Just launched: ‘NFP Digital Futures’ to build sector-wide technical innovation and delivery

The announcement was a showstopper beginning to Infoxchange’s Technology for Social Justice 2026 conference that launched in Melbourne this morning.

“NFP Digital Futures” aims to ensure the whole sector can build digital capabilities at scale.

More than $16 million has already been secured in start-up funding, and the initiative’s leaders have a broader ambition to mobilise up to $50 million to support the sector in building digital know-how and applications as the initiative evolves.

Led by Infoxchange and PwC Australia's Impact Assembly, the concept has been designed in response to the federal government’s NFP Sector Development Blueprint and a growing awareness of the need to strengthen digital capability among charities.

Philanthropic leaders funding the initial phase include Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, Gandel Foundation and Greater Melbourne Foundation. Other partners include government and the National AI Centre, plus technology partners including Microsoft, PwC Australia and Okta.

A longer list of 35 collaborative partners includes Cisco, ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, Community Council of Australia, Australian Council of Social Service, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), Social Ventures Australia (SVA), The Smith Family, Alannah & Madeline Foundation and Justice Connect.

All boats rise

The project aims to dramatically strengthen digital capability across foundations, cyber security, data and AI capabilities, enabling NFPs to better support communities.

“This is about building the foundations for a stronger, more capable NFP sector,” Infoxchange CEO David Spriggs said.

“This is not a project about technology or even the capacity of charities and NFPs. It’s actually about enabling us all to better serve our purpose and our communities. Ignoring the benefits technology can bring is not an option,” he said.

“When digital capability is embedded across the sector, organisations can operate more safely and efficiently, reduce administrative burden and focus more of their time and resources on supporting communities.

“Over time, this is what enables a more connected, trusted and sustainable sector – one that can respond in new ways to rising demand and continue delivering impact at scale.”

Charities Minister Andrew Leigh was involved in the announcement at today’s conference and said the initiative was a critical step forward for the sector.

“Charities are there when Australians need a hand,” he said. “NFP Digital Futures will help them spend less time wrestling with clunky systems and more time helping people. The NFP Sector Development Blueprint set out projects for government, philanthropy, and the charity sector to deliver in order to boost capability in the for-purpose sector. NFP Digital Futures is exactly the kind of practical support that brings us closer to the Blueprint’s goal.”

Infoxchange said the collaboration “builds on Infoxchange’s existing digital capability initiatives – including the Digital Transformation Hub, Data Catalyst Network and AI learning community – which have supported NFPs to strengthen cyber, data and digital capability over recent years.”

The National AI Centre will also be a key player, driving safe and responsible AI adoption across the NFP sector.

Despite 10 per cent of the Australian workforce being employed by the NFP sector, and 3.2 million volunteers contributing more than 320 million unpaid hours annually, most charities remain unable to sustainably invest in technology or training, leaving them vulnerable and incapable of confidently or securely harnessing technology as demands for their services grow.

Last year’s Digital Technology in the not-for-profit Sector report by Infoxchange found that budget constraints, funding pressures and rising operational costs and stress were hampering the sector’s ability to deliver critical services, and to harness AI and other emerging technologies.

This is where NFP Digital Futures aims to be disruptive, according to PwC Australia’s chief sustainability officer John O’Donoghue, who said NFPs face the dual challenge of adapting to new technologies while continuing to deliver essential services.

“NFP Digital Futures aims to address these challenges head-on. It establishes trusted technology and AI foundations to enable responsible and safe innovation – helping organisations save time and money while focusing on delivering greater impact for communities,” he said.

A 10 year plan

In announcing the initiative, Infoxchange said: “By 2035, NFP Digital Futures aims to help build a NFP sector where digital capability is embedded, equitable and trusted – enabling organisations of all sizes to deliver more accessible, coordinated and human-centred services for communities, while supporting a more adaptive and forward-looking sector that can respond to disruption, harness digital transformation and lead through change to meet rising community need.”

Justice Connect is involved in the initiative with CEO Chris Povey enthusing that NFP Digital Futures could make a profound difference in the charity sector.

“Not-for-profits are being asked to do more with less, while navigating increasingly complex legal and regulatory requirements,” Povey said. “Without strong digital capability, that pressure pulls time and resources away from communities and makes it harder to meet people when and where it matters most.

“NFP Digital Futures recognises these challenges are system-wide, and that lifting capability at scale requires coordinated, cross-sector collaboration. Strengthening digital capability is no longer optional – it is essential infrastructure for not-for-profits to operate with confidence and focus their resources where they have the greatest impact.”

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) said, “NFP Digital Futures clearly demonstrates how our Sector is leading the way in implementing the NFP Blueprint. When community service organisations strengthen their digital capability, they deliver even greater impact in communities across the country. Critically, they can also improve the digital inclusion of people experiencing poverty, disadvantage and hardship.”

More information

NFP Digital Futures is now inviting NFPs, philanthropy, technology partners, and sector leaders to help shape and support the next phase of delivery, Infoxchange said.

For more information and to register interest in becoming involved, visit nfpdigitalfutures.org.au