If until recently, having the help of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) was a differentiator for third sector entities, currently, with the growing number of NGOs and the circulation restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, relying on technological tools is essential for organizations to maintain competitiveness in the market.

However, if you still have doubts or do not completely understand the urgency in adopting ICTs, follow this article that the CodeBlog team has prepared for you and check out the three factors that prove why the third sector needs information technology to develop:

After all, what are ICTs?

In short, ICTs is an abbreviation for Information and Communication Technologies. Generally speaking, the nomenclature corresponds to all technologies that interfere and intermediate the communicative processes of society.

Furthermore, ICTs can also be understood as a set of integrated technological resources that, based on hardware, software, and telecommunications functions, enable the automation of processes involving business, learning, scientific research, and even philanthropic institutions.

1. The scale of the third sector

According to data collected by IBGE, around the world, there are more than 10 million NGOs, involving about 48 million collaborators. In addition, the sector accounts for approximately 5.9% of the global GDP.

In the national scenario, currently, 337,000 Non-Governmental Organizations are active in the most diverse areas.

Indeed, this information reflects not only market competitiveness but also warns of the fact that, by adopting ICTs, NGOs can, with full certainty, develop, reach a larger number of people as volunteers, donors, and sponsors, and, in general, make better use of opportunities.

2. Unknown accessibility

Although ICTs are not necessarily expensive, they are still little known by the third sector. Many of those involved believe that these tools are very complex, but the truth is exactly the opposite. They have arrived to simplify processes and uncomplicated the daily lives of organizations.

However, a large portion of NGO managers still do not use ICTs with due intensity or consistency, precisely because they do not understand what is really necessary to apply them to their business. Among the biggest challenges are choosing the best tools and obtaining a budget to acquire the technologies.

It is just a matter of overcoming these barriers to promote the growth of the third sector and also emphasize and maximize its presence and efficiency in the digital and social market scene.

3. The importance of IT for the third sector

According to the Telecentre Association of Information and Business – Civil Society Organization of Public Interest, the relevance of ICTs for the third sector is most significantly presented in the following points:

• Promotes increased efficiency in processes;

• Enables increased transparency among all members;

• Guarantees more visibility to organizations;

• Optimizes the communication process between organizations and their audiences;

• Improves, in general, the quality of services provided;

• Secures an increase in the number of beneficiaries and those assisted, since it allows for serving them better and in greater quantities;

• Enables the expansion of connection between sectors and the consequent expansion of the business.

Finally, we emphasize how evident it is that ICTs are fundamental tools for third sector entities to gain prominence in their areas of action.

Therefore, if you want to digitize your organization's processes, but do not know how or where to start, contact the team of specialists at CodeBit and check out our customized solutions for your cause.

Furthermore, keep an eye on Codeblog, soon we will have many new updates here. A big hug and see you in the next post.