In a conversation with Jim Fruchterman, CEO of Tech Matters, on The Business of Giving podcast, the empowering role of technology in social change was explored. Fruchterman’s vision involves creating a data governance framework for the nonprofit sector and championing open-source software as a community-owned and co-created tool for empowerment.
Jim Fruchterman, CEO of Tech Matters
I had the good fortune to speak with Jim Fruchterman, the CEO of Tech Matters, on The Business of Giving podcast. The organization stands at the crossroads of technology and social change. With a dedication to empowering social advocates, Tech Matters serves as a beacon guiding them to effectively utilize technology for humanity’s benefit. Jim passionately asserted, “In the realm of social change, particularly social entrepreneurship, the emphasis should be on forging partnerships with communities rather than imposing solutions. The tech industry is now recognizing the importance of user-centered design and genuine engagement with the community as integral elements of success.”
Technology as a Catalyst for Change
Our discourse illuminated the transformative role that technology can play in system change initiatives within the nonprofit sector. Jim opined that although technology might constitute a relatively small portion of an initiative’s budget, its capacity to significantly amplify the impact of the remaining resources cannot be understated. He asserted, “I look for those rare opportunities among hundreds of conversations where technology can be a catalyst for change that positively impacts the lives of 10 million people or more. When the elements align for substantial change, the integration of technology with reform can be revolutionary.”
He emphasized that the integration of technology in social change initiatives should not be an afterthought. Instead, it must be woven into the fabric of the program from the outset. Technology can bring scalability, sustainability, and efficiency, elements that are often critical for the success of social change initiatives.
Evolving Nonprofit Boards: Integrating Technological Acumen
We ventured into the evolution of nonprofit boards, and Jim spoke about the necessity of integrating technological expertise alongside financial acumen. He drew parallels between the two, suggesting that as financial expertise is integral for fiduciary responsibilities, technological expertise is equally essential in navigating the modern landscape. He highlighted that technology can often be the linchpin in achieving the mission of nonprofits and hence, having board members who understand technology can be invaluable.
During this discussion, Jim was eager to share his latest endeavor, Terraso, a social enterprise designed to counter “data colonialism” and augment climate response at grassroots levels. He borrowed the term “data colonialism” from a Kenyan leader, which signifies the widespread extraction and exploitation of data. Terraso aims to empower local communities by giving them control over their data, which in turn aids in making informed decisions that directly impact their environment and lives.
Unlocking the Potential of Data and Championing Open-Source Software
The conversation took a deeper dive as Jim highlighted the immense possibilities that data holds in shaping the future. He stressed the potential of data to bring about profound changes in the social sector. However, he also provided a balanced view by bringing attention to the challenges and ethical dilemmas that surround data sharing and privacy.
His vision for the future is not just idealistic but firmly rooted in creating tangible change. He shared his aspirations to develop a comprehensive data governance framework for the nonprofit sector. This would involve creating a lightweight data stewardship agreement, mirroring the principles of Creative Commons, but for data. He envisions open-source software as an instrument of empowerment, where software is co-created and owned by the community it serves.
Denver Frederick, Host of The Business of Giving serves as a Trusted Advisor and Executive Coach to Nonprofit Leaders. His Book, The Business of Giving: New Best Practices for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leaders in an Uncertain World, is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.