February 16, 2006 Technology for Nonprofits

Why Technology Matters A Framework for Thinking About Technology How to Get Started Resources Agenda

Why Technology Matters When used appropriately, IT helps nonprofits achieve efficiencies and deliver services in new ways: –Redirect energy from admin to clients –Better track and use information about stakeholders (clients, funders, volunteers, staff) –Enhance communication and collaboration –Expand reach and impact

Problem: Camp Kudzu, a camp program for children with diabetes, used countless staff and volunteer hours to complete a paper-based registration process Developed by TechBridge for Camp Kudzu Learn more at: Solution: A website with a database on the backend that tracks registrations in real-time and provides reports saves hundreds of man hours each cycle Why Technology Matters

Problem: Cities want to start a community resource hotline but do not know how to begin this overwhelming process Developed by TechBridge for the Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS). Learn more at: Solution: Develop an online toolkit that provides easy access to the information, templates and other resources that a municipality needs to start its own service Why Technology Matters

Achieve stability by building the foundation of operational efficiency: stable technology infrastructure Increase effectiveness through integrating technology into service delivery Maximize impact through innovative or transformative use of technology Technology Framework

Up-to-date Hardware And Software Office Productivity Applications Preventive Maintenance Program Secure Network High-speed Internet Basic Web Presence Accounting System Donor Management eCommerce Distance Learning And Collaboration Workflow Case Management Management Stable Infrastructure Efficiency And Effectiveness Transformation

You have to walk before you can run Transformative technology is based on stable and secure infrastructure Technology planning will help set the course –First step in achieving other key technology benchmarks Getting Started

Nonprofits often are in reactive mode when it comes to technology This leads to ad hoc purchases, disorganized implementation, lack of training on new systems “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Why Start With A Plan?

Technology roadmap grounded in your mission Tool for budgeting and fundraising Framework for decision-making Living, evolving written document What is A Plan?

A good technology plan includes: –Technology vision statement –Assessment of current technology use in support of programs and services –Inventory of hardware & software –Long-term and short-term technology goals –Timeline and budget –Process for evaluation What’s In A Plan?

Puts nonprofits in proactive mode Enables better decisions about how to use scarce resources Allows for more predictable spending and more consistent IT support Supports technology asks in grant requests –Shows you that a nonprofit has done its homework! Allows technology to be a help rather than a hindrance Can boost staff morale when change begins Benefits of Planning?

–A set of “best-in-class” criteria against which nonprofits can assess their basic technology practices –Intended to help lay the groundwork for improvement; set the targets Technology Benchmarks

A complete set of technology benchmarks can be found here: Look for “Technology Literacy Benchmarks for Small and Medium-sized Nonprofits” OR Take your own assessment using our online technology planning and management tool, TechAtlas: Technology Benchmarks

- find guides on specific technology topics including technology benchmarks, disaster preparedness, and sector-specific guideswww.npower.org – suite of online technology planning and management tools, provided by NPowerwww.techatlas.org – informative web site with articles on nonprofit technology topics and links to TechSoup Stock (discount technology items) and TechFinder (directory of nonprofit technology service providers) – available services for nonprofitswww.techbridge.org Additional Resources

Q & A Jack McMillan Michael Nachman TechBridge