Re: What do small nonprofits need to know about fundraising for technology?
by
Jayne Cravens
"how small nonprofits can find sustainable funding for their technology infrastructure"?
Nobody funds "technology", per se. No one says, "I want to send a donation in to Save the Children so they can buy a copy machine!" Individuals and corporations/foundations fund *missions* Too often, nonprofit organizations present technology needs as entirely separate line items on their financial statements, segregated entirely from "program" and "client assistance" items that are obviously part of the organization's mission. A key to getting funding technology is to present technology needs as part of PROGRAM needs. When approaching funders, the results in which improved technology infrastructure will garner need to be explicitly detailed. As a result of every staff member having Internet access from his or her desktop, how will the community be better served? As a result of purchasing this particular client management software, will money be saved in the long term, and will clients be better served -- and, if so, how will you prove this?
When looking for funding for technology, forget looking for funders who specialize in such.
Instead, look for granting bodies that fund initiatives similar to yours, in terms of its goals and whom it serves. For instance, if your organization serves to help people with disabilities gain access to education and employment opportunities, look for grants that have funded such initiatives in the past -- it's not important if they've funded technology or not. What's important is that they support organization's with mission's similar to yours, and your showing, explicitly, how technology will enhance your organization's mission.
Also, when looking for potential funders, look for corporations that have affiliate offices near you. Are these affiliate offices close enough for you to invite representives to come onsite to the NGO and see its work? Inviting representatives from companies to come onsite to the NGO is an excellent way to build credibility, and means that you will have face-to-face contact with people who can ultimately help you get donations.
And, finally -- if one "googles" your NGO, what would they find? They should find enough information to say, "Wow, this is a well-run NGO that will do great things with our company's donation."
What do small nonprofits need to know about fundraising for technology?