about bringing about a digital revolution at a human level, about fostering a culture of digital growth within nonprofits. This is about improving nonprofit technology management, one organization at a time. 

Because, at the end of the day, digital transformation is not just for the big players – it's for every nonprofit out there.

And this is where you come in.

Join us on this mission to reverse tech entropy and spark a digital revolution in the nonprofit sector.

Let's challenge the status quo together and reshape the future of nonprofits. Are you in?

Ultimately, reversing tech decline isn't just about better tech but better humans. So let's roll up our sleeves, harness the power of technology, and make a positive, lasting impact on the world.

After all, we're The Human Stack – and humans are what we do best.