There
are important decisions to make before you start writing your tech
plan. Since the process requires time, effort, resources and input from
various people across your organization, you'll need to do a bit of
preparation.
You may be thinking, "I don't have time for technology planning," or
"This tech planning sounds too business oriented and complicated. I
don't need it." While we understand that nobody really enjoys writing a
technology plan, we must stress the importance of planning in order to
get funding. More than ever, nonprofits and funding agencies are
concerned with the "bottom line," and that means taking a more
business-oriented approach.
You can think of your technology plan as a funding proposal. The
plan is driven by your agency's objectives and goals. Therefore:
Through the process of tech planning, you will assess what you have
and what you need, and prioritize those needs so you may seek funding.
Basics Parts of a Technology Plan
A well-developed plan will contain these elements:
To see all the elements put together, go to a complete Sample Technology Plan written for an RSVP Program. You may also want to download the Preplanning Worksheet, and the Technology Plan Template to help you write your own technology plan.
Executive Summary
The executive summary is a snapshot of the entire plan, highlighting
key areas of the plan including goals, vision, needs, priorities, and
most important, solutions. It tells the reader how you will use
technology to achieve agency goals and complete your agancy's mission.
Organization Profile
Include a short description of the organization to set the context.
- Who are you as an organization?
- What is your mission?
- Whom do you serve?
- What kinds of services do you provide?
Goals and Technology Vision
Paint a picture of how you see your agency using technology in light of
its goals. Remember, this is not about acquiring technology - it's
about how the technology will help you achieve organizational goals.
- What are your goals and aspirations as an agency?
- What problems do you want to solve?
- How will solving these problems help complete your mission?
- How will technology contribute?
Current Technology and Resources
Assess your current technology and staff resources.
- What technology do you currently have?
- What works well?
- What needs maintenance or upgrade? How do you currently maintain technology?
- What kind of training will be needed for staff?
Priority Needs
Focus on what you want to do with technology, not simply what you want
to purchase. Show how you'll better serve people's needs through
improved equipment, tools, and training. Return to your vision and
goals, linking technology to a few key areas.
- What do you want to accomplish with technology?
- Why do you need a new computer, piece of software, or a network?
- How are your technology upgrades going to further your mission?
- What are your priorities? Which technology needs are most critical?
Solutions
Technology is interdependent and often costly, so make sure that the
technology is right for the job and that it is compatible with other
systems you already have. No doubt, these are complex issues to solve.
You may decide to enlist the help of a technical assistance provider, a
consultant, or other Senior Corps program directors.
- Research various technology options to discover which ones best meet your needs and budget.
- Beware of donated equipment.
- Gather
information from the web, technical assistance providers, and other
Senior Corps agencies to discover possible solutions.
- Compare what you have now with what you want.
- Decide upon specific technology for meetin the needs identified in the previous section.
- Map out the future system and show how it will meet those needs.
- Write out your recommendations for implementation.
- Develop a tech support strategy.
- Outline
any organizational changes necessary to support the proposed
technology, such as hiring new staff, changing organizational policy,
or revising job descriptions.
- Focus less on the technology and more on outcomes --
sell your technology solutions to possible funding sources on the basis
of how they will improve people's lives.
Timeline
Develop a realistic timeline to complete all phases of your technology plan. Set deadlines for milestones and phases.
Budget
Develop a realistic budget showing that you have proposed feasible
solutions to achieve your goals. Potential funders are interested in
workable solutions.
- Show that you have realistic solutions to achieve your goals.
- Track budget against your goals and objectives.
- Consider using an outside source for technology maintenance, and budget for it.
- Include costs such as staff, hardware, software, consultants, etc.
Attachments / Appendices
You may have some relevant documents that you want to include, but that
are not appropriate for the body of your proposal, such as the complete
budget, a timeline, lists, or mission and vision statements. You can
include such documents in an appendix at the end of your plan.
