501 Commons TechOE program will begin offering Plan IT as an on-demand, contract service for individual organizations beginning January 2024. Email Kai Dailey at kai@501commons.org if you're interested in participating. Our skilled service corps members can help you plan and improve your use of technology.
Technology helps nonprofits raise money, be more productive, measure program effectiveness, and communicate. Plan IT is an action-learning program that empowers nonprofit organizations to make technology a greater ally in achieving their missions.
About Plan IT
Many technology tools and resources are affordable and easy to use – and better yet, many of these platforms offer special discounts for nonprofits! However, it can be difficult to make good technology decisions when there are so many options out there. Join the 100+ organizations that have capitalized on the Plan IT program to help them make better use of technology.
The personalized training offered by TechOE program staff and the consulting provided by your two consultants are valued at $19,500. However, Plan IT is very affordable because of the support we receive from companies and individuals to cover much of the cost! Additionally, our skilled service corps members volunteer their time to serve as your Plan IT consultants.
“Plan IT is an excellent program which demystifies technological challenges facing nonprofits and turns them into opportunities tailored to each participating organization.” - Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
How it works...
Your team of approximately three staff members will meet three times throughout the project with the TechOE program manager to evaluate progress. You will meet more frequently (at a mutually convenient times) during the multi-month Plan IT project with your volunteer consultants. Your consultants have a broad knowledge of technology and are supported by the expertise of 501 Commons staff.
You will complete:
- An assessment of your organization’s technology infrastructure and use of technology tools
- A "key issues" report based on the assessment
- A detailed action plan
To qualify, your organization must:
- Have 501(c)(3) status
- Provide at least two (preferably three) staff members to participate throughout the multi-month process (a board member may participate if an additional staff member is not available)
- Commit to each participant spending 8-10 hours per month for the duration of the planning program
Four steps to better technology...
Project Check Ins: Participants meet three times during the project with the TechOE program manager to evaluate progress and share their experiences. The first meeting will be a program launch, followed by a mid-point check in and a final wrap up.
Technology Assessment: Plan IT participants complete a comprehensive assessment of their organization's technology. The assessment document will ask questions regarding the organization's technology infrastructure, website, database, use of social media, and general office technology. You will discuss the results of your assessment with your consultants and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Key Issues Report: Consultants and organizational representatives discuss key issues based on the tech assessment. The Key Issues Report identifies three key issues the organization should address in their Plan IT Action Plan.
Plan IT Action Plan: Project teams will further analyze the three (3) key issues determined from the report, define organizational goals, and list detailed actions the organization will take to accomplish these goals.
Benefits
Organizations that have participated in Plan IT report that they come away with a better understanding of the strengths and challenges with their technology. Having a detailed plan allows them to take practical and often inexpensive steps. The staff feels more confident in making investments in technology, hiring contractors or vendors, and in recruiting and managing volunteers who support technology.
Organization completing the program have reported that they were very satisfied and that they were ready to take action on their plan. Nearly 100% agree that they are likely to achieve the objectives of their Action Plan.
Application & Schedule
If you are interested in scheduling a Plan IT project for 2024, please contact Kai Dailey, kai@501Commons.org
Note: A revised planning guide and example schedule will be available in January 2024.
501 Commons raises funds from companies and individuals in order to reduce the participation fees. Organizations will pay a contract fee based on the scope of the planning project.
Support Plan IT
If you would like to make a corporate, foundation or individual gift to support nonprofits having access to secure and effective technology, please contact Nancy Long at nancy@501commons.org or Greg Scully at greg@501commons.org.
Questions?
Want to know if Plan IT is a good fit for your organization? Contact Kai Dailey at kai@501commons.org.