Not-For-Profits are being urged to take part in the 2017 NotFor-Profit Innovation Index Survey to gain insight into ways they can optimise innovation in their organisations. It has been shown that an increase in innovation capability leads to rising budgets.

Developed by GiveEasy and supported by Australia Post, Westpac, and AGSM@ UNSW Business School, the survey can be accessed via http://www.nfpinnovationindex.com.au until 18 November and aims to measure organisations’ current capability to innovate.

Digital fundraising solutions provider GiveEasy CEO Jeremy Tobias said he is looking forward to seeing how mid-sized Not-For-Profits fare against their larger peers in this year’s Innovation Index survey.

“Now more than ever Not-for-Profits need to build their capability to innovate, and the 2017 Innovation Index, through its personalised reports back to each respondent, provides a clear roadmap as to how to achieve this” Mr Tobias said. “Last year’s data clearly shows that innovation growth leads to increased funding.”

“We are delighted to welcome the AGSM as our Business School partner. Working with AGSM will lead to the development of further insights from this research, and we are privileged to be in partnership with Australia’s leading Business School”.

Australia Post’s Head of Community Engagement Nicky Tracey said “At Australia Post innovation is at the forefront of our own transformation, helping us to create services and solutions to meet the rapidly changing needs of our people, customers and community. We know first-hand that innovation is key to growth and evolution, and that by helping people innovate we create a stronger community and a more sustainable future. That’s why Australia Post is committed to supporting members of the NFP sector build their innovation capabilities, and be at the forefront of creating authentic innovation cultures”.

Director AGSM & Deputy Dean UNSW Business School, Professor Julie Cogin said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this important initiative which transects two key motivators for participants in all of our programs – the desire to innovate and to give back to society. The key for MBA education is to provide a solid foundation and tools for leaders so that they can think creatively and adapt to changes easily, whatever sector they chose to work in.

Westpac’s Alastair Welsh, General Manager Commercial Bank said “Westpac is committed to backing Australia’s Social Sector and as we approach our 200th anniversary we are focused on helping unlock our national potential.  Continuously innovating is about embracing the possibilities of new ideas, new people and new ways of working. This is vital to all businesses, including community organisations. The knowledge and insights from the 2017 Index can help the Social Sector advance their organisation’s potential and create opportunities that will have a positive social impact on our community”.

Since launching the Innovation Index two years ago to review the Not-For-Profit sector and measure its capability to manage technological disruption, Mr Tobias said some interesting trends emerged.

Based on the data collected from more than 1217 responses, Cure Brain Cancer Research, One Health Organisation and Movember Australia were ranked the most innovative organisations in the 2016 Innovation Index. This year the Innovation Index partners hopes Not for Profit organisations will seize the opportunity to participate “in the thousands”, Mr Tobias said.