DAVID FORRESTERGRAHAM FORDPALLAVI GARGJADE GREENE

Preview of Back to the Future: Making Good Technology Choices

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About Us

Our mission is to boost the capacity of nonprofit organizations to thrive over the long term and

effectively serve the community.

Programs & Services include:

Management ConsultingTechnology ServicesFinancial ServicesHuman Resource

Services

Leadership developmentVolunteer Management

& Planning Programs Resource Directory

www.501Commons.org

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NP Tech Landscape

“Early” days: limited choices Problem solved: more technology solutions

for nonprofits available than ever beforeProblem created: Paradox of choice

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It isn’t really about the technology

What are the organizational goals? Then ask - How can technology help us reach our goals?Where does technology intersect with our

goals?

database = less manual processing

e-newsletter = increased membership

website = better known services…

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Prioritizing

Ask: Are there key infrastructure needs to prioritize?What are other “low-hanging fruit” projects?What will be big wins with staff?Do some projects require certain sequencing

and/or fundraising?

Too many projects…

Not enough ______?

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Technology is for people

Who will use? How tech savvy are they? Who will support?

Right-size the solutionsTotal Cost of Ownership – including training

& supportBig tech projects = Big change management

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Sad, but true

There’s no change overnightThere are NO silver bulletsNew technology adoption ≠ $ savingsTechnology can help

save time improve quality of work operate more effectively

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Resources

Idealware – idealware.orgTech Soup – techsoup.orgNonprofit Technology Enterprise Network –

nten.org501 Commons – 501commons.org

501 Commons events & trainings Statewide Nonprofit Resource Directory Tech Knowledge Center