Nonprofits are willing to tackle just about anything. Throw a funding problem their way, and they'll find another source. Hurl an administrative nightmare at them, they'll catch it and run with it -- through the mud if they have to. The spirit of nonprofits is astounding. No matter how hard things get, they somehow make it work. But toss them a techie, and his compu-speak makes them groan. They'd rather go trudge through the mud some more.

So why do organizations, dedicated to their missions and spirited in their convictions, see technology as the Final Frontier, "where no Man has gone before?" They valiantly hike through mountains of paperwork, traverse land and sea for funding sources, and significantly improve people's lives; but technology sends their eyes rolling or feet retreating.

Some say, "because nonprofits aren't business savvy," or "because they don't see technology's worth." However, I believe that nonprofits are headed by some of the most visionary individuals humanity has to offer. Simply because NPOs don't make a profit doesn't mean they aren't business savvy. It means their vision is directed somewhere else: toward changing lives.

Nonprofits want to make a difference, and making a difference requires a lot of effort. Several NPO executives are well aware of technology's worth. But they have their mission in mind. Until technology providers demonstrate technology's integral role in mission accomplishment, NPOs will direct their efforts, time, and money elsewhere.

Building the bridge

If technology is the Final Frontier, how do organizations get there? Captain Kirk needed Starship Enterprise. Nonprofits need only an understanding service provider. The notion that an NPO's failure to implement technology is their own fault is somewhat inaccurate. Though lack of technology funding is a serious setback, it is also crucial that technology providers supply the proper solution, and convey it in a manner acceptable to nonprofits.

Too many ASPs (Application Service Providers) want nonprofits to function like for profits. They want them to make decisions faster, to know the techie lingo, to understand all the hidden values of technological solutions without having first described them in terms of tangible benefits. To be effective, an ASP has to embrace not only a nonprofit's mission, but its vision as well: the way it sees the world. Rather than try to sell them something, we ASPs need to build a bridge beneath them, and carry them over to their goals. That is why we exist, or at least why we should exist.

Finding the understanding service provider

This is a tough one. Nonprofits don't have the luxury of time to ‘shop around' for a good service provider. You could wait until one drops in your lap, but even if one did, how would you know if it's the right one? And worse yet, what if you need those solutions now? Well, when you needed a baby sitter for your children, did you close your eyes and take a random stab at the numbers in the phone book, or did you ask your neighbors and friends who they recommend?

There are many signs that point to an understanding solutions provider, such as the questions they ask, how much time they spend getting to know your organization, their level of honesty when a solution wouldn't apply to your needs. However, asking organizations similar to yourself for referrals, or your consultant if you have one, will most surely point you to a good service provider.

Yet, no ASP, no matter how understanding it is, will benefit your organization unless you understand your own needs first. It takes time you'd rather spend doing something else, but assessment is crucial to success. Once you've mapped the steps, it's only a matter of walking them to get to your desired destination.

The hidden value in a technology investment

For nonprofits, money is always an issue. Technology might make your life easier, but maybe you're comfortable with the paperwork, or you've got your Access database nailed. You've got a system in place. It might be aggravating at times, but the bottom line is: it works. Good technology, though, translates to much more than convenience. Here's an example:

A Boston-based arts organization was struggling with its current technology, but figured not spending additional money was worth the inconvenience it imposed. However a survey of their staff revealed that they routinely spent 45 minutes a day rebooting computers, dealing with system crashes, recovering lost data, trouble shooting software, and manually entering data into various locations. The estimated total program time lost was more than 2,300 hours per year. Now translate that into an average rate of $10 per hour for staff salary. That is $23,000 minimum that this organization lost each year it failed to obtain proper technology solutions. Suddenly all those aggravations are much more than simple inconveniences. Imagine investing that money into alleviating many of those hassles, rather than simply losing it by dealing with them.

‘Live long and prosper'

In closing, I'd just like to honor Dr. Spock. In his words, we see every organization's goal: to maintain a lasting impact while growing and extending your reach. Growing pains are part of this process, unfortunately. But by experiencing those pains while propelling your organization forward, rather than by simply surviving and maintaining, your time and money will be invested rather than spent.

To assess your technology needs, take a look at our Technology Assessment Worksheet. One version you can print for your own use. The other you can fill out online and submit to Titako. We would be more than happy to provide you with a complimentary technology assessment. Simply submit the above mentioned form, or e-mail us your request with your contact information and the best time to contact you.

Jaime Mintun is director of business development for Titako, Inc., which offers consulting, marketing, project management and data processing technical support. She deals primarily with nonprofit organizations, including churches and parachurch ministries.