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Raising Money for Technology

Raising Money for Technology. NPower Arizona September 2003. Agenda. Why Fund Technology Nonprofits and Technology Funders and Technology Technology Grantwriting Some Sources Questions What is NPower Arizona. Why Fund Technology. The Information Economy

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Raising Money for Technology

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  1. Raising Money for Technology NPower Arizona September 2003

  2. Agenda • Why Fund Technology • Nonprofits and Technology • Funders and Technology • Technology Grantwriting • Some Sources • Questions • What is NPower Arizona

  3. Why Fund Technology • The Information Economy • non-profits face increasing data management, accountability, and communications/connectivity demands from funders and donors. Documentation=service • The Myth of Make-Do • staffed organizations can no longer get by on donated hardware-in the end, the donated equipment is a more expensive option.

  4. Why Fund Technology • Talent Retention • technology access and skills helps keep valuable staff • Capacity Development • done right, technology develops the long-term viability of an organization • MISSION MISSION MISSION

  5. Nonprofits & Technology • The Need in Arizona • The Internet is already a regular nonprofit tool

  6. Nonprofits & Technology • The Need in Arizona • The Internet is already a regular nonprofit tool • Nonprofits acknowledge the need for technology in their organizations • BUT…

  7. Nonprofits & Technology • Most nonprofits lack… • Knowledge to plan, purchase, and implement information technologies appropriately • Infrastructure and support • Training: Seley and Wolpert found in 2002 that more than half the nonprofits in New York City lack personnel with the technical training to make use of technology. Their findings are even stronger for smaller organizations.

  8. Funders & Technology • Leaders in most foundations do not understand the power of technology to increase the capacity and effectiveness of the nonprofits they fund • There is a lack of affordable information available to foundations about the impact of technology to forward programmatic goals and about the performance of intermediaries (like NPower) • But you can help….we'll learn how today

  9. Funders & Technology MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

  10. Funders & Technology • For each outcome, show how you will measure: • communicate electronically: 80% of X communications will be in electronic form • 100% of staff will be trained in accessing financial information on the intranet • average time for client data gathering declines from 20 minutes per case to 15 minutes per case • number of hits on main client page increases from 1,000 per month to 3,000 per month

  11. Funders & Technology • Outcomes Based Perspective - Examples • Assessment - Outcomes: • NPO Better understands its needs • NPO understands its staff skill level • NPO better understands its ongoing technical support needs

  12. Funders & Technology • Outcomes Based Perspective - Examples • Software and hardware - Outcomes: • General productivity improvements • Improved communications • Better data gathering

  13. Funders & Technology • Outcomes Based Perspective - Examples • Technology tools that directly change the way a program is delivered - Outcomes: • Enhance and possibly transform an organization's services, work and impact • Increased exposure and program reach • Expanded hours of operation

  14. Funders & Technology • What Funders Look For • Demonstrated commitment to use technology in program goals and organizational mission • Clear articulation of current technology use and how the proposed solution will improve organizational effectiveness, service delivery and pursuit of mission (and "move up the cake") • Appropriateness of proposed solution for the organization, its mission, and programs • Ability to implement and maintain proposed technology solution in all locations • Hardware capacity to support any software solutions proposed

  15. Funders & Technology • Questions Funders Ask • Is there room for collaboration in this project? • Can you share costs with another organization? • Is any of this project re-usable for another nonprofit? • Do you know how to reduce the cost of this proposal? • Can you get part of this project donated?

  16. Technology Grantwriting • Technology Assessment • Technology Plan • Defining Clear Funder Expectations • A Well Written Proposal

  17. Technology Grantwriting • Total Cost of Ownership • Development Direct Costs • Staff time spent on new development • Spending for consulting services • Communications Direct Costs • Internet connectivity • Network support • LAN • WAN • End User Costs • Training • User self support • Downtime • Lost productivity

  18. Technology Grantwriting MOST FUNDAMENTAL: FOCUS ON CLIENT OUTCOMES

  19. Technology Grantwriting • Some other things to remember in your proposal: • Focus on EFFICIENCY and OUTCOMES • Include maintenance and technical support • Training • Recovery and contingency plans • What is your backup procedure? • What helps is in place to get systems up and running and recover data in the event of a systems crash or disaster? • Using a web site as a communication tool AND to drive your mission

  20. Technology Grantwriting Non-profits create new technologies (e.g. Online Order of Protection, Earned Income Tax Credit, etc.) Technology used in direct service delivery (e.g. on-line advocacy, computer learning centers, automated client tracking systems) Technology used in the organization’s operations (e.g. accounting, internal communications, electronic publishing)

  21. Some Sources • TechFoundation • Beaumont Foundation • United Way Teaming for Technology • Technology Grant News • Network for Good

  22. Finishing Up… • Resource CD • Upcoming Brown Bags: • Sept 29: Using TechAtlas (lab) • Oct 7: Tech 101 • Oct 14: Tech Security for Nonprofits • N-TEN Regional Conference • November 13: Univ. of Phoenix-Tempe • NPower Arizona Membership • NPower Arizona Services

  23. What is NPower Arizona? • Mission: To help all nonprofits – regardless of size, sector or geography – access and use technology to expand the reach and impact of their services. • Vision: A thriving nonprofit sector in which all organizations are using technology – and innovating and creating new technology tools – to create healthy, vibrant communities.

  24. What is NPower Arizona? • Member Services • Assessment & Planning • Implementation Services • Targeted Services • Training • Solution Providers • Community Services • Online Information/Resources • Community Partners

  25. Community Partnerships • Arizona Technology Council • Libraries for the Future • Arizona State University Center for Nonprofit Leadership & Management • Tech schools/community colleges

  26. Questions? www.npoweraz.org

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