“It’s a bit like health and safety. If you don’t invest in it then it will hurt you more in the long run.”

Graeme Dingle Foundation Head of Operational Strategy and Relationships John Holley cuts straight to the chase when asked about the importance of technology for not-for-profits.

“Some people think it’s a choice between helping people or using technology. It’s not one or the other, it has to be both,” he continues.

"The right technology makes us robust and efficient and the solutions we receive through TechSoup New Zealand mean that instead of spending large amounts of money on technology, we can spend it on programs with a transformational impact on young New Zealanders,”

Speaking from his organisation’s head office in Auckland, Holley’s IT expertise shows through as he describes how donated and discounted technology through TechSoup New Zealand helps the Dingle Foundation change the lives of thousands of young disadvantaged Kiwis.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation accesses Microsoft, Adobe and Google products through TechSoup New Zealand, and uses them to great effect across the country.

“We use donated Microsoft licences across our 12 regions, which is a big win for us,” says John. “And we use Adobe products across all of our marketing and communications activities.

“Before TechSoup New Zealand we had one Adobe licence, which limited our capability, whereas now we have multiple licences so that all the staff who need it have access.

“For small organisations like ourselves this means we are not reliant on one person and can be more effective and efficient, which is only possible when we can have personalised content for all regions.

“We want to look professional, but not at a high cost, and we can do that because of TechSoup New Zealand.”

Of course donated and discounted technology doesn’t happen without donors, and Holley is quick to recognise the difference made by the large organisations such as Microsoft who provide millions of dollars’ worth of technology every year to the New Zealand not-for-profit sector.

“If large organisations like Microsoft, Adobe and Google weren’t donating or providing these solutions at a low price then things would be much more challenging for the not-for-profit sector,” says Holley.

“It’s already challenging to deliver our programs, so any technology solution we are able to access is a win. These large organisations deserve kudos for making this contribution.”

While the donated and discounted technology is indeed critical, the New Zealand not-for-profit sector needs to actually use it, he says.

“People often look at the cost and think they can’t justify it but they miss how effective and efficient technology makes them. The Graeme Dingle Foundation is able to do more work and focus more on the people we help precisely because of technology.

“Then there is the issue of the quality of communication with other stakeholders, such as government and funding bodies, who expect a certain level of quality from us. This consistent quality is also made possible through technology.”

TechSoup New Zealand’s Acting CEO Sandra Vallance says her organisation feels privileged to be able to support the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s work.

“Our mission is connecting not-for-profits with the right tools and capabilities they need to fulfil their missions, and this is exactly what John is describing at the Graeme Dingle Foundation,” says Vance.

“We are thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to support this work, which impacts the lives of thousands of young New Zealanders - and want to work with as many organisations as possible to achieve similar impacts through technology.

“I hope that those organisations will read this story and take John’s advice to invest in technology.

“TechSoup New Zealand is ready, willing and able to help them do it.”

Click here for ‘Essential Eight’ of Cyber Security, as recommended by John Holley

https://acsc.gov.au/publications/protect/essential-eight-explained.htm