Information Technology Plan

Posted on Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Does your organization have a technology plan?

If not, you may want to consider implementing one. A technology plan addresses how your organization will use technology to help accomplish its mission and goals. Whether your organization utilizes an outside technology firm or has its own in-house consultant, it is important to address how your organization uses technology. This should include the organization’s website, social media, data management and infrastructure.

The following are steps of a basic technology plan.

1. Review current technology. This allows you to take an inventory of the organization’s current technology tools.

How many computers do you own?
What operating systems and software packages do you have installed?
Accounting software
File sharing software
Project management
Volunteer software
Customer management relationship (CMR) database
Donor management software
Billing software
Do you have written policies in place regarding the use of technology?
What are your procedures in regards to access, security and backups?
Who are you current technology vendors?
Who provides your internet service?

2. What improvements are needed? Based on the organization’s current technology, what improvements need to be implemented to be more efficient?

Do you have enough computers?
Do computers need to be upgraded?
Do you have enough licenses?
What hardware is needed?
What software is needed?
Are your staff properly trained on technology usage and software programs?
What is the status of your website?
Is your internet fast enough?
Will any new tools require upgrades to the existing system?
What are the current weaknesses?

3. Create a budget. Decide how much of the organization’s budget will be dedicated to technology and where it will come from.

Has the organization set aside operating funds for technology needs?
Are there grant opportunities?
What are the ongoing costs (maintenance contracts, licensing and hosting fees, etc.)?
What are the implementation costs?
Prioritize your wish list.
Request quotes from at least three consultants for costs.

4. Implementation. Develop a plan for implementation and clearly communicate it to all involved.

What is the timeline for implementation?
Which specific people will be involved at each step?
Will there be any periods of downtime where programs will be unaccessible?
Develop a training schedule for all staff and volunteers on any new systems/procedures.

5. Evaluation. Evaluate the success of the new technology on your organization’s procedures and processes.

The rate at which technology changes continues to increase. In order for your organization to take advantage of technology tools, you should continue to evaluate your technology needs.

Posted by: Carrie Minnich, CPA

Posted in Mission Minded Nonprofits

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