Measuring What Matters: Building a Digital Maturity Tool for NGOs and CSOs

A practical, inclusive framework to help mission-driven organizations thrive in the digital age

“What does digital maturity mean for a grassroots organization working in a low-connectivity region? That question sparked a project I’m especially proud of — designing a tool that meets organizations where they are and helps them grow with purpose.”

At RNW Media, I led the development of a Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) designed specifically for NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) — particularly those operating in less digitized regions. The goal? Help teams understand their digital strengths, uncover blind spots, and make confident, strategic decisions about their digital future.

Why We Built It

Most existing DMAs are built for corporations — not mission-driven organizations navigating complex social, cultural, and infrastructure realities. We needed something different. Something accessible, relevant, and empowering.

That’s where my work began: reimagining what digital maturity could look like for organizations that prioritize people, impact, and equity.

How We Did It

1. Grounded in Real Needs: We started with deep listening — running interviews and surveys to better understand the day-to-day digital challenges faced by NGOs and CSOs.

2. Built Together: I worked hand-in-hand with local teams, organizational leaders, and digital specialists to co-create the framework. Their insights were essential in shaping metrics that actually made sense in context.

3. Clear, Custom Criteria: We developed tailored indicators that went beyond tech tools to explore:

   1. ✔️ Digital culture

   2. ✔️ Strategic use of digital platforms

   3. ✔️ Integration of digital in programming

   4. ✔️ Use of data for learning and advocacy

4. A Tool That Works for Everyone: The final result was a simple, flexible, and easy-to-use tool — designed to meet teams where they are, whether just getting started or already scaling their digital strategy.

What Came Out of It

• Constructive ConversationsThe DMA opened up honest, strategic dialogue — helping organizations align on where they are and where they want to go.

• Stronger CapabilitiesMany teams used the results to inform their next steps — from staff trainings to refining their digital goals.

• Deeper PartnershipsThe process helped RNW Media and its partners better understand one another and build stronger, more intentional collaboration.

Why It Matters

This project was more than a tool — it was an invitation to reflect, align, and grow. For many organizations, it was the first time they’d seen their digital journey mapped in a way that felt supportive, not judgmental.

And for me, it was a powerful reminder that strategy is most meaningful when it’s inclusive, flexible, and co-created.