Connecting Up is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to enhance the level of IT and technology within other not-for-profit organisations. Connecting Up holds an annual conference and this year I was a guest presenter holding the session ‘Marketing Your Strengths’.
The Connecting Up Conference began with a breakfast featuring two speakers from the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The Commission is as a statutory authority responsible for regulating the not-for-profit sector.
The Commission’s short-term focus will be charities, particularly in considering taxation concessions (such as DGR and PBI status) and reporting requirements. It is anticipated however that other not-for-profit organisations will be part of the Commission’s responsibilities over the longer term.
While harmonisation of laws between Commonwealth and State/Territory is required, it is envisaged at the Commission will become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for charities and not-for-profit organisations. This should assist in providing timely and accurate information to the sector, particularly in regard to the potential for taxation concessions.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission should be a positive initiative for the sector, particularly if it is accompanied by the harmonisation of various laws that regulate charities and not-for-profit organisations.
I was able to attend several other sessions at Connecting Up, with topics covering cloud computing, social media and the use of technology.
Given that many not-for-profit organisations are busy undertaking day-to-day activities, there is a tendency to overlook technology and marketing due to a focus on operational tasks.
The Connecting Up Conference aimed to showcase the options and solutions that exist for not-for-profit organisations. As a result there was strong focus on innovation and how not-for-profit organisations can gain additional value through social networking, marketing and technology.
One of the highlights was an organised networking session, which provided a great way to meet other attendees. While many conferences discuss how they provide networking, Connecting Up made this a feature by facilitating networking between conference delegates.
Congratulations to the team at Connecting Up for organising such a great conference, we look forward to being involved in future years.
