Technology is transforming the social sector — from AI that identifies people at risk of homelessness to platforms that connect volunteers with opportunities to data systems that enable funders to track impact. Tech for Good refers to technology designed and deployed to deliver social, environmental, or cultural benefit. In Australia, a growing ecosystem of social tech startups, not-for-profit digital teams, and philanthropic investors are exploring how technology can drive social change faster and at scale. Grant funding supports social tech development, digital infrastructure for the sector, civic tech, and the talent that builds technology in service of social outcomes.
The landscape
What Tech for Good looks like
Barriers
Digital Transformation Agency
Digital government — some adjacent social tech.
NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency)
NDIS technology grants and disability tech.
Data to Decisions CRC
Research on data for social outcomes.
ARC Linkage Projects
Some technology for social outcomes research.
The Atlassian Foundation
Technology for social good — significant Australian funder.
Google.org
Global tech philanthropy — some Australian grants.
The Paul Ramsay Foundation
Data and evidence for social outcomes.
Spark Strategy
Technology strategy for social sector.
Westpac Foundation
Social enterprise including tech.
The Menzies Foundation
Technology for health.
Social Ventures Australia
Measurement and data for social impact.
Social tech development
Digital capacity for not-for-profits
Civic tech
AI for social outcomes
Data for impact
Digital inclusion
Health tech
Education tech
Research
AI in social services carries significant risks:
- Algorithmic bias (discriminating against already disadvantaged groups)
- Surveillance and privacy (particularly for vulnerable populations)
- Automation of decisions that should involve human judgment
- Accountability gaps (who is responsible when AI decisions cause harm?)
Grant funding for ethical AI in social services — and for building AI literacy among social sector leaders — is important alongside technical development.
Build vs buy
Many organisations try to build custom technology when suitable off-the-shelf tools exist. Applications that demonstrate assessment of available tools before building are more sophisticated.
Sustainability
Technology requires ongoing maintenance, hosting, and updates. Applications with clear plans for technology sustainability beyond the grant period are more credible.
User-centred design
The best social technology is built with and for the people who will use it — including the service users, not just the organisation. Applications demonstrating genuine co-design with end users are more credible.
Open source
Open-source social technology can be shared across the sector — maximising the value of each grant dollar. Applications that commit to open-source development are more philanthropically aligned.
Tahua's grants management platform supports Tech for Good funders and social impact technology organisations — with project tracking, technology adoption data, user reach measurement, and the reporting tools that help Tech for Good funders demonstrate their investment in technology that drives better social outcomes.