Technology Planning

A technology plan is the single most important ingredient to effectively using technology in your organization. The technology planning process will help minimize technology-related crises, use staff time efficiently, and avoid wasting money on equipment. Create a plan to help you think through your priorities in order to use technology in a way that directly furthers your mission.

Article List

Minimize costs — and help-desk requests — by keeping technology consistent across your org.

A 10-step guide for finding and working with vendors.

One technology consultant shares advice for learning about and implementing technology.

Resources to help your nonprofit create a disaster plan.

Keep your service providers, usernames, passwords, and other info in order with a tech binder.

dotOrganize founder Leda Dederich discusses online organizers' technology needs.

Key findings from TechSoup's study on the needs of nonprofits serving communities of color.

Key findings from dotOrganize's study on nonprofits' use of new and emerging technologies.

This NPower guide will help you navigate the technology staffing process, from hiring to spending.

Nonprofit techies share their slip-ups so you can avoid them.

Learn eco-friendly ways to make your print projects, the earth -- and your nonprofit -- look good.

Use these documents to help you develop an RFP for a new database, Web site, and network.

Conduct effective research and find a technology vendor without wasting weeks of valuable time.

This article will help you devise a CRM strategy and strengthen constituent relationships.

Some basic considerations for each phase of the RFP process.

Use this sample RFP timeline as a rough guide for keeping the process on track.

Technology planning will help you focus on the essentials and make the case for funding.

This NPower guide will help you understand and think through the vendor selection process.

Serve your public access users without sacrificing safety, privacy, or your sanity.

Build an emergency power kit for your organization to use in a crisis.

Build an emergency power kit for your organization to use in a crisis.

Read lessons to help you implement a new operations software system.

These tips can help you plan for and implement new technologies at your nonprofit.

These stories follow nonprofits as they use technology to achieve their missions.

Investing in technology can help your organization achieve its mission. Read two success stories.

How can your organization be prepared to help out in an emergency?

This sample RFP was created for a Web site project. Create your own with this worksheet.

Download this sample plan to get an idea what should be in your tech plan.

Your file server should be arranged so that you can easily get what you need. We'll show you how.

We'll walk you through issues nonprofits face when deciding whether to outsource technology work.

Use these worksheets to log hardware, software, networks, and technology staff.

Technology triage works when you don't have the time, resources, or expertise to start from scratch.

Improving your technology is a great thing, but don't try to fix everything at the same time.

Make sure your development staff has the technology it needs to work effectively.

Nonprofits need good people interested in a cause. Students need jobs. Learn about work-study.

Approach technology purchases with healthy skepticism, and make sure you know what you need from IT.

Make sure you know where to turn when you have a problem nobody on staff can fix.

Learn how TechAtlas makes creating a technology plan faster and easier than ever.

A simple form for recording the software and hardware for each staff member in your organization.

Before hiring outside help, do your homework and know your needs so you'll hire the right person.

Learn how to pick a contractor who will work well in your nonprofit.

How to write a contract that establishes expectations and resolves problems.

Don't let a good contractor relationship go bad. We'll tell you how to put safeguards in place.

Learn about different ways you can outsource your technology needs.

Unsure about how to select, use, and maintain databases? Consider outsourcing the job to experts.

Useful guidelines and advice to prepare your organization to work with a vendor or consultant.

Use this sample worksheet to help set acceptable use guidelines for your youth center's computers.

Most nonprofits need help with their technology plans at some point. Learn where to find assistance.