Funraise is proud to sponsor the 2019 Global NGO Technology Report, a biennial research project that seeks to gain a better understanding of how charitable organizations worldwide use technology. 

We thought it would be fun to pick the survey's top five most interesante early-bird stats and share with our nonprofit friends. We added some easy translations so you're not lost in a sea of numbers. Here's your sneak peek into some techy little nonprofit secrets.

TechStat 1: 12% of nonprofit websites have live chat

Translation: Ain't nobody got time for chat! 

But that's a bummer because live chat is growing to become the number one way in which website visitors prefer to communicate. According to Intercom, website visitors are 82% more likely to convert to customers if they’ve chatted with you first. That means nonprofits could be missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with potential donors who have questions but prefer a more noncommittal form of communication. 

TechStat 2: 1% of nonprofits accept cryptocurrency

Translation: If it's not dollars, it doesn't make sense.

It's not surprising that only 1% of nonprofits accept cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, which is the most popular cryptocurrency around. In fact, only 8% of Americans are invested in cryptocurrency, so based on that, you may consider 1% an impressive number. Nonprofits that decide to jump on the crypto bandwagon and start accepting Bitcoin donations will be in good hands with Funraise's BitPay integration.

TechStat 3: 19% of nonprofit websites are designed for those with visual and hearing disabilities

Translation: Access denied—it's time to do better.

It's estimated that 57 million Americans (18% of the U.S. population) have some type of disability, which means that 57 million people may not be able to access pertinent information on your organization's website due to hearing, visual, or other impairments. The more organizations make accessibility a priority and get on board with basic web accessibility guidelines, the better we can serve EVERYbody.

TechStat 4: 31% of nonprofit websites do not have an SSL certificate. 

Translation: The dream of the 90s is alive in nonprofit websites.

If your website doesn't have an SSL certificate, then 1) your website may be really only old, like made in the 90s😱, and need an update 2) you're probably putting your donor data at risk, and 3) you may need to have a talk with your web person. Especially since Google will classify such sites as "Not Safe" beginning July 1, 2019. 

SSL certificates protect all the sensitive information that's transmitted on your site, like credit card information, phone numbers, and passwords. If your nonprofit collects donations online, then not locking it down will be super detrimental. 

TechStat 5: 44% of nonprofits have a written social media strategy

Translation: Nonprofits are getting hopeful with social.

Social media isn't going anywhere and nonprofits are reaping the benefits. In 2016, 21% of peer-to-peer fundraising dollars raised were the result of a direct clickthrough on social media, pointing to an uptick in social media fundraising. Having a robust social media strategy is helping nonprofits raise more and more funds online, so if you've been thinking about increasing your social presence, there's no better time than now.

These stats are just the tip of the information iceberg we're collecting from nonprofits around the globe to create more transparency surrounding nonprofit technology. Keep an eye out for the full report to be published in September 2019 in partnership with Nonprofit Tech for Good!