Mar 5, 2024
How remote connectivity propels NGOs ahead of the pack
Learn why TeamViewer's remote access platform is your NGO's secret weapon. Manage devices anywhere, empower hybrid teams, and respond to emergencies instantly.
Imagine a dedicated field worker in a remote village, miles away from headquarters. She needs immediate access to crucial donor data. Not only her: she’s one part of a global team of volunteers scattered across continents that needs to collaborate on a critical fundraising campaign in real time. In today's hyper-connected world, these scenarios are not just possible; they're becoming the norm.
But many NGOs still struggle to adopt the tech they need to make these scenarios possible. For some, it comes down to mindset: many NGOs still don’t view tech adoption as an investment. For others, the issue is risk aversion, lack of tech expertise, or insufficient funding. Overall, only 11% of non-profit organizations feel that their approach to digital is “highly effective.”
This creates a widening gap between those embracing tech and those lagging, translating into lost opportunities, slowed impact, and a struggle to attract and retain top talent. The good news is that this gap is far from insurmountable. And the key to bridging it lies in one critical capability: remote connectivity.
1. Collaboration without borders
Gone are the days of geographical constraints. A robust connectivity platform can enable seamless real-time collaboration between staff, volunteers, and partners scattered across the globe. No matter where they are, teams can access necessary files, applications, and data they need to keep projects moving forward uninterrupted—even in the face of travel limitations or logistical hurdles.
2. Centralized device management for better efficiency
Many of the NGOs we work with need to move on from the patchwork management of their org-issued devices. Centralized device management allows IT teams to remotely deploy, configure, update, and troubleshoot any device, anywhere. This translates to less downtime, fewer support tickets, and a workforce empowered to focus on their core mission, instead of dealing with tech issues.
3. Tapping into the talent pool by building a hybrid workforce
The NGO world is not immune to the growing prevalence of hybrid work environments. In many ways, hybrid work meets the demands of the modern NGO in ways that traditional configurations cannot. You won’t have to look long to find an NGO with staff that works both in-office and remote—not just because they want to, but because the nature of the mission requires it.
At the same time, most NGOs face the same labor shortage problem facing the rest of the business world. Today, the ability for NGOs to attract and retain depends, at least in part, on the ability to provide a flexible (and reliable) hybrid work model. As the National Council for Nonprofits puts it in their 2023 workforce report: “When nonprofits cannot hire enough employees to provide vital services, the public suffers.”
With a remote connectivity platform, skilled individuals can contribute from anywhere, regardless of location, opening doors to a wider talent pool and promoting inclusivity within the organization.
4. Speed beyond VPNs
There’s inherent risk involved with relying on mobile data and Wi-Fi alone to conduct business. It’s part of the reason why 95% of organizations use a VPN in some form—including NGOs. Yet a heavy reliance on VPNs is not without its drawbacks.
There are the security concerns, for one. Despite their purported security advantages, some VPNs break the promise of greater privacy with surprising audacity. Then there’s the fact that VPNs are notorious for performance issues. The last thing a field worker doing mission-critical work in a remote location need is a sluggish VPN.
Cloud-based remote connectivity solutions like TeamViewer offer high-performance, secure connections that deliver fast access to critical resources. That way your teams can always respond to emergencies and opportunities in real-time, contributing to greater overall productivity and collaboration.
5. The always-on advantage
Downtime is the antithesis to efficiency and growth. Unlike limited, project-based solutions, TeamViewer offers an always-on approach. This gives an NGO the ability to remain connected and operational 24/7—to be ready to pivot, adapt, and seize opportunities the moment they arise. This constant preparedness is a true competitive advantage in the dynamic world of non-profit work.
Fearless transformation: It’s time to embrace the future of NGO work
All told, there are many advantages to adopting a remote connectivity solution as a centerpiece of digital transformation. Yet the process of overhauling existing systems and processes can seem quite daunting. The good news is that you can adopt and integrate the right remote connectivity solution without tearing down what you’ve already built—and with little to no disruption to ongoing operation.
The time is now to embrace remote connectivity and propel your NGO to the forefront of impactful, efficient, and sustainable change. Join the Red Cross and countless other organizations paving the way with technology and watch your impact reach new heights.
Ready to bridge the gap and become a leader in the non-profit landscape?
Explore TeamViewer’s always-on solutions and unlock your organization's true potential. Plus, take advantage of our special nonprofit discount to enhance your connectivity while optimizing costs.