Technology

Technology has become essential to effectively advancing and managing a nonprofit. Especially in tough economic times, thoughtful use of computers, the internet and networking capabilities can be the most efficient way for a nonprofit to communicate more effectively, engage with donors, evaluate programs and schedule volunteers, or simply research and keep up-to-date on legal requirements and funding opportunities. Using the “right” technology for your nonprofit is especially helpful in accomplishing protracted tasks such as financial accounting, program planning and database management.  Technology not only helps nonprofits leverage their message many times over through powerful audio and visual tools, but also to communicate with potentially millions with a push of a button.

The potential of technology is amazing, but knowing what tools are appropriate and how to employ them most effectively can be overwhelming. Fortunately there are terrific resources that can guide nonprofit leaders in selecting and using technology in the most effective way, and provide information to help you utilize the software that is most current and suitable for your nonprofit’s operations. While the National Council of Nonprofits does not profess any expertise in technology, we encourage you to take advantage of the numerous resources available in your state association’s training programs, as well as those listed here to help you get up-to-speed and stay current with advances in technology as it evolves!

• Social Media Technologies

The emerging technologies surrounding social media, such as micro-blogging, wiki’s, tweeting and social networking websites, are addressed in the Communications and Marketing section of the National Council’s website.

• Websites
  • The Michigan Nonprofit Association in partnership with the Michigan Nonprofit Research program has published a how-to guide, Principles for an Effective Nonprofit Website  - How to Get the Most Out of Your Organization’s Website, that provides guiding principles for ensuring an effective website, with tools and content that is useful for both the novice and expert techie.
  • TechSoup offers an article describing the importance of practices that can help thwart security threats to a nonprofit’s website.

• Affordable technology solutions for nonprofits

Some resources for affordable technology for nonprofits include: 

• TechSoup Stock is a resource for reduced cost and no-cost software for nonprofits.
• Nonprofit Recycling and Reuse Network, is a website dedicated to the productive transfer and reuse of technological equipment like laptops, desk top computers and office supplies.

• Technology Risks

• Technology, Boon or Bust? offers insights into some common pitfalls of technology and risk management steps to prevent the worst case results.
• Six Tips for Playing it Safe, suggests policies to keep your technology- - and your nonprofit – safe.

• Evaluating Software for Nonprofits
  • The Accidental Techie, a website sponsored by CompassPoint, is a resource for both new and experienced nonprofit techies, that includes information on donor management software, open-source software, web site support and security.
  • Idealware’s site, offers product reviews and reports on software of interest to nonprofits.

• Blogs about Technology
  • Beth’s Blog is one of the most popular blogs for tracking how nonprofits use social media.
  • Track these Top 10 Nonprofit Technology and Social Media for Change Blogs, compiled by Beth Kanter, and you will be on top of the leading blogs on technology for the nonprofit audience.
  • Nonprofit Tech, offers a wealth of blog posts and articles on nonprofit technology organized by keywords such as source of information, location and concept.
  • Michelle Murrain’s Blog, Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology: thoughtful and sometimes sneaky perspectives on nonprofit technology,
    offers a different perspective on using technology from an experienced leader in the field.

• Other Resources to keep you up-to-date on useful technology for nonprofits:
  • With a free basic membership in TechAtlas, you can try out tools for evaluating a nonprofit’s technology needs and even a survey to assess your staff’s skills in the technology area. Need a technology plan? TechAtlas has one for you and lots more.  
  • Tutorialized, popular with Photoshop users, hosts discussion forums, and offers online tutorials on how to use popular web design tools, business applications and databases.
  • Developer Shed Newsletter is a free newsletter containing information available on free and open source software, Microsoft technologies, hardware reviews and development, website marketing and optimization, and news from around the world of technology.
  • Nonprofit Technology News will keep you up-to-date on current trends in nonprofit technology.
  • NTEN brings together nonprofits around the nation that skillfully use technology to advance their missions and meet community needs.  
  • NTEN’s 501 Tech Clubs allow you to join a local group of aspiring nonprofit techies, to meet locally and talk shop.
  • Need help? Reach out to NPower, a network that connects nonprofit organizations to technology and provides assistance to other nonprofits, serving close to 4,000 nonprofits a year.
  • Personal Privacy: The Latest Oxymoron on the Internet, A great article on the many risks involved in sharing information online and how this pertains specifically to nonprofits.
  • Setting your Sites: Fraud Resources on the Web, A list of web sites that offer important information on online fraud prevention.