"e-charity?" research report: Executive Summary

The following extract is from the research report "e-charity? An evaluation of the potential of the internet for the UK voluntary sector" by Anthony Gibbs. Copyright 2001 Anthony Gibbs

e-charity? Executive Summary

The internet offers a number of potential applications to either supplement or replace existing functions. However, as well as considering how to make use of this technology, every charity needs to recognise what it is trying to achieve, and specifically to what extent the internet fits with overall strategy and aims.

Why is it important for charities to undertand the impact and potential of the internet?

A number of drivers are brought out in this evaluation, including the opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs, as well as keeping up with the wider integration of the internet throughout society. In particular, as links with government are important to many charities either from a funding perspective or where there is a direct contractual arrangement, it is important to keep in step with the UK government ‘Modernising Government’ agenda that aims to deliver all services electronically by 2008. Individual charities may struggle with this, but NCVO and other infrastructure organisations could provide a leadership role across the voluntary sector.

This research project provides an evaluation of the potential of the internet using a multi-method approach. It is not a technical evaluation.

Seventy four charities were interviewed and a further 577 organisations took part in a survey that includes illustrative examples of what uses are being made of the internet at present in various functional areas and thanks are due to all those organisations who have taken part. These findings are supported by case studies and background research that includes experiences from the private sector in developing an internet strategy.

The key findings of this evaluation are:

• To fully realise the potential of the internet may require a range of separate but complementary strategies to be developed within each functional area of the organisation.
• Almost half the charities with a web site do not have an internet strategy but this does not prevent its use in support of specific activities such as campaigning and service delivery.
• The opportunity for cost reductions through use of the internet (or an intranet) cannot be ignored, but any resulting change to ways of working is likely to impact on staff and culture.
• The potential of online partnerships with other organisations offers opportunities for a wide range of process improvements.
• There are a number of issues and opportunities specific to the use of email. The consideration of email strategies could form part of an wider overall internet strategy.

Although outside the scope of this evaluation, it would be helpful to understand to what extent charity beneficiaries have access to the internet, especially as technological change within the next decade should enable wider access than at present. This further research could possibly be carried out by an independent body for the benefit of the voluntary sector as a whole.

In summary, there is evidence from this evaluation that some of the potential of the internet is already being realised, but there are still many opportunities for charities to explore.

Fundamental issues that could prevent the voluntary sector from being able to utilise the potential of the internet are a lack of investment and commitment to the internet, insufficient understanding, and lack of skills within charities.

The internet is here to stay. An ad hoc approach could be inefficient and costly in the long term. Charities need to reognise the full potential of the internet whilst accepting that it could lead to significant organisational change.

To request a copy of the full report, "e-charity? An evaluation of the potential of the internet for the UK voluntary sector" by Anthony Gibbs email admin@charitytraining.com