This document provides an overview of key considerations for non-profit organizations when making technology choices. It recommends that organizations first identify their goals and then determine how technology can help achieve those goals. It also advises prioritizing infrastructure needs and high impact projects, ensuring solutions are appropriately sized for intended users, and understanding the total costs including training. While technology cannot solve all problems overnight, it can help organizations operate more effectively if implemented strategically. Resources for non-profits to assist in the process are also listed.

1. D A V I D F O R R E S T E R
G R A H A M F O R D
P A L L A V I G A R G
J A D E G R E E N E
Preview of
Back to the Future: Making Good
Technology Choices

2. 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:
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 Management Consulting
 Technology Services
 Financial Services
 Human Resource Services
 Leadership development
 Volunteer Management &
Planning Programs
 Resource Directory
www.501Commons.org

3. NP Tech Landscape
 “Early” days: limited choices
 Problem solved: more technology solutions for
nonprofits available than ever before
 Problem created: Paradox of choice
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4. 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?
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database = less manual processing
e-newsletter = increased membership
website = better known services…

5. 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?
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Too many projects…
Not enough ______?

6. Technology is for people
 Who will use? How tech savvy are they? Who will
support?
 Right-size the solutions
 Total Cost of Ownership – including training &
support
 Big tech projects = Big change management
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7. Sad, but true
 There’s no change overnight
 There are NO silver bullets
 New technology adoption ≠ $ savings
 Technology can help
 save time
 improve quality of work
 operate more effectively
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8. Resources
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 Idealware – idealware.org
 Tech Soup – techsoup.org
 Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network –
nten.org
 501 Commons – 501commons.org
 501 Commons events & trainings
 Statewide Nonprofit Resource Directory
 Tech Knowledge Center