Automation can provide a boost for a lot of nonprofit organizations with its ability to mobilize volunteers, maximize fundraising and minimize busywork. But when looking to bring in automation, IT departments need to consider implications outside of their own team.

Beth Kanter, a digital transformation thought leader in the nonprofit sector, and Allison Fine, a nonprofit technology strategist, have been considering these issues in depth. Next month, they’ll release The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in an Automated World, a book that makes the case for how nonprofit leaders can “effectively use artificial intelligence without alienating the human stakeholders and donors on whom they rely.”

Fine argues that the decision-making around smart technologies that drive automation, such as machine learning, AI and chatbots, should require deeper discussion.

“What we're doing is turning over decision-making power and autonomy to the bots, and that's why it’s a leadership issue,” Fine says. “That’s why it’s not the same as, you know, what computer hardware we should be using. There’s so much involved in when, where and how you’re going to cede authority to the technology — and that can only really be done with the C-suite involved.”

Kanter and Fine’s research examined not only how automation is already being used by nonprofits — for traditional tasks such as fundraising and back-of-the-house work — but also the innovative ways that automated approaches are pushing the sector forward. Kanter cites food banks in particular, which saw an increased need for their services during the pandemic, creating opportunities for digital transformation.

The current economic environment has significantly changed the way organizations look at their talent pool internally or externally. More than ever, organizations have had to become more creative in their efforts to retain their employees. If they are hiring, the desired compensation likely has increased as well.

In this climate, organizations also are faced with a business decision on whether they should hire staff or outsource various functions of their organization. One of the most common areas that could be outsourced is the accounting function.

Here are four reasons to outsource your accounting function

BKD serves approximately 1,720 nonprofits across the country, ranging from small private foundations to large international organizations, giving us a solid understanding of the issues nonprofit organizations face. Working with an experienced, professional team of nonprofit advisors can help save you time and money while increasing your peace of mind. BKD can help with the following, and more:

Foster Success has exceeded its FriendsGiving goal, raising a total of $55,208 thanks to matching funds from partners. Proceeds will be used to support students entering college, including the purchase of computers and textbooks, and transportation and rent assistance.

The Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program, which is run by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has awarded EarthCharter Indiana a $225,000 grant to support its Indy Thriving School Challenge program. The funds, which will be distributed over a two-year period, will support the development of gardens at K-12 schools throughout Marion County.

The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has announced a new online doctorate degree program for senior leaders in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector. The program, which is scheduled to begin in fall 2023, was designed to address a need for qualified senior executives in the philanthropic sector. Read more

Bosma Enterprises, which provides employment and training for people who are blind or visually impaired, has expanded its distribution of its nitrile exam gloves by launching an e-commerce site targeted to individual medical practices. Previously, the nonprofit distributed primarily to VA hospitals. Read more

In an effort to prevent and reduce crime in Indianapolis, the Central Indiana Community Foundation and the City of Indianapolis have distributed nearly $3 million to 30 organizations as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. Read more

Leadership in the unknown webinar on Feb. 23 at noon. Learn how to redefine what it means to be a great leader during seasons of chaos, calm or the unknown. Presented by Hedges and National Bank of Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register

Considering a fundraising campaign? Do you know if you are ready? webinar on Feb. 23 at noon. Learn key strategies to engage donors and prospects, assessing your internal infrastructure to support a campaign and the steps needed to gain organizational support. Cost: Free. Presented by Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates. Register 

The great resignation: Why job succession planning is essential to your organizational success webinar on Feb. 28 at noon. Learn major areas to consider when formalizing a job succession preparedness strategy, explaining the importance of segregation of duties and cross-training employees. Cost: Free. Presented by BKD. Register 

What on earth should our nonprofit do for our next fundraising event? webinar on March 1 at 1 p.m. Learn the latest trends and fundraising technology for keeping donors and prospects engaged while staying safe. Cost: Free. Presented by Nonprofit Tech for Good. Register

Find, secure and maintain corporate sponsors to increase revenue and build your brand webinar on March 10 at 1 p.m. Learn strategies on how to secure and maintain vital partnerships. Presented by Nonprofit Learning Lab. Cost: $25 members; $50 non-members. Register

United Way of Central Indiana is looking for volunteers and projects for Go All IN Day, an organized day of volunteering and community service. The event is June 24 at locations throughout Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. Learn more and sign up

Gleaners is hosting a young professionals night on March 3 from 4:30-8 p.m. Help the food pantry while networking with other young professionals. Light refreshments will be served. Volunteer

Our sponsor marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn about each sponsor's nonprofit services, click on its logo.