How Accessible is Software for NGOs?
The EOS Tech Trust assembled a group of software and civil society experts to answer two simple questions: Do NGOs want to leverage software (web and mobile apps) to advance their work? and is doing so accessible? From June, 2021 to May, 2022 we held in-depth conversations with over 100 NGOs around the world, with a particular emphasis on smaller, grassroots organizations.
While every NGO we spoke with wants to use software, many are unsure of where to start or find implementation support options lacking. This leaves them feeling vulnerable to mistakes and predatory practices by technology providers.
Our key findings:
NGOs often feel that they are flying blind into the following technology decision points:
- How to map real-world challenges to viable software solutions
- How to decide when to use existing tools or build custom solutions
- When to hire in-house vs. using vendors, and how to vet the technical abilities of either
- How to manage software projects and oversee quality control of tech staff or vendors
- How to ensure adherence to best practices in security, IP and data ownership & access
Many NGO leaders felt that their organizations are vulnerable to being taken advantage of by or becoming overly reliant on software providers with a profit motive.
NGO software projects often go off track because of common, and avoidable problems, including:
- Failure to make a detailed development road map that factors in real-world constraints
- Tech implementors have trouble explaining the process and where roadblocks can occur
- Communication breakdowns lead to misaligned expectations and poor outcomes
- Resulting tools are too complicated because lack of process leads to overbuilding features
- NGOs invest significant financial and human capital only to lose access over the long-term
How Tech Partners can Make Software More Accessible for NGOs
- Combine tech and NGO expertise to understand each NGO’s real-world needs and map them to simple software solutions
- Communicate: explain the software process, involve NGOs in design, and translate technical concepts and expectations into accessible terms
- Always give NGOs the option to locally own software or have free access forever, so they aren’t beholden to recurring fees
- Ensure long-term sustainability by offering free or low-priced maintenance and support
“We founded the EOS Tech Trust based on these four principles, and endeavor to be a new type of technology partner, exclusively designed to support NGOs and be an advocate for their best interests.”
