21st Century Wired Nonprofits

Nonprofits now have significant new opportunities to increase their effectiveness, their networks and their profile through technology. Good use of technology provides a competitive advantage. In recent years, we have seen non-profit use technology for planning and communication. Here are some of the ways nonprofits can use technology:

Living Strategic Plan - The strategic plan can be put on the web site for full view or limited. Board of Directors and staff can get updates to the plan using a reserved area of ​​the website. The website can graphically monitor progress in all key areas on a timeline. All these technological resources to keep the plane in sight, easily updatable, and alive.

Council Work - A growing number of nonprofit organizations are using web-based discussion forums or via email to keep board members updated and provide materials for meetings. Nonprofits also using a combination of videoconferencing and e-mail and conference calls for some meetings. Board members are extremely grateful when a non-profit makes wise use of their time.

Development donors - The right software development donor to give the wings of the development programs! Agencies may retain data and provide critical analysis required. The programs may allow staff to access the areas of donor interest, birthdays and other information to customize the report. The staff can determine the most important trends of the donor to give, and they know how to answer donors from year to year. The website can provide excellent opportunities for donors to give online. Finally, e-mail is a great way to stay connected and save on printing costs. Nonprofits are sending information via e-mail - from newsletters to invitations correspondence.

Volunteer Communication - If your organization has several groups of volunteers, their planning and communication can be facilitated by the web-based information pages and discussion forums. Having organizational information readily available helps the volunteers to remain "in the loop." Being wired helps organizations to provide greater support to its volunteers.

Networking Staff - Areas for personal communications beyond email can provide opportunities for staff to meet and discuss projects online, providing tips on written materials and keep in touch. Some health and human services software to offer staff the opportunity to case notes, and communicate with other staff. The software allows this communication project on a larger project level. Analyze what could be more appropriate for the nonprofit.

Community Outreach and Marketing - Technology offers a wide range of new resources for community outreach and marketing. The organization can update the information on the website, making it an important resource to check on a regular basis. Interested parties can receive short messages of letters and e-newsletters, web sites with links to key materials. The technology also provides cost-effective and personalized written communication, brochures and other materials.

Financial supervision - the staff of Finance and Treasurer card can conduct more rapid and effective financial analysis using a range of software options, from quick books for non-profit organizations in the most comprehensive programs. Graphs illustrate important financial ratios. Board members may be more in touch with the finances and budget.

RESOURCES: TechSoup.org provides a range of useful technology resources, including discounts for software.