3 Ways Strategic IT Planning Can Improve Operations for Nonprofits
As a nonprofit organization, you’re likely focused on serving the public by delivering services that advance your cause. And, considering that includes planning and executing fundraising events, recruiting and training volunteers, fostering donor engagement, and more, that likely leaves little time or people to focus on much else.
What your nonprofit likely doesn’t have the resources to focus on is strategic IT planning. However, strategic IT planning, when leveraged appropriately, can be a major asset to your nonprofit, as it can significantly enhance effectiveness and productivity and ensure your organization’s success in the long run. To help you get a better idea of how a strategic IT plan can help your organization take operations to the next level, we’ve identified three ways your nonprofit can leverage IT to empower your mission, streamline processes, and ensure the security of your sensitive data.
1. Partner with the right MSP to empower your mission
Trying to manage your technology needs against your nonprofit organization’s mission can be challenging or overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a dedicated IT department. By partnering with an experienced managed service provider (MSP), your organization gains access to leading experts in the IT industry, tools for advancing your business operations, and strategies for strengthening your infrastructure. Additionally, the right MSP will also be able to assess the state of your current IT systems and provide customized solutions that further your specific mission.
With a dedicated IT partner ready to provide ongoing support and advance your technology capabilities, you and your team will be able to focus more on the aspects of your organization that matter most, such as executing quality programs and services, benefitting the community, and advancing your mission.
2. Streamline processes with artificial intelligence tools
Artificial intelligence tools are on the rise and can offer even smaller organizations like nonprofits the ability to improve efficiency and automate manual, daily tasks.
- Automate fundraising initiatives and marketing activities such as email campaigns or targeted messages
- Analyze data and provide insights into donor trends, volunteer retention, and program success rates
- Manage and collect data from donor records, event registrations, and program evaluations
- Identify donor preferences to increase donor engagement and contributions
By automating routine tasks, nonprofits can expand their efforts, allocate resources more effectively, and optimize their overall impact.
Read also: How Nonprofits Can Optimize Everyday Workflows with Microsoft 365 – SUCCESS Computer Consulting
3. Consider implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures
Your nonprofit likely handles a significant amount of sensitive information, which includes donor information, volunteer records, and program participant details. So, while you might not consider your organization a top priority for cyber criminals, the collection of this sensitive data makes nonprofits an attractive target. That’s why implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework is essential for ensuring your valuable information remains protected and that you’re able to maintain the trust of your team, supporters, and key stakeholders.
At the very minimum, your nonprofit should focus on implementing the following key cybersecurity measures:
- Data Encryption: Sensitive information is protected both in transit and at rest
- Access Control and Authentication: Strong password policies are in place, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), as well as restricted access based on roles and responsibilities
- Team Training and Awareness Programs: Team members are provided with regular cybersecurity trainings that emphasize the importance of secure technology usage.
- Backup & Disaster Recovery: Critical data is backed up either off-site or in the cloud and the backups are protected against ransomware (e.g., air-gapped)
- Network Security: All network devices (which include routers, switches, and access points) are regularly updated and patched. Your network is also protected with a secure firewall.
- Incident Response Plan: Your organization has outlined comprehensive steps to take in a cyber incident and has assigned roles and responsibilities for key team members. You regularly test and update the plan.
Advance your Mission with a Strategic IT Plan
While there are several benefits to implementing a strategic IT plan at your nonprofit, it can also be a time- and resource-consuming process that you might just not be able to accommodate. However, you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to take the first step to empowering your nonprofit and improving your day-to-day operations, contact us today, and we’ll assess your needs and help you develop a comprehensive and strategic plan for taking your organization to the next level.