Dicker Data Think Social Change Program

As the year 2023 comes to an end, we at Dicker Data would like to take a moment to look back at one of our most significant and impactful initiatives that we launched this year: the Dicker Data Think Social Change Program. This program is a strategic partnership between Dicker Data, Microsoft, and our amazing partners who are serving the nonprofit sector. The program aims to support our partners with three key pillars: nonprofit practice build, nonprofit-focused enablement, and demand generation.

The nonprofit sector is one of the most important and influential sectors in the world, as it tackles some of the most pressing social and environmental issues of our time. Nonprofits are also facing some of their most complex and unique challenges, such as limited resources, increased demand, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation. We believe that our partners have a vital role to play in empowering nonprofits with the best technology solutions that can help them achieve their missions and create a positive impact.

We are proud of the amazing work that our partners, the Microsoft Tech for Social Impact team, the Microsoft ANZ team, and the Dicker Data extended team have done this year to serve this very important sector. We want to thank them for their dedication, collaboration, and innovation that has made this program a success.

Nonprofit sector technology trends and challenges

Over the past three years, nearly half of all nonprofits have augmented their technology spending, presenting a recurring business prospect for aiding organisations in the enhancement and modernisation of their technological infrastructure. Moreover, among the 75% of nonprofits reporting heightened demand for programs, an impressive 85% acknowledge the pivotal role of technology in shaping their future success.

The escalating demand for technology within nonprofits mirrors the continuous growth in demand for their services. Recognising this burgeoning opportunity, Microsoft has proactively invested in this sector, exemplified by their donation of $3.2 billion in discounted technology to date. Under Satya Nadella's leadership, Microsoft are committed to doubling the number of nonprofits they reach in the next five years.

Why should partners consider serving the nonprofit sector?

Microsoft, in collaboration with over 14,000 partners, has successfully engaged with over 330,000 nonprofit organisations globally. However, this achievement represents just the surface, considering that market estimates indicate a staggering 10 million nonprofit organisations worldwide. There exists a significant gap between the vastness of this market and the scarcity of trusted technology providers offering tailored solutions.

As a Microsoft partner, you occupy a unique position to seize this expansive market opportunity and cater to the unmet demand for technology services, solutions, and support. The importance of this endeavor is underscored by the increasing implementation of socially responsible procurement policies by organisations. Both individuals and organisations now place heightened value on companies actively contributing to positive initiatives in the community and the world.

Moreover, integrating this sector into your portfolio provides a straightforward means to leverage your existing skills, targeting a new audience and fostering incremental revenue growth. By applying your team's expertise to nonprofit organisations in your vicinity, you not only make a positive impact on your community but also enhance your financial bottom line. Combining your skills and solutions with Microsoft technology and offerings enables the creation of high-quality nonprofit solutions, contributing to the transformation of this sector.

Promoting Partner’s Nonprofit-Focused Solutions

One of the main goals of the Dicker Data Think Social Change Program is to help our partners generate more demand and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. To achieve this, we have supported our partners with a number of customer in-person workshops, webinars, and events across Australia and New Zealand. These events have showcased the value proposition and benefits of Microsoft solutions for nonprofits.  The events covered many important sector topics, such as cybersecurity, AI, fundraising, streamlining financials, operations, and reporting. In 2024, we have several exciting customer events planned with our partners.

Think Social Change Partner Enablement

Another key pillar of the Dicker Data Think Social Change Program is training and enablement. We understand that our partners need to have the right skills and knowledge to effectively position and deliver Microsoft solutions to nonprofits.

We are excited to announce our Think Social Change Partner courses. These courses are specifically designed for partner sales and technical teams to confidently present Microsoft solutions to nonprofits. The enablement content has industry-specific messaging and will be available on demand. The courses will be launched in January 2024.

Think Social Change Partner Community Call

Starting from February, we will be running our monthly Partner community call. This will be a platform for our partners to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other and from experts in the nonprofit sector. At each session, we will discuss best practices, trends, success stories, and challenges related to the nonprofit sector. This will be a monthly 30-minute call that will feature guest speakers. Please look out for the invite and join us for this exciting and informative call.

Join Us Today

At Dicker Data, we are deeply committed to supporting our partner community in their efforts to create meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. Our proven framework can guide and empower you to establish a successful nonprofit practice. We have the resources, the support, and the network to help you grow your business and make a difference in the world.

If you are interested in joining the Dicker Data Think Social Change Program, or if you would like to learn more, please connect with me, and schedule an appointment today. Together, we can make a positive difference.