Software/Technology

Blackbaud, provider of software and services for nonprofits, announced key technology trends that will have the biggest impact on the nonprofit sector in 2014. Top technology trends to watch include: Mobile will continue to play more and more of a key role, analytics will provide greater insight for nonprofit organizations, software will become smaller and more focused, the cloud will provide cheaper and more secure alternatives for nonprofits, and social media will become more integrated.

Startup companies are traditionally for-profit enterprises, but in recent years philanthropic ventures have begun adopting the technological know-how and scrappy mentality of startups to develop a new breed of lean nonprofits.

“‘Startup’ has always meant a for-profit company, but a charity can operate much like one,” agrees Y Combinator accelerator founder Paul Graham.

Yes, your nonprofit absolutely positively needs a drone. Of course, that’s a few years away. But that doesn’t mean you can’t — TODAY — start thinking like an organization that plans to use a new, radical technology. In Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal, Bret Stephens provided a road map of sorts for learning from the "Amazon Experience" that made Prime Air a reality. He applies his lessons to President Barack Obama, but they can be applied to nonprofits as well.

Nonprofit organizations are realizing the benefits of moving to the cloud and are starting to look more thoroughly into cloud options. Before you make the investment in cloud-based nonprofit accounting software however, you need to thoroughly examine your nonprofit’s needs and current processes. Does it make sense to move to the cloud? Is it a financially sound choice? How will it benefit your organization?

Ted Hart speaks with Blackbaud's Katie Beth DeSchepper, Tammy Radencic and Mark Davis, along with Rebecca Bramlett, director of annual giving at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, live from bbcon 2013 on his Nonprofit Coach radio show.

Nonprofit board members are growing increasingly interested in how nonprofit executives are using technology to increase funds, retain donors, generate engagement and cultivate awareness. In fact, David Edelman, a digital marketing strategist, is noticing that boards in the for-profit sector are being asked for detailed digital strategies. Edelman identifies five concerns for business boards, which can be applied to the nonprofit sector as well …

Got data? It does a development department good! Learn how three organizations utilized donor data and new technology to enhance their fundraising.

Our innovation research suggested that some myth busting is in order. People often think of innovation as futuristic, cutting-edge technology, but we found that many nonprofits are innovating with straightforward technologies. For example, HOWA Family Center switched from e-mail to text messaging as a more effective way to communicate with teen mentors. We also found that innovation can be low-cost. Many nonprofits successfully use existing technology to innovate in subtle ways, implementing solutions that are often both low-cost and effective.

When it comes to new fundraising technologies and strategies, are you a Give Upper, a Gimmie Gimmie-er, an Embracer, A Catch-Upper or something else? Find out in my Editor's Note, "The Next Big Thing," from the March 2011 issue.

Ted Hart speaks with Blackbaud npEngage experts Dennis McCarthy, Frank Barry and The Humane Society of the United States' Carie Lewis.