CAST, the independent Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology, is stepping up its support for smaller charities – and it wants to talk to them direct ahead of the launch of a new dedicated accelerator programme this summer.
It’s an often overlooked fact, but the vast majority of the UK charity sector is small, with 97% of organisations having an annual income of below £1m. Despite their size, these organisations play a critical role in championing and safeguarding some of the most vulnerable people in society. But in the digital world, tiny organisations with limited resources can feel overwhelmed.
That’s why CAST, the Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology, is focusing much of its work in 2018 on small charities.
CAST (itself a charity), helps people use digital for social good. It supports non-profits to embed digital and design across their services, strategy and governance - working with sector leaders, funders and government.
Since 2015 CAST has worked with more than 300 non-profits of varying sizes, supporting them through its programmes to become more resilient and responsive to the needs of their communities. It has helped the likes of Breast Cancer Care, Action for Children, Refugee Action and NCVO.
CAST already helps charities like these to create digital products and services, through its established Fuse accelerator. Now it is creating a Fuse for Smaller Charities accelerator programme, due for kick-off in July.
To help them understand how best to support smaller organisations, across April and May CAST is opening up its phone lines to talk to charities about their ambitions for digital, the challenges they face and what they think would help them achieve their vision.
These 30-minute research calls will also form the first stage of recruitment for the new accelerator programme. “We want to make sure we get it right,” says CAST. “In return we’ll share our knowledge, expertise and connections. If we can’t help directly, we’ll aim to signpost to others who can.”
If you are part of a smaller charity looking for support, you can book a call with CAST direct, via Calendly.
Check out CAST’s newly refreshed website, at www.wearecast.org.uk
Original article from: Digital Agenda