Last week, the 2024 Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) by NTEN was held in Portland, OR. This year’s NTC offered a glimpse into the trends, tools, and tactics of the nonprofit sector as technology keeps evolving. From harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prioritizing data-driven decision-making and fostering inclusion, the conference offered a wealth of insights for organizations aiming to leverage technology for social good.

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Prompt.io at NTC

Our team had a blast in Portland! We loved having a chance to speak with new colleagues about the past, present, and future of nonprofit technology. We personally saw a lot of professionals seeking new, more personal fundraising channels and more creative ways to engage donors beyond the run-of-the-mill Text2Give campaign. 

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[Learn More: Prompt.io For Good - Texting Platform Built for Change]

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The Most Discussed Topics at NTC:

1. AI is Transforming How Nonprofits Work

From creating content and personalizing communications to analyzing data and fundraising, AI is poised to revolutionize the nonprofit landscape. Sessions explored using AI for social media marketing, email automation, storytelling, and even building chatbots. Recognizing the potential pitfalls, the conference also emphasized responsible AI use, with sessions dedicating time to discuss ethics, bias, and mitigating risks associated with this powerful technology.

2. Data-Driven Decisions for Greater Impact

“Data is King” rang true throughout the conference sessions. Data is the foundation of informed decision-making for nonprofits. The NTC offered a plethora of sessions on data visualization, creating actionable dashboards, and leveraging data analytics across various functions.  Whether it's optimizing marketing campaigns, identifying donor trends, or measuring program effectiveness, data empowers nonprofits to maximize their impact and resources.

3. Leveraging Tech While Keeping It Human

Many workshops focused on leveraging technology to streamline workflows. However, the conference also stressed the importance of the human element such as building trust with donors, ethical fundraising practices, and navigating change with empathy stresses.

4. Leadership Essentials

The conference went beyond the immediate trends, addressing broader leadership issues for nonprofits. Sessions explored navigating change with purpose, fostering a culture of intergenerational communication, and implementing data privacy best practices with practical takeaways for leaders of all levels.

5. Cultivating Accountability Culture

NTC had several sessions on fostering positive cultures, addressing biases, and community-building in and out of professional spaces. Sessions focused on small but consistent changes that people can make to create an impact on a work environment.

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Looking Ahead in the Future of Nonprofits

The 2024 NTC painted a picture of a nonprofit sector rapidly embracing technology as a powerful tool for social good. AI, data, and inclusion are at the forefront, with a focus on using technology ethically, efficiently, and with a human touch. As the sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned and connections forged at the NTC will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of nonprofits.

‍Reach out to our team of textperts to learn more about nonprofit texting.

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