Digital upskilling on a budget: tools and tactics for small charities 

Why digital skills matter more than ever 

From managing donors and running events to delivering services and measuring impact, technology touches every part of a charity’s work. Yet many small charities still feel they lack the skills to make the most of the digital tools available. 

Upskilling doesn’t mean everyone has to become an IT expert. It’s about building confidence with the digital tools your teams already use, and making sure you get the best return from your technology investments. 

Tactics for digital upskilling on a budget

Here are some practical ways to improve digital skills affordably:

1. Start with what you have

Most charities already use Microsoft 365 or Adobe products, but few unlock their full potential. From Microsoft Teams and SharePoint to Adobe Acrobat and Express, these tools are packed with features to streamline collaboration, improve document workflows, and support creativity.

Start with what you have by exploring free training content from Microsoft Learn and Adobe’s online learning hubs.

2. Peer learning and digital champions

Identify enthusiastic team members or volunteers to become ‘digital champions’. They don’t need to be experts, just curious and willing to help others. Peer learning creates a culture of support and is cost-free but hugely effective.

3. Use free or discounted learning platforms

There are many high-quality online training resources available for free or at a discount for charities:

• TechSoup UK – discounted software and resources
• FutureLearn – free courses on digital skills
• NCVO – practical digital guides
• Microsoft for Nonprofits – tailored resources for charities

Tools to consider for immediate impact

If you’re wondering where to begin, focus on tools that boost collaboration, communication, and productivity:

• Microsoft Teams: an ideal all-in-one platform for chat, calls, file sharing, and virtual meetings
• SharePoint and OneDrive: simplify document storage and access – especially helpful for dispersed or hybrid teams
• Power Automate: automate repetitive tasks like approvals or notifications to save time for more impactful work
• Adobe Express and Acrobat: create engaging visuals and handle documents like a pro
• Copilot Chat: charities with existing M365 license can get access to Chat for free

How we’ll help 

At Phoenix, we work closely with charities of all sizes, and we know that the real value of technology comes when people feel confident using it. 

We offer support and Adoption and Change Management services designed for the charity sector, helping teams get the most from Microsoft and Adobe investments. Whether you need help rolling out Microsoft 365, upskilling teams on digital tools, or introducing new ways of working, our expert team is here to support you – always with charity budgets and outcomes in mind.