Your Nonprofit Needs a
Technology Plan To the surprise of the nonprofit sector, Internet technology is enhancing good works. Relief agencies such as the American Red Cross have demonstrated how effectively online systems can speed cash donations to tragedy-stricken parts of the world. Smaller nonprofits have found the Web to be a blessing for locating discounted items and organizing people to support causes. Foundations and charities have found success with e-philanthropy -- the securing of pledges and donations over the Web -- and made it a vital part of their fundraising strategies. "Technology is, in many ways, a necessary evil for nonprofits doing business today," says Joni Podolsky, a technology consultant to nonprofits and the author of "Wired for Good: Strategic Technology Planning for Nonprofits." "You need it now just to stay competitive." The nonprofit industry is indeed competitive, and not just for donations and volunteers. If your business is a nonprofit, you need to compete for grants and other resources, staff talent, community loyalty and simple awareness of your organization and its mission. Bottom line: As with most businesses today, you need a technology plan for your nonprofit agency or organization -- a plan that shows how you can put the Internet to work for you. Yes, technology can be expensive. No, the economy is not a strong as it has been. But your plan is more than a simple wish list of hardware, software and Internet services you'd like to have. It's a strategy document, helping you think through what your organization needs and how it can be obtained with the resources you have. And you'll find your work worth the effort. A well thought-out technology plan can help you:
What's in a nonprofit tech plan?
The nonprofit e-presence -- benefits
becoming clear In his 2000 book, Grobman outlined why he strongly believes nonprofits should also utilize e-commerce -- for printing materials, buying supplies and raising money through online auctions and charity malls as well as generating donations. But he recognizes that because of lack of familiarity, security and privacy concerns, the image of dot-com greed and other emotional factors, many nonprofit leaders are still reluctant to embrace e-commerce. "That means there are a lot of good opportunities with online auctions and online shopping malls that nonprofits are passing up," he says. "I believe it is a matter of time before things change. In the next five years, e-commerce will be the primary way nonprofits do business." With a tech plan, you'll discover a little
goes a long way
TechSoup urges nonprofits to spend money wisely on technology, he says. In many cases, that may mean using less-expensive solutions such as e-mail newsletters and "Donate Now" buttons available through Helping.org. (These buttons are a simple form of e-commerce; Helping.org supplies the technology and collects the donations for you.) If you've done your homework and have laid out a simple technology plan, you can sort out what is best for your organization. And while you're working on that plan
Check out the Web sites of TechSoup, Helping.org and other nonprofits offering free services, product discounts and helpful technology advice to fellow nonprofits. Take advantage of software distribution programs to nonprofits offered by Microsoft and other technology companies. Research your database options extensively. Most nonprofits need database software, but can't afford a pricey solution. For more information, see the "database" link at TechSoup. Whether you choose a simple "Donate Now" button or some other e-commerce system, allow people to donate online. Assure your visitors that it is safe and easy to do so.
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