Charting a new course for Saudi Arabia's non-profit sector

Charting a new course for Saudi Arabia's non-profit sector

In a small office nestled in Riyadh, a quiet revolution is underway. Shehab Farhan, co-founder and CTO of Chart, is leading a team of innovators committed to transforming Saudi Arabia's non-profit landscape. Chart, a digital cloud ERP system, is not just another tech startup; it’s a vital lifeline for a sector long overshadowed by its commercial counterparts.

“I’ve always believed that technology should be a force for good,” Shehab shares. “When we started Chart in 2022, we knew the challenges we were up against, but the potential impact kept us going.”

Shehab’s journey with Chart began with a vision that aligned closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the role of the non-profit sector in national development. The vision sets ambitious targets, such as raising the sector’s contribution to GDP from 0.3% to 5%, and increasing development projects with social impact from 7% to 33%.

“Saudi Arabia's non-profit sector is a pillar of our society,” Shehab explains. “But it also has been suffering from wide-spread automation in financial and administrative operations. We wanted to change that and empower them by providing a tailored solution that meets the specific needs of non-profit organizations.”

With a background in information security and over a decade of experience in IT project management, Shehab knew the complexities involved. His previous roles, including a stint at the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, equipped him with the insights needed to design a system that could meet rigorous regulatory requirements while remaining user-friendly for non-profits.

The gap in the market was clear: there was no specialized ERP system designed for the non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia. Existing solutions were often commercial systems repurposed for non-profit use, but these lacked critical functionalities and were not compliant with the specific regulatory, legal, and accounting standards of the sector.

“Most systems on the market didn’t take into account the unique financial reporting needs of non-profits, especially endowments,” says Shehab. “They didn’t offer the detailed, analytical, and graphical reports that are crucial for transparency and accountability. This is where Chart makes a difference.”

Chart integrates all essential functions - accounting, asset management, human resources, planning, budgeting, and more - into a single, seamless platform. It’s designed to automate operations across various non-profit entities, including associations, institutions, charitable funds, and the endowments sector. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures compliance with local regulations set by bodies such as the National Center for Non-Profit Sector and the Waqf Authority.

While the technical prowess of Chart’s system is impressive, Shehab is quick to emphasize the human aspect of their mission. “At its core, Chart is about people. It’s about empowering the individuals who work tirelessly in non-profits to serve their communities better,” he says. “We’re providing them with the tools they need to maximize their impact.”

The platform’s cloud-based nature means that users can access it from anywhere, allowing for flexibility and adaptability - a critical factor in today’s fast-paced world. Furthermore, the system supports integration with other platforms, making it a versatile tool that grows with the needs of its users.

Beyond technology, Shehab and his team at Chart are focused on building a community of support. They provide ongoing training and technical assistance to ensure non-profits can make the most of the platform. “We don’t just deliver a product and walk away,” Shehab insists. “We’re in it for the long haul, standing by our clients to help them navigate any challenges that come their way.”

This approach has already begun to pay dividends. Non-profits across Saudi Arabia are reporting improved efficiency and greater capacity to deliver on their missions. By automating mundane tasks and streamlining complex processes, Chart allows these organizations to focus on what they do best: making a difference in people’s lives.

Looking to the future, Shehab is optimistic but not complacent. “We’ve made great strides, but there’s still a lot to do,” he reflects. “Our goal is to see every non-profit in Saudi Arabia using Chart or a similar system. We want to set a standard for the sector - not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the region.

As Saudi Arabia continues to march toward its Vision 2030 goals, the contributions of startups like Chart - and the people behind them, like Shehab Farhan - are proving to be indispensable. By harnessing the power of technology to uplift the non-profit sector, Chart is charting a course toward a more inclusive and impactful future.