Chapters:

(0:00:00) – Digital Resilience in Charity

(0:13:38) – Using Technology for Positive Outcomes

(0:24:38) – Tech for Good Convening

(0:37:34) – Equality and Accessibility in Tech

(0:42:35) – Collaborating for Tech for Good

Episode Keywords:

Digital Resilience, Tech for Good, Funding Landscape, Digital Projects, Cooperative, COVID-19, Charities, Long-term Funding, Digital Transformation, Ethical Challenges, Digital Divide, AI Ethics, Learning and Training Events, Collaboration, Problem-solving, Dot Project, Diversity, Women in Tech, Community Support, Digital Landscape.

Episode description:

In this episode of the Charity Impact podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Annie Legg from Dot Project about digital resilience, tech for good initiatives, the funding landscape for digital projects, and running a cooperative.

We explored how the funding landscape has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges charities face in finding suitable funding for digital projects. We also discussed the importance of long-term funding for driving digital transformation in smaller to medium-sized organizations and the ethical challenges posed by technology, such as the digital divide and AI ethics.

Additionally, we delved into learning and training events targeted at charities and the role of convening different skills and sectors to foster collaboration and problem-solving. The conversation highlights the role of unconferences in enabling diverse and participatory discussions, as well as the difficulties in measuring the impact of such convening and securing funding.

Annie emphasises the importance of getting involved with local networks, sharing resources, and seeking advice from experts in the field. The potential for collaboration and community support can help charities better navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.

Finally, we examine the founding principles behind Dot Project, a co-organized and co-run nonprofit organization that aims to champion diversity, particularly women in tech, and provide support for smaller charities. Throughout the years, the organization has grown and adapted, learning from challenges such as rapid growth and finding the right price point for services. As a digital-first organization, Dot Project has also faced obstacles in balancing online and in-person work and engaging with freelancers to deliver projects at accessible rates. Ultimately, the organization remains dedicated to making a positive impact and fostering long-term support for its clients in the charity sector.

Links to resources:

• The Catalyst – lots of resources and signposting
• Dovetail – list of digital agencies working in the charity sector, showing what projects they take on and their day rates; and a resource on how to write a brief
• Digital Candle – free 1 hour calls
• Technology volunteers – Connecting techies with charities, schools, and community groups who need help with technology projects
• Reach Volunteering
• Digital Charities – community for people working in digital for nonprofits
• Tech for good organisers – map of networks they are aware of here
• Dot Project podcast – inspiring stories of authentic leadership and incredible journeys into tech roles.

Annie Legg, Co-founder of Dot Project

A connector and convenor, Annie loves to make connections and grow networks and communities of practice. Annie has worked in digital and technology since the 1990s with multi sector and international experience across start-ups, SME’s, global brands and social impact organisations.

Annie is an experienced digital practitioner having worked as a business analysis in telecoms through to leading digital teams client side, and within agency teams. Annie is a sensemaker and connector, straddling our tech mentoring and organisational coaching, examining where problems lie and what improvements might be possible throughout the cycle of our work.

You can find Annie at Dot Project and on Medium, LinkedIn or Twitter.