Nonprofit Technology Whack-A-Mole

Have you ever played this game where plastic moles jump out of a box and you have to whack as many as possible with a hammer? It can be fun and challenging. It can also take a whole lot of energy and focus. It’s one thing to go play and have fun at the arcade, but most nonprofit leaders don’t have the kind of time, energy, and focus it takes to successfully play Whack-A-Mole with their technology. What in the world are we talking about here? Nonprofit technology isn’t a game.

In the beginning phase of a nonprofit, it’s easy to see the importance of establishing some online technologies to support the growth of the organization. With little cash flow, it’s all about finding what’s needed most and what is affordable. Maybe a website and an easy to use fundraising tool are the first pieces your organization put into place.

As the organization grows, more digital needs arise such as forms, e-newsletters, volunteer management software, case management software etc… The list just keeps on growing. Every time a new digital need pops up, it gets hammered back down by a new piece of technology. Take THAT, moles!

Sounds good, doesn’t it? Until it’s a few years later and you start looking back at where all the data is going for each of those pieces of technology. Which Google drive is that spreadsheet in again? Which reports do we need to synthesize for that grant? Who has those scanned forms on their desktop computer? Raise your hammer if you’ve ever been there?

This is the point where consolidation starts to happen. By this time, the organization can get grants or has enough member-driven donations to pay for systems that bring multiple functions together into one. Many of our clients are at this point when they come to us. Usually, the question they ask is “Which system should we choose?” There’s a question we always ask them first though, and that is “Have you assessed what your technology needs are?”

Here is where it’s critical to stop playing Whack-A-Mole. It’s time to take a look at all the different tools you’ve accumulated and assess what you have, need, and what will support growth. This step will create a strong foundation for making a choice that will match the needs and growth of your organization. It will prevent you from purchasing a new technology system that you have to replace in a year or two.

There are five initial steps to take:

• Get clear on what systems you are currently using (ask your staff!)
• Determine what’s working (and what’s not)
• Determine where the budget will come from
• Identify your dream technology
• Look for what will work with your budget and organizational needs

You no longer need to waste your energy, time, and money hammering back moles. These simple steps will keep you on track for choosing a system (or systems) that will up your game, last longer, and centralize your data.

For help assessing your technology, send a support email or contact us and ask about a Technology Assessment.