This document discusses how non-profits can align technology with their mission. It outlines stages of alignment from chaotic to value-driven. It emphasizes investing in technology rather than just spending and measuring returns broadly rather than just financially. It recommends growing "champions" by defining technology needs, considering cultural fit for roles, addressing fears of change, and empowering staff. The overall message is that technology should serve and enhance an organization's mission, people, and programs.

1. Managing Technology to
Meet Your Mission:
Creating Champions

2. MISSION FIRST

3. Technology is Not a Paper Clip

4. Technology is Part of Your Mission

5. Technology at Save the Children

6. IT Alignment

7. Stages of IT Alignment
Chaotic Reactive Proactive Service Value
How closely
is
technology
tied to
mission?
Information
systems, if
any, are
used only
for routine
business
processes.
Information
systems
exist, but
are only
used for
routine
business
processes
and
automating
tasks.
Some
technology
is tied with
mission,
but-day to
day issues
often
overshadow
these goals.
Technology
assets are
seen as a
mix of
investments
and
expenses,
with some
elements
tied to
mission
objectives.
Information
systems, if
any, are
used only
for routine
business
processes.

8. DON’T SPEND, INVEST

9. What do You INVEST in?
 Your Program
 Your People
 Your MISSION
 Technology Change is a Part of That

10. Investments Require Measurement

11. The OLD Return on Investment
(Dollars Saved) - (Dollars Invested) = Return on
Investment
 Positive numbers good
 Negative numbers bad
- = ROI
$800 / yr over 3 years - $1800 + contracts and service =

12. The Math is Messy Now
Intangible benefits:
 Job satisfaction
 Productivity
 Morale
 Teamwork
 Client satisfaction
 Client response time
 Client satisfaction

13. GROW CHAMPIONS

14. Grow Champions
Img via parexcellencemagazine.com

15. Define Your Need
What are your tech needs?
How should you staff them?
 How much time will these tasks take?
 Is it constant work, or cyclical?
 Development, maintenance, or user
support and training?
 Does the tech work even live in the
“tech department?”

16. It’s the Person AND the Skills
Cultural fit is as
important in the
nonprofit setting as
skills fit
What non-tech skills
are needed in the
role?

17. Technology Change is Scary

18. Fear Leads To….

19. Good Tech Leaders…
Get ahead of the change
Create context
Communicate early and often
 Listen, don’t just talk!
Involve and empower staff
Mitigate anxiety

20. Good Tech Leaders Grow Gardeners
Img via parexcellencemagazine.com

21. Remember

22. It’s not About the Technology
MISSION FIRST
DON’T SPEND, INVEST
GROW CHAMPIONS