{"id":60561,"date":"2023-07-18T18:05:15","date_gmt":"2023-07-18T08:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=60561"},"modified":"2023-10-05T15:51:57","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T04:51:57","slug":"nonprofit-digital-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/au\/blog\/nonprofit-digital-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Barriers to Leadership Buy-in for Digital Transformation in Nonprofits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Gaining leadership buy-in for digital transformation initiatives can be a complex and time-consuming journey. This challenge is especially pronounced for IT and digital leaders tasked with convincing internal stakeholders to push forward with technology investments now.<\/em> While these leaders understand the transformative potential of digital solutions, bridging the gap between understanding and implementation remains an uphill battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to this challenge, Salesforce conducted research to uncover executive and board buy-in barriers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research findings and barriers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are six major barriers to leadership buy-in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Procurement process challenges:<\/strong> Nonprofits have faced rigorous and lasting changes in the procurement process due to the pandemic. This has resulted in the need to adapt to new requirements and expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Deeper executive scrutiny:<\/strong> Executives and boards spend more time scrutinising proposals in light of current economic uncertainties. They are cautious about investing in digital transformation initiatives without clear benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Higher demand for cost-benefit clarity: <\/strong>There is a heightened need for clearly quantifying benefits and costs. Nonprofits require a detailed ROI analysis that addresses risks and opportunity costs, ensuring a convincing business case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Stronger need for data privacy and security:<\/strong> Nonprofits prioritise privacy and security due to escalating instances of global data breaches. They want assurance that digital transformation initiatives will safeguard sensitive information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Growing concerns over cost and disruption of implementation<\/strong>: Current economic conditions have heightened worries about implementation costs and operational disruptions. Nonprofits seek cost-effective solutions that minimise disruption to their ongoing activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Ongoing insistence on protecting funding reserves<\/strong>: Economic uncertainty increases the focus on protecting funding reserves. Nonprofit executives expect proposals that are aligned with the organisation\u2019s mission and showcase financial impact while exploring alternative funding sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know your key stakeholders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Overcoming these barriers starts by understanding how they affect key stakeholders: the CIO, CFO, and CEO and board members. Each stakeholder has unique priorities and concerns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n