Nonprofit Capacity Building
At United Way, we are proud to support organizations as they build their operational resiliency. More effective and sustainable nonprofit organizations means that children and families of Greater Atlanta have greater access to supports that meet them where they are and help them to thrive.
Nonprofits are the lifeblood of the social sector, working to deliver their mission with a fraction of the resources available to their for-profit counterparts. Having a strong nonprofit ecosystem is a key factor in improving Child Well-Being across the region. From functions like fundraising and board management to improving program delivery and community engagement, organizational capacity building can bolster a wide spread of needs to help organizations improve operations and fulfill their missions.
Spotlight on: Technology
What we’re hearing from nonprofits
98%
68% reported that staff are not adequately trained on all hardware and software programs, and 98% want their staff to deepen their technical skills.
97%
97% reported that they collect data, but only 6% gave themselves top marks on their ability to analyze and leverage data to make business decisions.
77%
77% said current budget couldn’t support bringing on a full-time technologist, and fewer than 1 in 5 respondents have a dedicated technology staff member.
Data from Technology Needs Survey administered in May 2023
Technology Capacity Building Resources
United Way of Greater Atlanta has partnered with Microsoft in our effort to help nonprofit partners build capacity. From free products to coaching to learn-as-you go skill building; Microsoft offers a wide range of resources to take your nonprofit to the next level.
The Nonprofit Tech Acceleration Program (NTA)
The Nonprofit Tech Acceleration Program (NTA) empowers Black and African American-serving nonprofits with technology grants and technical consulting, with an aim to modernize processes, streamline operations, and strengthen community impact. Program participants are matched with a Microsoft Technology Specialist to implement your customized technology solutions and have access to the NTA Concierge Team. Program participants receive 10 free Microsoft 365 Business Premium licenses, 5 free Dynamics 365 Sales and Enterprise licenses, $3,500 in annual Azure credits, and 10 free Power Apps licenses.
Eligibility: U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve Black and/or African American communities.
Microsoft Tech for Social Impact (TSI)
Microsoft Tech for Social Impact (TSI) is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible technology and tools to help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their missions. If your organization does not qualify for The Nonprofit Tech Acceleration Program, this is the program for you. Open to any registered nonprofit, program participants receive ten free Microsoft 365 Business Premium licenses, five free Dynamics 365 Sales and Enterprise licenses, $3,500 in annual Azure credits, and ten free Power Apps licenses.
Generative AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to change the way the world does business – the nonprofit sector is no exception. Explore how Generative AI can deepen our collective work to increase Child Well-Being in Greater Atlanta.
Accelerate Atlanta’s Generative AI for Non-profits (GAIN) Program is a structured six week program of interactive lab classes, designed to cover AI fundamentals and practice real-world applications as they apply to the nonprofit sector. Created by a cohort of Atlanta area nonprofits and taught by industry efforts, this is a hands-on opportunity to learn how to integrate AI into your organization.
Earn a Careers Essential Certificate in Generative AI through the Microsoft LinkedIn Learning portal. Discover the skills needed to apply generative AI in your career. Learn the core concepts of artificial intelligence and generative AI functionality
- Develop an understanding of generative AI models.
- Learn the ethical considerations of using generative AI.
- Explore the impact of generative AI tools.
Build Your Technology Skillsets
A partnership with LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft provides 7 Professional Certificates on the following courses, which are available for free through 2025. In addition to the courses below, you can also explore courses on digital literacy and productivity, soft skills, and entrepreneurship.
- Generative AI
- Administrative Professional
- Project Manager
- Business Analyst
- Systems Administrator
- Data Analyst
- Software Developer
Microsoft Training for Nonprofits Microsoft Skills for Nonprofits hub offers self-paced, instructor-led, and on demand learning opportunities for all skill levels. Start your culture of learning with resources designed to provide your staff with the technical skills and knowledge to grow in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Empower your organization for Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit through industry-specific training. Unlock the value through skilling for IT Pros and Business Users.
A collaboration between TechSoup and Microsoft that offers a subset of training opportunities through TechSoup Courses. Based on TechSoup’s deep understanding of the sector, these courses are specifically designed to help nonprofit staff and volunteers learn how to use and get the most out of the Microsoft tools.
Customize your learning journey with up-to-date content developed by experts and a variety of resources. Master new skills with a comprehensive collection of training options that empower you to learn in a style that fits best.
Find original research, insights, and assessment tools to help you solve your biggest tech challenges.
Interested in more Capacity Building?
United Way works with our partner agencies to ensure that nonprofits are in the driver’s seat, determining the capacity building paths that are right for them. Contact us to learn more about capacity building at United Way. Donate now if you want to help build a strong nonprofit ecosystem to support Child Well-Being.