Select the Tech that Supports Your Mission

About This Session

Description

As a nonprofit, selecting the right technology tools for your organization can be a daunting task. Are the tools you currently use truly supporting your mission and business processes, or are they driving them in ways you hadn’t anticipated? Do you have a clear technology plan in place to guide your short- and long-term needs, or is it something you’re still unsure how to develop?

A strong technology plan begins with understanding your organization’s core business processes. The tools you choose should be aligned with these processes, supporting your operations rather than dictating them. Whether you’re evaluating new tools or figuring out how to make the most of the ones you already have, this session is designed to help you navigate these challenges.

During this interactive session, participants will explore a range of common software tools used by nonprofits in areas such as fundraising, accounting, program management, volunteer coordination, and outreach. We will provide a comprehensive look at the capabilities of these tools and how they align with different business processes, helping you understand which solutions best fit your organization’s needs.

Additionally, we’ll introduce a practical rubric to help you evaluate and compare software in several key areas, including:

Ease of Use: How intuitive is the tool for your team to adopt and use on a daily basis?
Scalability: Can the tool grow with your organization as your needs evolve over time?
Integration: Does the tool work well with other software you already use or plan to implement in the future?
Cost-Effectiveness: Is the tool a good fit for your budget, considering both upfront and ongoing costs?

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a technology planning worksheet and a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable and adaptable tech strategy that supports your mission. You’ll also gain the tools and knowledge needed to continue developing your tech plan, ensuring it aligns with your organization’s growth and operational goals.

This session is ideal for nonprofits looking to improve their tech infrastructure, better evaluate existing software, and create a long-term, sustainable technology plan that supports their evolving needs.

What we'll cover:

In this session, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of creating a technology plan that supports your nonprofit’s mission and operational needs. You’ll learn how to choose and use technology effectively, ensuring that your tools align with your organizational processes. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll cover and the key outcomes you can expect:

1. Understanding Business Processes:

Learn how to assess and clarify your nonprofit’s core business processes.
Discover why aligning your technology with these processes is essential for long-term success.
Gain tools to map out your existing processes and identify areas where technology can improve efficiency.

2. Evaluating and Selecting the Right Tools:

Explore common software tools for nonprofit operations, including fundraising, accounting, program management, volunteer coordination, and outreach.
Learn how to assess the features and capabilities of different tools to determine the best fit for your organization.
Understand the key considerations when choosing software, from usability to scalability and integration.

3. Creating a Technology Plan:

Understand the importance of a comprehensive technology plan for both short-term and long-term needs.
Learn how to build a technology roadmap that supports growth and adapts as your nonprofit evolves.
Get practical guidance on balancing cost with functionality to ensure a sustainable tech strategy.

4. Rubric for Evaluating Software:

Use a provided rubric to evaluate and compare software tools based on essential criteria, such as:

Ease of Use: How intuitive is the software for your team to learn and use?
Scalability: Can the tool scale with your nonprofit’s growth and changing needs?
Integration: Does it integrate with other software and systems your organization already uses or plans to implement?
Cost: Is the software cost-effective, and does it provide value for your budget?

5. Aligning Technology with Organizational Goals:

Learn how to align your technology plan with your nonprofit’s mission, goals, and values.
Discover strategies for ensuring that your tech tools serve and enhance your organizational objectives rather than hinder them.
Gain insights into fostering a culture of technology adoption and continuous improvement within your team.

6. Practical Tools and Resources:

Receive a planning sheet to guide your ongoing tech evaluation and planning process.
Walk away with actionable insights on how to move forward in implementing your technology plan.
Access resources and templates to help you refine and update your tech strategy as your nonprofit grows.

By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to evaluate, choose, and implement the right technology for your nonprofit, ensuring that it supports your mission and drives sustainable growth. You’ll also have the confidence to continue developing a tech plan that evolves with your needs, empowers your team, and enhances your overall impact.