The 2024 State of Philanthropy Tech survey report reveals significant developments in the technology environment, practices, and perceptions across the global philanthropic community since the last survey in 2022. Over 350 grantmaking organizations throughout North America, the European Union (EU), and the United Kingdom (UK) participated in this year’s survey, making it the largest number of responses collected for the survey to date.
As the sole comprehensive survey tracking technology trends in philanthropy, the State of Philanthropy Tech survey report provides a wealth of information on how grantmaking organizations are adapting to technology challenges and opportunities.
“The 2024 survey provides unique insights into the practices of grantmaking organizations when it comes to technology,” says Jean Westrick, Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG). “These insights can help organizations plan, resource, and execute effectively.”
Developments to Note
Graphic representation of key findings from the 2024 State of Philanthropy Tech Survey.
From IT staffing ratios to the rising role of artificial intelligence (AI) and enhanced cybersecurity measures, the 2024 report captures critical data that informs the future of philanthropy tech.
Here are just four developments worth noting:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): 80% of grantmakers are experimenting with AI, however only 30% have put any governance in place.
- Evolution of the Workplace: 69% of grantmakers plan to remain or move to a hybrid/remote workplace model for 2024 and beyond.
- Responsiveness to Nonprofit Needs: 20% of grantmakers are providing support for tech and tools for nonprofits in 2024, down from 23% in 2022.
- Technology Budget: 28% of grantmakers are investing 6-10% of their operating budget in technology, down from 36% in 2022.
“This survey not only highlights the most commonly seen use cases for generative AI in our field, but also paints a picture of how organizations may consider approaching responsible onboarding of generative AI products, including barriers to adoption, ethical considerations, and the need for robust data security policies,” says Survey Committee Chair, Tess Hanrahan, Senior IT Analyst at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
“Whether we are talking about how the hybrid workplace has become the default norm for grantmaking organizations or the rapid expansion of generative AI, there is no doubt that the way we work is evolving with, and because of, technology,” says Westrick.
“Harnessing the power of tech to do more, investing in your staff to develop their skills, and funding technology for our nonprofit partners, isn’t optional going forward. Tech investments are mission-critical, pure and simple.”
TAG will host a webinar on October 29, which will be open to the public, to further expand upon key findings and the emerging trends shaping the future of technology in the philanthropic sector.
Survey Committee Recognition
The 2024 State of Philanthropy Tech Survey was stewarded by the Technology Association of Grantmakers’ Survey Committee, led by Tess Hanrahan of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Jean Westrick of TAG.
Survey Committee Members:
- Tess Hanrahan – William and Flora Hewlett Foundation (Chair)
- Alison Altemus – Eden Hall Foundation
- Antonio Campello – Digital Science
- Shelly Espich – Greater Cincinnati Foundation
- Allison Kaufmann – MacArthur Foundation
- Amber López – The California Wellness Foundation
- Erin Peterson Samuel – Klarman Family Foundation
- Carol Scheuer – Cleveland Foundation
- Suni Sidhu – Bainum Family Foundation
Additional analysis and editing were conducted by Chantal Forster (Warren West Advisory) and Héc Maldonado-Rei (Tech Impact).
About the Technology Association of Grantmakers
TAG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization that promotes the strategic, innovative, and equitable use of technology in philanthropy to solve problems and improve lives. With over 2000 members in 300 foundations throughout North America and beyond, TAG is the voice of technology in the philanthropic sector, providing technology professionals, tech funders, and “accidental techies” with knowledge, networks, mentoring, and educational opportunities.
Since 2008, the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG) has built a global community, conducted groundbreaking research, and become an advocate for investment in tech infrastructure throughout the charitable sector. For more information, visit tagtech.org.