Using technology to enhance your nonprofit

Nonprofits have always struggled to get their services out to their communities efficiently and cost-effectively. Today’s technological tools can be a tremendous help in this endeavor. Let’s look at some key technology areas and how they can help you increase your organization’s reach:

E-mail and the Internet. E-mail allows nonprofits to communicate with employees, volunteers, board members and constituents more quickly. For example, communicating with your board through e-mail can permit quicker decision-making. Some boards have even started using e-mail to vote on issues, which has the added benefit of providing better record keeping.

Technologically savvy organizations send electronic newsletters to their donor base, use blogs to keep the public updated and have Web sites that offer the ability to make donations online.

Software. A customized donor database program used to be just a dream for many nonprofits, but now with more affordable options available it can be a reality. The same is true for grant tracking (both from the giver and receiver), accounting and other software programs. These new technology options are likely to save you time and money.

Electronic records. Some nonprofits, especially those in the health care field, use electronic records for clients. Sharing vital information in this way not only is easier, but also helps to prevent errors. And electronic record keeping saves time that can be better used to attend to other matters.

If you want to continue growing and reaching more donors and individuals, you need to review your current technology and consider what changes can benefit your organization. By taking advantage of technological advances, you can be more efficient and productive — and, most important, reach even more people than before.

Contact KDV’s Technology and Consulting Group for more details at (toll free) 877-912-7696.