-
Beginning 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide support, security and feature updates for Windows 10. Here's what you should know.Posted on 02/10/2025 by -
Beginning 1 July 2025, Microsoft will no longer offer donated licences for its Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 plans. If you have either of those licence types, you will soon need to move to a different Microsoft Cloud plan or find an alternative productivity solution. Here's what you should know.Posted on 26/05/2025 by
-
Australia’s Not-For-Profit (NFP) sector is constantly evolving. With new reporting requirements, constant technological change, increasing board diversity and the ever-present need to raise funds, now is a great time to review your governance and board support systems.Posted on 10/01/2025 by
-
We have an important update for all Connecting Up members regarding the Adobe donation program. The donated Adobe Acrobat licences available to not-for-profits through Connecting Up will no longer be offered after 25 March 2025. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of this offer, we strongly encourage you to order your licences before it’s too late. All licence orders must be placed and paid for before the 25 March 2025 deadline. What Does This Mean for You? Here’s what you need to know about the changes and how they might affect your organisation:Posted on 26/09/2024 by -
Connecting Up is excited to share information about Cisco Meraki donations available to eligible Australian not-for-profit organisations! Upgrading your network and security can be a significant investment, and these donations can provide a valuable boost to your IT infrastructure.Posted on 09/07/2024 by -
How not-for-profits can make the most of their technology Technology is both an advantage and a challenge to not-for-profits. It can automate backend processes, reduce manual labour and enhance overall efficiency. However, technology is also often inaccessible due to a lack of technical know-how, time and people. The solution is not to shun technology altogether but to choose technology that's proven to be not-for-profit-friendly. Here are three ways a versatile technology system can cater to not-for-profits' needs, featuring the stories of three Australian organisations.Posted on 05/06/2024 by
-
Not-for-profits are facing an increasingly complex and competitive landscape, making it essential to leverage technology tools to maximise efficiency and impact.Posted on 12/04/2024 by -
When an architect and a banker met while volunteering at a charity raising money for cancer, it set in motion a friendship and a project that has helped rehome over 1,800 families in need. We sat down with Renuka Fernando and Ben Stammer of Sydney-based not-for-profit ReLove, to talk about addressing a social problem with an environmental solution and how Zeller is facilitating new revenue streams for the organisation.Posted on 08/04/2024 by -
After "saving the date" for our inspiring two-day not-for-profit sector conference event, now’s the chance to lock-in your attendance at the best price with early bird tickets now on sale. We look forward to welcoming back our friends from previous years’ conference and first-time attendees for a more intimate and supercharged networking experience in 2024. Early bird ends on 29 March, so get your tickets today to avoid missing out on this revamped and rejuvenated conference experience at the lower early bird price. Lock in your early bird discount nowPosted on 29/02/2024 by
-
This year marks the 20th anniversary since the Connecting Up conference first started. An incredible 20 years of delivering quality content, networking, sector awards and learning experiences – and we think it's the perfect time for a refresh. Introducing the Technology for Social Justice Conference 2024 The Connecting Up Conference has been produced by Infoxchange, a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers over 35,000 not-for-profits every year to be more impactful with the smart, creative and cost-effective use of technology. In 2004, our Connecting Up platform, which delivers over $195M of discounted technology products to the sector every year, inspired the conference name.Posted on 29/01/2024 by -
5 Productivity Tools for Not-for-Profits In the fast-paced world of not-for-profits, efficiency and productivity are paramount to achieving your organisation's mission. Fortunately, there's a range of powerful work and project management software and productivity tools available that can help streamline your operations, improve communication and boost overall productivity. Here are five must-have work and project management tools for not-for-profits: 1. Adobe Express Premium Plan - Simplify Document Editing (1-Year Individual Membership)Posted on 26/09/2023 by -
Managing Workplace Stress and Fatigue: A Practical Guide for Employers Goodbye uncertainty caused by the global pandemic, hello inflation, rising interest rates, and recession fears. It’s not surprising that employees are feeling fatigued and burnt out. In 2023, workplace stress and fatigue will continue to be a top concern for employers because of the detrimental impact on productivity and the likelihood of increased absence rates. The good news is that there are steps that both employers and employees can take to manage workplace stress and fatigue and promote employee well-being. In this guest blog by ELMO Software, we’re going to explore some practical strategies for doing just that.Posted on 22/03/2023 by
-
Starting on 29 March 2023, all Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 cloud licenses obtained through Connecting Up will include Cloud Support Services delivered by Connecting Up.Posted on 09/03/2023 by
-
Not-for-profit and charity organisations rely heavily on fundraising to support their missions and serve their beneficiaries. In today's world, with increasing competition for donor dollars, it is more important than ever to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that ensures sustainable funding for your organisation's work. Here are some key elements to consider when developing a not-for-profit and charity fundraising strategy: Define your organisation's mission and impact To have a successful fundraising campaign for your not-for-profit, you need to have a clear understanding of your organisation's mission and the impact you are making in the community. This will help you articulate your message and make a compelling case for support.Posted on 06/03/2023 by -
Infoxchange and it's Connecting Up program was recently awarded Social Traders Certification in recognition of the impact and investment we make into society and the not-for-profit sector. Social Traders provides Australia’s only social enterprise certification. To qualify for certification, an organisation must:Posted on 07/02/2023 by
-
Worried about how to make your next board meeting a successful one? Three founders share their tips and tricks to make that next gathering run smoothly. Running successful board meetings is one of a founder or CEO’s most important duties. Yet if the thought of your next board meeting gives you heart palpitations, know this: They are far less intimidating when you come prepared. As a business leader, you know your company inside and out. For board meetings, your job is to file down your expertise into a strategic update that gives board members an accurate view behind the curtain and expectations for what lies ahead. We spoke to three founders who understand what makes board meetings run smoothly. Here, they break down how to prep instead of panic.Posted on 22/11/2022 by -
We are excited to share Microsoft's announcement that Libraries are now eligible for NFP Microsoft Cloud licensing. Libraries have always been eligible for donations for their public-access computer needs through the Microsoft nonprofit program at Connecting Up/TechSoup New Zealand. For staff needs, however, libraries needed to get Microsoft academic offers for cloud solutions. There was also a brief period in January 2022 when all offers moved to educational requests. We know this has become a bit confusing. We heard your feedback — that the academic licensing was not always the best fit for library needs — so we advocated on your behalf in partnership with Microsoft. As of 17 October 2022, libraries and museums can get all their needs through Microsoft's nonprofit program at Connecting Up/TechSoup New Zealand. With this change, Microsoft can better serve the entire library and museum sector.Posted on 07/11/2022 by -
Our Microsoft catalogue has changed a lot over the past six months, and one of the new things you might see are products labelled "Computer Labs Only". These donated products can only be used on computers that are available to an organisation's beneficiaries or the general public and not on computers assigned to staff members or volunteers:Posted on 02/11/2022 by
-
Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in not-for-profit organisations is a top priority for boards. Here’s how to increase not-for-profit board diversity. Increasing diversity and inclusion in not-for-profit organisations is a top priority for boards everywhere, as they seek to make their leaders more representative of the communities they serve.Posted on 07/10/2022 by -
Not-for-Profit governance models help guide the policies, systems, and processes used by boards to make effective and informed decisions. Over the last few years, many not-for-profit organisations struggled through unexpected setbacks, pandemic-related disruptions, and other economic uncertainties that presented new and complex challenges. To tackle those challenges head-on, more not-for-profit organisations across the globe are seeking solutions to better corporate governance. To help foster good governance, OnBoard, by Passageways, for example, provides an all-inclusive not-for-profit board management software with powerful features and capabilities to enhance not-for-profit corporate governance.Posted on 26/09/2022 by -
Ordering Adobe Charity Licences on the Connecting Up website just got a lot easier. Our team has been working to develop a completely revamped system that makes buying new licences, adding additional seats and renewing Adobe licenses more streamlined and efficient. Now, purchasing Adobe Charity Licences is the same as buying any other product on the Connecting Up website. The Adobe ordering process is more complex in the back end than other products. Adobe’s licencing and allocation requirements have necessitated things like obtaining quotes, manually recording anniversary dates and other tedious processes that make it more laborious for our members to access these essential tools. Now, through the combined efforts of our tech team, our Customer Experience champions and your indefatigable NFP Account Manager, the complicated stuff is taken care of, and the Adobe Charity Licencing ordering process is quick and straightforward.Posted on 11/08/2022 by
-
This story first appeared on the Digital Transformation Hub. Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre (CHNC) is a community organisation on the north coast of New South Wales. The centre’s vision is to build an inclusive community where all people are valued and connected. The team at CHNC believes a connected community is a healthy community. They provide a range of services to connect and support people and the community. CHNC’s team consists of 3 full-time staff and more than 60 volunteers. Providing a family-inclusive and supportive environment for volunteers – the main assets and key contributors to the organisation – is a goal the management team in the centre aims to achieve.Posted on 05/08/2022 by -
As cloud technology grows in popularity across sectors, businesses of all shapes and sizes are discovering the benefits of flexible and affordable cloud technology. Working in the cloud helps organisations save money and improve efficiency. It expedites an organisation's pace of innovation because teams can spend their valuable resources on their unique missions, not on the technology supporting their work behind the scenes. Not-for-profits are increasingly turning to cloud technology to advance their diverse missions.Posted on 06/07/2022 by -
During National Scams Awareness Week from 21 to 25 May, an anonymous organisation participated in a simulated phishing campaign to test staff behaviour and determine the level of vulnerability to an actual phishing attack.Posted on 20/06/2022 by
-
Small not-for-profits are often the lifeblood of their communities, providing essential services on very limited budgets with only a few paid team members. Investing in technology can be difficult when time and money are short, but it's important to equip your team with robust tools in order to work towards your mission securely and efficiently.Posted on 09/06/2022 by -
Not-for-profit organisations rely on data for almost every decision they make, from engaging stakeholders to designing strategies and conducting program evaluations. Data is a valuable asset, and protecting it from internal or external corruption and illegal access can shield nonprofits from financial and operational loss.Posted on 25/05/2022 by -
Day one highlights Day one was all about learning, growing and networking with like-minded sector colleagues. Delegates were able to attend a range of masterclasses covering various topics including IT Strategy for Digital Transformation with Marcus Harvey and Sophie Souchon from Infoxchange. Marcus and Sophie shared valuable insights allowing delegates to gain a greater understanding of their organisation’s digital capabilities and how to navigate common challenges to improve operations. Attendees departed the session feeling informed, empowered and excited to begin or expand upon their digital transformation journey.Posted on 24/05/2022 by
-
Infoxchange and Connecting Up are thrilled to announce the winners of the Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards, which were presented at a gala dinner in Melbourne on Thursday evening.Posted on 16/05/2022 by -
Connecting Up and Infoxchange are excited to announce the finalists for the upcoming 2022 Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards, held at the Pan Pacific Melbourne on Thursday 12 May as part of the Connecting Up Conference 2022.Posted on 04/05/2022 by -
A quick-start guide for obtaining Microsoft products requested through Connecting UpPosted on 02/05/2022 by
-
The increasing migration of not-for-profit operations to a digital environment has created a new set of challenges for organisations. How can operations stay organised and effective through changing staff and volunteers? How can organisations best keep track of all their online initiatives, the constituents they serve, and the interactions of their supporters? How can they nurture new contacts into stakeholders? How can organisations ensure that their time, money, and resources are being leveraged effectively? The answer, luckily, is fairly simple — by implementing a platform known as a customer relationship management system or CRM.Posted on 28/04/2022 by -
In April 2022, Microsoft took a major step in the direction of its cloud-first model for not-for-profits, an effort to align Microsoft philanthropy efforts with the security and operational capabilities of cloud computing. Most donated, on-premises licenses were moved into discounted offers. It's the latest reason not-for-profits are much better off moving to the cloud and leveraging its significant advantages.Posted on 28/04/2022 by -
Employers delivering “child-related work” are required by law to check that the members of their workforce hold a valid Working With Children Check – and they are required to maintain those checks on an ongoing basis.Posted on 25/03/2022 by
-
We’re thrilled to share with you the first group of talented, insightful speakers that will be joining us for the 2022 Connecting Up Conference in Melbourne this May. From keynotes and masterclasses covering IT strategy, cyber security and digital marketing, through to plenary speakers ready to inspire on topics including leadership and capacity building, our exciting line-up includes: Tim Costello AO, Chair of Community Council for Australia, delivering Friday's opening keynote. Cassandra Goldie, CEO of ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service, delivering Thursday's opening keynote. Melissa Osborne, Head of National Security at Amazon Web Services, delivering a keynote on cyber security.Posted on 16/02/2022 by -
Microsoft on-premises products being removed from the donation programPosted on 14/02/2022 by -
In 2021, the pandemic continued to upheave not-for-profits worldwide. Executive directors had to rapidly accelerate their digital infrastructure and communications to survive. Email marketing leads the way as a tool to engage key stakeholders, funders, and communities. It was an arduous learning period for not-for-profit marketers across the globe. For the not-for-profits that adapted, they saw an increase in membership and fundraising directly due to the power of email marketing. 2022 will be the year of not-for-profit digital transformation led by the integration of new email marketing strategies, tools, and technology into the marketing mix. In this post, we outline six 2022 email marketing trends that will transform not-for-profits forever.Posted on 18/01/2022 by
-
Every charity/not-for-profit procures goods and services, from the smallest new charity to those with multi-million dollar turnovers. No matter how large or small a charity is, the basic procurement processes are the same. The process entails identifying the requirements and suppliers, negotiating and awarding contracts, managing contracts and suppliers and monitoring the savings produced and benefits delivered. Compared to a small start-up charity, larger charities understandably have more complex procurement processes, which will take longer to complete. When sourcing, for example, there will be a larger budget, more stakeholders and decision-makers involved. In order to ensure consistency, transparency, and control over the whole procurement process, most charities will have their own procurement processes with guidelines for employees to follow to ensure they get the best value from their suppliers.Posted on 13/01/2022 by -
Registrations are now open for the Connecting Up Conference 2022, which will be held from 11-13 May 2022 at the world-class Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.Posted on 05/01/2022 by -
As we kick off the new year, we wanted to highlight some of the great new offerings that Connecting Up has recently made available to our not-for-profit community. Whether you're looking to identify areas for digital growth, try out a new email marketing tool, or upgrade your organisation's hardware, check out these great new offers from Connecting Up.Posted on 20/12/2021 by
-
We have a new blog post with updated information on the upcoming Microsoft changes. Click here to read it. Over the last few months, you may have heard about various changes within Connecting Up's Microsoft program. These changes can be confusing since many of them require you to have detailed knowledge about administrative systems, licensing, and deployment. We feel it's our job to help you make the decisions that are best for your organisation. In what follows, we'll walk you through the key elements of these changes so that you can best prepare your organisation for what's ahead.Posted on 08/12/2021 by -
All Australian organisations have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of people in their care. By keeping a constant watch on employee or volunteer accreditation status, Oho is playing a key role in strengthening the protection of children and vulnerable people in Australian communities. Their platform was founded on the knowledge that there are stringent requirements on companies and workers who are responsible for the welfare of vulnerable people. Many organisations are not aware of the scope of obligations enshrined in Australian law and regulated by state and federal government agencies. To help you assess your organisation’s compliance, Oho have compiled a handy checklist of questions.Posted on 28/10/2021 by -
We have a new blog post with updated information on the upcoming Microsoft changes. Click here to read it. Microsoft has announced changes to the Microsoft not-for-profit program as of 4 April 2022. These changes will impact the current Microsoft Software Donation Program through Connecting Up and are worth your close review. What is changing?Posted on 14/10/2021 by
-
Email remains a primary driver of communications at most organisations, but the way we work has changed dramatically. We read and send emails from home, the grocery store, and the cafe using whatever device is most convenient in the moment: phone, laptop, tablet. Sometimes we don't have a dedicated office, or dedicated IT teams. Working from multiple locations using multiple devices means that security on those devices and their doorways into your systems needs to be super locked down and manageable centrally. Remember that time your staff member lost their laptop and you had to suddenly figure out if it was going to create a major security risk for your organisation? That is exactly why Connecting Up strongly recommends not-for-profits move their email and other critical systems to the cloud, and Office 365 is the most popular cloud software available through Connecting Up.Posted on 06/10/2021 by -
Microsoft plans changes to the Microsoft not-for-profit program on April 4, 2022. Some of these changes will impact the current Microsoft Software Donation Program through Connecting Up and are worth your close review as you set plans for your not-for-profit or library.Posted on 01/10/2021 by -
As a not-for-profit, your organisation might not always have the budget for a graphic designer. However, it's surprisingly easy to learn a few basic functions in Adobe Creative Cloud that will allow you to create images like a pro.Posted on 28/09/2021 by
-
Cyberattacks against small and midsize organisations increased from 11 percent to 15 percent in 2020. Not-for-profits are no exception to this alarming trend, which results in lost productivity, damaged reputations, and serious financial implications.Posted on 23/09/2021 by -
Constant Contact offers accessible, easy-to-use email marketing software, designed to help businesses get tangible results from their campaigns. Many not-for-profits operate with small teams and limited resources and do not have access to marketing experts or coders. Connecting Up's partnership with Constant Contact gives not-for-profits a great opportunity to add a professional edge to their email marketing and website, at a cost that fits their budget. Improving email marketing can make a huge difference for small not-for-profits that rely on community, word of mouth, and donations from individuals. Keep reading to find out how Constant Contact could help your not-for-profit streamline its marketing campaigns and gain more support.Posted on 01/09/2021 by -
This is a guest case study from our partner Bonjoro. It first appeared on the Bonjoro website. We live in a world of information overload, where our attention is constantly being seized by promotions, sales pitches, and newsletters. Inboxes have been embedded with smart technology, filtering mass emails into folders called "promotions", and telephone recognition software is making it harder for conventional fundraising phone banks to get through.Posted on 25/08/2021 by
-
The Infoxchange team is going Dry this July to help raise funds and awareness for our partners and community at Ovarian Cancer Australia. That means we’ll be joining hundreds of thousands of Australians to take part in what has become a national movement - a month where we put away the booze and commit ourselves to a greater cause. For many, Dry July is the perfect opportunity to give our bodies a rest, focus on our health, and even save a bit of money. The best part? All proceeds raised through Dry July will support Australians living with cancer. Where it all began In 2008, three friends, Brett, Kenny and Phil, wanted to take a break from alcohol, so they decided to go sober for July, coining it their 'Dry July'. They also wanted to raise money for a cause close to their hearts, so they asked friends and family to sponsor them.Posted on 21/07/2021 by -
Note: This post compares features between Acrobat Pro 2020 and Acrobat Pro DC. Adobe ended support for Adobe Acrobat XI Pro in 2017.Posted on 15/07/2021 by -
In November 2020, Kaspersky released a free anti-stalkerware tool called TinyCheck. The initial goal of TinyCheck was to help NFP organisations support victims of domestic violence and protect their privacy, but Kaspersky quickly realised it could be of use to anyone. TinyCheck monitors your smartphone data and identifies potential anomalies indicating your phone may be compromised by stalkerware. What is stalkerware? Stalkerware enables someone to secretly spy on another person’s private life via their smartphone and is often used to facilitate violence against an intimate partner. The abuser can remotely monitor the whole device including web searches, geolocation, text messages, photos, and much more.Posted on 07/07/2021 by
-
From Sixdegrees in 1997 to TikTok in 2016, social media has become an everyday tool many of us use to instantly connect, often with friends and family, but also with complete strangers. It’s become a huge source of news, shopping, cat memes and general entertainment. For not-for-profits, social media has opened new ways of gaining support for our causes. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram have become part of our core toolkit - 90% of respondents from our 2020 Technology in the Not-for-Profit Sector Report said they use at least one social media platform. Here are just a few of the ways not-for-profit organisations are using social media in 2021. Gathering supportersPosted on 29/06/2021 by -
For many not-for-profit organisations, keeping updated with the latest technology can be challenging. Fortunately, Leading technology providers donate and discount their products through Connecting Up. This means your NFP can leverage world-class technology without the retail price tag. To make things a little easier, we’ve added below our top 10 technology solutions for NFPs with budgets on the smaller side. 1. Microsoft Office Standard Not-for-profit cost is a one-time payment of $53 per licensePosted on 29/06/2021 by -
The last 12 months have seen technology become more crucial to the not-for-profit sector than ever before. As many organisations pivoted to entirely online operations due to COVID-19, many were forced to re-evaluate their status quo and adopt new ways of doing things across the board. At Connecting Up, we equip changemakers with transformative technology solutions and skills they need to further their mission, and we have been front and centre helping not-for-profits transform their operations and learn new systems during the pandemic. Whether your organisation is looking for affordable technology or new ways to leverage tech, there are many reasons to check out what Connecting can offer. Here are four of the big reasons to join Connecting Up if you are not yet a member — and it's free to sign up.Posted on 02/06/2021 by
-
Next week is National Volunteer Week and Connecting Up will be taking the opportunity to celebrate our amazing volunteers, who make so much of what we do possible. Connecting Up volunteers are the backbone of SAcommunity, which provides South Australia with a free online directory of thousands of South Australian community services providers.Posted on 11/05/2021 by -
Innovations in COVID-19 responses, domestic violence awareness campaigns and an online marketplace for donated goods are amongst the winners who were last night awarded for their contributions to making a positive impact through technology.Posted on 06/05/2021 by -
You may have heard about the NSW Government’s Social Sector Transformation Fund – a $50million stimulus measure for small and medium-sized charities and not-for-profits working in health and social services. The fund is to help these organisations undertake projects to improve their use of technology and modernise their operations. The fund is NOW open for grant applications, and we would like to assist you with completing a grant request by providing some guidance on potential areas of investment that may be of interest to your organisation. You will need to supply details of a potential digital transformation project and the budget involved during the application process. We’ve put together a list of projects you can embark on with Infoxchange and Connecting Up and the budget estimates you’ll need to supply when applying for the grant.Posted on 13/04/2021 by
-
Some of the very best in technology innovation and excellence across the not-for-profit and private sectors will be recognised at this year’s Connecting Up Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards. The Awards will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Thursday 6 May 2020. In a year that delivered some of the biggest challenges for not-for-profits including COVID-19 and the 2019-20 bushfire season, many organisations and individuals have adopted new technologies to allow staff to work from home, access information, stay connected, collaborate as a team, and fulfil their missions. These annual awards offer the not-for-profit sector an opportunity to recognise their fellow colleagues for these achievements. Award categories include: Technology Volunteer of the Year (individual) Not-For-Profit Technology Lifetime Service Award (individual)Posted on 01/04/2021 by -
The Australian not-for-profit sector’s biggest technology conference is back this year, with the Connecting Up Evolve Conference and Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition centre 5th – 7th May. This year, we have put together an all-star line-up of speakers, consisting of some of the most respected thought leaders in Australia. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience across the not-for-profit and technology sectors. Our new hybrid format this year gives you the option to attend in person or virtually.Posted on 25/03/2021 by -
This is a guest post from our partner Bonjoro. You can read the original post here. Every October, Sam’s Fans, a charity dedicated to helping ill children with music and art therapy, hosts a big fundraising event called Threads of Hope.Posted on 08/01/2021 by