Strategic Technology Planning for Nonprofits 2009 Pacific Northwest Digital Inclusion Summit David Forrester January 28, 2009

2 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Agenda 1.About NPower 2.Overview of strategic technology planning process 3.Next steps: toward tech vision 4.Small steps: assessment 5.Next steps: scan

3 NPower 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,

4 NPower 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Technology Pyramid Technology Constrained Stable and Secure Efficient and Effective Computers/networks frequently crash Outdated software and hardware Often deal with virus or back-up emergencies Hardware/software up to date Anti-viral software, frequent back-ups Internal network to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

5 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Technology Planning Process Overview Implement Projects Staff & Vendors 4 ED & Board 1 Appoint Planning Team Evaluate Results (+/-) 5 ED & Board XYZ’s Technology Plan Organizational Overview Organizational Vision Technology Assessment Technology Projects Technology Budget Implementation Schedule Evaluation Criteria Create Tech Plan Tech Planning Team 2  + $ Approve & Fund the Plan Board of Directors 3

6 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Technology Planning Process Create a Tech Plan Technology Planning Planning Team identification Stakeholder analysis Kick-off meeting InitiationVisioningApprovalDefinitionAssessment 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

7 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Technology Planning Process Progressive Elaboration

8 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Technology Planning Process Plan Approval

9 NPower 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

10 NPower 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,

11 NPower 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. protection 9.Secure Internet Browsing 10.Strong Password Policies 11.Documentation 12.Know How/Tech Support

12 NPower 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?

13 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Small Steps The Tool 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.

14 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Small Steps The Tool TechAtlas automatically generates results and recommendations Example: Benchmark 8 – Protection  must be protected against viruses and phishing attacks.  Benchmark NOT Attained: Train your staff on identifying and dealing with phishing messages. ● Recommendations Include  Rationale  Special Considerations  Suggested Steps  Resources

15 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Small Steps 2007 Findings The good news: broadband ubiquity and improved networking The bad news: everything else IndianaSeattle 34 organizations assessed117 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%

16 NPower 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 3.Many nonprofits in region do not have readily accessible documentation about their IT infrastructure

17 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Next Steps Perform a Scan Contact your IT resource Sign up for Gather your inventory via either: Tech Atlas; not free but an enhanced feature Spiceworks, free Belarc, free Winaudit, free Conduct your own Stable and Secure Assessment or, if you are near an NPower, drop us a line….

18 NPower Seattle | Proprietary and Confidential | Not for Distribution Agenda 1.About NPower 2.Overview of strategic technology planning process 3.Next steps: toward tech vision 4.Small steps: assessment 5.Next steps: scan