Check Out These Interesting Tips to Help Your Nonprofit Adapt to New Technology

Finding ways to adopt new technologies.

14:07 16 November 2020

As someone who runs a nonprofit, you face several growing challenges, especially nowadays, including raising funds, managing your organization, communicating with members, and retaining donors. Your nonprofit needs to perform optimally to keep up with the competition by overcoming all these challenges.

 

Indeed, the right technology will take your nonprofit to the next level. However, like many nonprofits, you may find it challenging to implement new technology, especially if your company is used to doing things a certain way. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to make tech implementation easier.

 

1. Adopt User-Friendly Technology

 

While you may notice many nonprofits products on the market, most of them aren’t designed to be user-friendly. When you look for the latest tech to manage your nonprofit — find robust software that requires a small learning curve. For example, Sumac’s nonprofit Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) software is designed from the ground up to be simple to use. It also includes excellent technical support in every package in order to help you avoid frustration.

 

2. Adopt Powerful Technology

 

Good technology is user-friendly and multifunctional. For example, the right nonprofit CRM software helps simplify membership management, and offers powerful built-in analytics. You can use such tools to easily track the metrics you want to see and make smarter decisions.

 

3. Adopt Customizable Technology

 

Every nonprofit has unique needs. Instead of adopting intimidating one-size-fits-all style technology, use customizable software that’s scalable to meet your organization’s wants. You’ll also cut costs when you only pay for what you need.

 

Remember, the best tech companies will offer your nonprofit a free trial. Use this option to understand how the new technology can help your organization. The right tech company should also configure the software for you to make implementation simpler.

 

4. Move at Your Own Pace

 

Avoid an immediate rollout of new technology and take advantage of trial periods to master it first. Apply it in smaller sections of the organization with select employees to increase comfort levels. Engage with your tech leaders to discuss the advantage of the new technology.

 

5. Hire A Tech Expert

 

Some employees simply aren’t technologically inclined. Even if you adopt easy-to-understand technology, certain employees will find it challenging to adapt, especially if they’re accustomed to obsolete methods. A tech expert on your team can outline a good tech strategy for the organization and help install new technology from the ground up.

 

Alternatively, try a buddy system. Pair tech-savvy team members with non-tech people to improve tech adoption as well as company morale. Likewise, let the technologically inclined team members take leadership roles to make implementation effective and efficient.

 

6. Have Training Sessions

 

Different employees learn in different ways. A buddy system may not work for everyone. Have training sessions for the entire staff to ensure that everyone is on the same page after the platform shift.

 

Remember, in the digital age, new technology can be critical to your nonprofit’s future. To help your organization adapt, choose the right technology, and take the appropriate steps for a seamless rollout.