Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Powering Nonprofit Purpose in the Cloud (IMP101)

Summary

Hillary Noon leads the AWS global strategy for the nonprofit business and has over 25 years of experience in the sector.
AWS supports over 80,000 nonprofit organizations globally.
The session included live polling to gauge the audience's organizational and individual cloud maturity levels.
AWS commissioned research to understand nonprofit mindsets towards technology, revealing three mindsets: embracing and embarking, launching and learning, and innovating and accelerating.
An assessment tool based on the research is available for organizations to determine their cloud maturity.
Julian Thompson from the United Negro College Fund discussed the HBCUV initiative to enhance online learning for HBCUs.
Kevin Farren from the Greenwood Genetics Center shared their journey to AWS for genetic data management.
Borhan Yassin from Rainforest Connection highlighted their use of AWS for environmental conservation through sound analysis.
The panel discussed challenges and barriers in technology adoption, such as budget constraints, lack of IT resources, and organizational leadership buy-in.
Funding and investment strategies were discussed, emphasizing the importance of mapping mission outcomes to technology and storytelling.
Resources from AWS, such as solution architects, Design Lab, Build Lab, and immersion days, were highlighted as helpful for nonprofits.

Nonprofits are at various stages of cloud maturity, and AWS provides tools to help organizations assess and improve their cloud journey.
The research commissioned by AWS indicates a growing recognition of the importance of technology in achieving nonprofit missions.
Collaboration with AWS solution architects and leveraging AWS services can significantly benefit nonprofits in implementing technology solutions.
Nonprofits face common challenges in technology adoption, including budgetary constraints, technical resource limitations, and the need for organizational leadership buy-in.
Storytelling and demonstrating the impact of technology on mission outcomes are effective strategies for securing funding and investment.
AWS offers specific resources and events tailored to nonprofits, such as the Imagine Nonprofit conference, which can facilitate community learning and sharing of best practices.
The experiences shared by the panelists underscore the transformative potential of cloud technology in various nonprofit sectors, from education to environmental conservation.