Digital Tools for NGO Operations

Description

This course surveys practical digital tools for common NGO needs – collaboration, data collection, communications, and basic automation – with an emphasis on free or low‑cost options suited to resource‑constrained organisations. Learners will explore how to choose and implement collaboration tools (such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Trello), set up simple mobile data collection systems (using ODK, KoboToolbox, or CommCare), use free automation tools to reduce repetitive tasks, and assess whether a new tool is worth adopting. The course is not a training on one specific software but rather a framework for thinking about digital tools: how to evaluate them, how to implement them with minimal friction, and how to ensure they genuinely improve efficiency rather than adding complexity. By the end, learners will be able to choose appropriate collaboration tools for a small team, set up basic mobile data collection, use free tools to automate repetitive tasks, and assess a new tool's fit before adopting it. This is an essential course for any NGO seeking to leverage technology effectively on a limited budget.

What will you learn

• Choose appropriate collaboration tools – communication, project management, and file sharing – for a small team.

• Set up basic mobile data collection using tools like ODK, KoboToolbox, or CommCare.

• Use free or low‑cost tools to automate repetitive administrative tasks.

• Assess a new tool's fit for your organisation before adopting it, using a simple evaluation framework.

• Train staff to use digital tools effectively and build digital literacy within the team.

• Manage collected data securely and in compliance with data protection principles.

• Evaluate whether a digital tool is delivering value and adjust usage accordingly.

Requirements

Reviews

Alice Kamau - Sun, 06-Sep-2026