© 2003 IBM CorporationJuly 2004

Technology planningfor not-for-profit organizations

IBM volunteer nameTitle, organization

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation2

What is a technology plan?

Outline of how your organizationuses and/or plans to use technology

Describes overall technology process, the value, the action steps, the method for application, and evaluation

Provides a long term vision—with short term solutions

“Technology planning is a process,

not a product.”

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation3

Benefits of technology planning

Enhance your mission — define methods to make technology effective in your organization

Build your technology environment — make decisions that will help obtain resources (equipment, training, and processes) that will have value and sustain your infrastructure

Save money — make informed, cost-effective purchases

Avoid technology-related crises — establish methods to prevent and/or respond to technology issues

Explore new solutions to address old problems — use technology to increase efficiency, which allows for greater staff productivity

Funding source — an avenue to seek technology funding

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation4

Technology planning – The process

1. Form the committee

2. Assess the technology

3. Develop a vision statement

4. Set the goals

5. Write a technology plan

6. Implement the plan

7. Evaluate the plan

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation5

1. Form the committee

The 3-to-7 committee members should include:

• A clear leader

• Board member or executive director

preferably someone with technology expertise

• Staff representatives

representatives from various departments

influential technology champion

• Someone knowledgeable about technology

staff member, volunteer, or even a consultant

• Someone who is new to technology

TIP Commitment from executive director and board of directors is critical for success.

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation6

2. Assess the technology

• Determine the current technology environment in your organization

• Assess current technology resources, including

– Equipment

– Technology Processes

– Funding

– Capacity of staff / volunteers

• Define needs that are not being met

TIP Use an assessment tool that fits the needs of your organization

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation7

3. Develop a vision statement

• Summarize the mission of your organization

• Describe how your organization envisions technology in your future

• Define method to integrate technology to effectively increase services

• Highlight how technology will benefit your organization

TIP Create a picture of how the implementation of your technology plan will improve your organization and the services you offer.

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation8

4. Set the goals

• Use assessment information as a guide

• Goals should be attainable in 1-2 years

• Determine the resources

• Indicate the task list

• Establish estimated date of completion

• Produce estimated costs of completion

• Designate the contact person

• Define the evaluation method

• Prioritize the need of each goal

TIP Goals should strengthen your organization’s overall mission. Think about how the goals can benefit your target audience.

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation9

5. Write the technology plan

• Vision statement

• Summary of your organization’s services and programs

• Description of your technology committee and their role

• Goals; include the benefit to the organization

• Action plan; include timeline, priority, and contact person

Budget, evaluation plan

• Cover page, contents, appendicesTIP Create a picture of how the your technology plan will enhance your organization and the services you offer.

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation10

6. Implement the plan

• Follow your action steps

• Keep people accountable for their tasks

• Monitor the established budget

• Committee meets on a regular schedule

• Update plan with ongoing progress

TIP Keep staff informed of your progress.

Technology planning for not-for-profit organizations © 2003 IBM Corporation11

7. Evaluate the plan

• Assess goal outcomes

• Update action steps

• Discuss new annual short-term goals

• Evaluate long term vision

• Explore funding resources

• Assess committee membership

TIP Review at least once a year, seek feedback from non-committee members.