We put together this guide to help human services agencies better understand and search for technology-related funding options/resources.

1. Successfully financing technology projects is a major balancing act for human services. Agency leaders have
to juggle managing the cost-effective use of resources, demonstrating that funding has a measurable impact
on agency outcomes, and sustaining support for technology investments from contributors, commissioners,
state officials, and other key stakeholders. The problem is compounded by ever rising costs to manage—
and ever decreasing dollars to fund—expensive technology-related projects.
In addition, many agencies are still operating under the assumption that technology must be an
outright “one and done” purchase, even though payment options have become more flexible. For
example, many programs are shifting to cloud-hosted, software-as-a-service (SaaS) models that allow
them to pay smaller amounts over time. Similarly, some counties are taking a regional or “consortium”
approach to purchasing to reduce costs.
Agencies need to apply a combination of strategic and creative thinking to overcome financing hurdles,
from diversifying funding sources to spreading out payments over multiple fiscal years. We put together
this guide to help agencies better understand and start searching for various options available.
FUNDING TECHNOLOGY
PROJECTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Reimbursements. Work internally to better manage federal and/
or state money that’s coming in. Set up programs to maximize
reimbursement rates, which will vary by state and program, and
then use other sources to fill in the gaps.
Grants. Look for national, state, and local grants available—
both federal and non-federal—to support your initiatives. Many
grants focus specifically on technology or digitizing government.
For-Profit Partners. Businesses understand the importance of
technology in ways grant-makers and foundations may not.
Consider asking a for-profit company—one with a mission that
aligns with yours—to support an IT project.
Innovation Funds. Many states have developed innovation
funds to match local programs and organizations investing in
technology and modernizing the delivery of services.
Foundations. Both community-based and private foundations
often manage several funding streams, grant programs, and
other resources to assist local organizations.
Financial Institutions. See if your local bank will work with
you to create a long-term payment plan. You may need to
get permission from your county’s CFO/treasurer before
approaching the bank. Additionally, the county and bank could
have pre-arranged financing options available.
What Financial Options Should We Consider?
Agencies we work with have used some or all of the following sources to successfully finance IT projects:
Copyright © 2017, Northwoods Consulting Partners, Inc., All Rights Reserved 2017-06-V1-L

2. Who Can Help Us Through the Process?
Funding isn’t a problem you have to solve by yourself. Engage these groups when
starting to search for options:
Where Can We Find More Information?
Visit these websites for additional funding advice,
as well as state- and program-specific grant
opportunities:
Budget and Finance (APHSA)
Read APHSA’s advice for agencies to address
common financing questions and concerns.
Community Foundation Locator
Search by state to find community foundations.
Foundation Directory Online
Identify local foundations and other potential
funding sources through this online database of
grant makers.
Grants.gov
Explore and apply for various federal and non-federal
grants, funding, and benefit programs.
HHS.gov
Learn about official Health & Human Services (HHS)
grant programs and grant management.
National Association of State Chief Information
Officers (NASCIO)
NASCIO’s Resource Center has a procurement
section to help you understand state-level priorities.
National Association of State Procurement Officials
(NASPO)
Learn about your state’s procurement programs and
staff, and how you can work together.
Northwoods’ Research Library
Get notified when we publish new funding research
or data.
18F
See how 18F can help HHS programs navigate the
complicated state and local procurement process.
Peer Agencies. Ask other counties what options they considered, what
questions they asked/received, and what funding they applied for/received
when financing similar projects. Neighboring counties can consider
coordinating procurement to drive down implementation costs.
County Administration. Your county’s Commissioning Board or Director’s
Association likely has a Finance, Budgeting, or IT committee that can provide
recommendations and local resources.
State Procurement Officers. Many states have an ombudsman, concierge,
or agency-specific procurement/purchasing officer who can help you identify
state resources (e.g., an Innovation Fund).
Board Members. Involve your board from the very beginning (after all, that’s
what they’re there for!) to suggest options and facilitate connections with
local foundations and other potential funding sources.
Advocacy Groups. Local and state advocacy networks (e.g., PCSAO, NYPWA,
or NC Child’s Advocacy Network) can provide guidance to counties on how
to get funding, plus rally state officials for more financial support to help
counties get access to the tools they need.
Northwoods. Our team can help your program build a business case that
demonstrates the potential ROI of a major technology project. Providing your
county commissioners and/or administrators with this information can help
you overcome roadblocks in the local procurement process.
®
About Northwoods
Northwoods’ only focus is helping state and county
human services agencies increase client service levels
and productivity while cutting costs—allowing them to
do more with less. By providing all the right tools in the
office and the field, Northwoods’ solutions eliminate
duplicative work and reduce stress. Time-consuming
tasks are automated, helping social workers have more
time to accomplish their mission: protecting families.
Copyright © 2017, Northwoods Consulting Partners, Inc., All Rights Reserved 2017-06-V1-L
5815 Wall Street
Dublin, OH 43017
phone: 614.781.7800
fax: 614.781.7801
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