Strategic Technology Planning for Nonprofits
2009 Pacific Northwest Digital Inclusion SummitDavid Forrester
January 28, 2009
2NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Agenda1. About NPower2. Overview of strategic technology planning
process3. Next steps: toward tech vision4. Small steps: assessment5. Next steps: scan
3NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
About NPower
Introduction
NPower works to build healthier, more vibrant and sustainable communities by leveraging the transformative power of information technology.
Since 1999, we have helped more than 24,000 nonprofit organizations use IT to achieve their goals.
Photo: Dean Johnson, http://www.flickr.com/photos/deanj/2398424227/
4NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
About NPower
Technology Pyramid
Technology Constrained
Stable and Secure
Efficient and Effective
•Computers/networks frequently crash•Outdated software and hardware•Often deal with virus or back-up emergencies
•Hardware/software up to date•Anti-viral software, frequent back-ups•Internal network to share documents and data
•Use technology to conduct “nonprofit business”•Proficient in client tracking, fundraising, communication uses; integrated data•Tying to evaluations/outcomes
Innovative
•Technology directly tied to providing services
•Advances organization’s mission
5NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Technology Planning Process
Overview
Implement Projects
Staff & Vendors
4
ED & Board
1
Appoint PlanningTeam
Evaluate Results (+/-)
5
ED & Board
XYZ’s Technology Plan
• Organizational Overview
• Organizational Vision
• Technology Assessment
• Technology Projects
• Technology Budget
• Implementation Schedule
• Evaluation Criteria
CreateTech Plan
Tech Planning Team
2
+ $Approve &
Fund the Plan
Board ofDirectors
3
6NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Technology Planning Process
Create a Tech Plan
Technology PlanningTechnology Planning
• Planning Team identification
• Stakeholder analysis
• Kick-off meeting
InitiationInitiation VisioningVisioning ApprovalApprovalDefinitionDefinitionAssessmentAssessment
• Review of business goals and key work processes
• Pain points identification
• Peers and potential technologies discovery
• Technology research
• Recommendations development
• Project definition, scoping and budgeting
• Document development
• Draft plan review• Stakeholder
presentations• Evaluation
criteria• Final publication
• Hardware and software inventory
• Tech skills audit survey
• Staff interviews• Gap and
opportunity analysis
Identifies pain points and root causes of technology challenges
Identifies high impact IT projects that can increase capacity
Aligns multi-year technology budgets with prioritized projects and operational improvements
Simplifies fundraising for technology
Value Proposition
7NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Technology Planning Process
Progressive Elaboration
8NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Projected IT Costs as a Percentage of Annual Budget
0.0%2.0%4.0%6.0%8.0%
Total annualimpact ofprojects as apercentage ofannual budget
Ongoing IT costswithoutincrementalproject costs
Technology Planning Process
Plan Approval
9NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
Stable & Secure Assessment
● What? Establish minimum standards for nonprofit IT
Infrastructure
● Why? – Dual Intent Provide guidance to nonprofit in areas needing
improvements
−Pass/Fail report−Clear recommendations and targets
State of nonprofit technology in the region
−Measure progress of nonprofits in tech literacy
−Consistent method of measurement
10NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
Stable & Secure Benchmarks
● Vetted by internal staff & external security experts In both nonprofit and for-profit sectors
● Tested on technology students for ease-of-use, language
Photo: grampymoose, http://www.flickr.com/photos/grampymoose/841863276/
11NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
The Benchmarks
1. Minimum PC Configurations
2. Standard OS for Workstations and Server
3. Appropriate Network Environment
4. Reliable Internet Broadband Connection
5. Hardware Firewall Installed
6. Wireless Networks Secured
7. Backup and recovery for
mission critical data
8. Email protection
9. Secure Internet Browsing
10. Strong Password Policies
11. Documentation
12. Know How/Tech Support
12NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
Reflect
● Failure to meet these standards can lead to frequent system instability, security breaches, and a general lack of performance and productivity.
● How do you think your organization would measure up?
13NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
The Tool
www.TechAtlas.org
TechAtlas is an online technology tool for nonprofits. Some features are available free. The Stable and Secure Assessment is available as one of the free components.
14NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
The Tool
TechAtlas automatically generates results and recommendations
Example:Benchmark 8 – Email Protection
Email must be protected against viruses and phishing attacks. Email Benchmark NOT Attained: Train your staff on identifying
and dealing with phishing messages.
● Recommendations Include Rationale Special Considerations Suggested Steps Resources
15NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
2007 Findings
The good news: broadband ubiquity and improved networking
The bad news: everything else
Indiana Seattle
34 organizations assessed 117 organizations assessed
Failed one or more benchmarks: 97%Failed three or more benchmarks: 65%Failed four or more benchmarks: 41%
Failed one or more benchmarks: 95%Failed three or more benchmarks: 69%Failed four or more benchmarks: 48%
16NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Small Steps
2007 Findings
1. Majority of nonprofits still have antiquated technology Outdated operating system software Old hardware in use on some of their machines
2. Security strategies of most nonprofits are insufficient Networks, data, and users exposed to risk Especially true of email
3. Many nonprofits in region do not have readily accessible documentation about their IT infrastructure
17NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Next Steps
Perform a Scan
Contact your IT resourceSign up for www.TechAtlas.orgGather your inventory via either:
Tech Atlas; not free but an enhanced featureSpiceworks, freeBelarc, freeWinaudit, free
Conduct your own Stable and Secure Assessment or, if you are near an NPower, drop us a line….
18NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution
Agenda1. About NPower2. Overview of strategic technology planning
process3. Next steps: toward tech vision4. Small steps: assessment5. Next steps: scan
Top Related