FAQ: Strategic Grant-Writing for Technology

Nonprofits typically ask many questions when they consider how they can more effectively raise funds for technology. Whether they seek money for training or support, development or hardware, it's simply difficult to find money for advanced technology. This FAQ covers some of the broader strategy questions nonprofits face as they try to raise funds.

We have never really written grant proposals for technology or included technology in our other grants. What are the most important first steps to take?

Virtually all operations and programs in nonprofit organizations could be improved with the appropriate introduction and use of advanced technology. Whether you have a technology plan completed or not, we suggest you start by asking yourself why advanced technology is so integral to the program you are trying to fund. Building a strong case for technology is critical so that it does not appear to be an unnecessary add-on, but an essential component of your organization's effectiveness. For example, go beyond pointing out the efficiency improvements that technology affords and highlight the ways these tools can improve your programs, fundraising, collaborations, marketing, and other aspects of nonprofit activity.

Of course, if you have not yet done adequate assessment and planning work then we strongly suggest you do so. You will end up with better decisions and a stronger direction, and you will be able to use much of the plan as your text for the proposal.

Where can we learn more about grant seeking for technology?

The Management Assistance Project in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lumity, Chicago Community Trust, and others have lots of experience to share about grant seeking and technology. In addition, you can talk with nonprofits, consultants, and others on various listservs and discussion forums. You'd be surprised how helpful these lists can be.

• The Alliance for Nonprofit Management Online Newsletter Pulse
• The TechSoup Fundraising Forum

What do funders say are the primary issues they grapple with when making grants for technology?

There are many challenges that funders face both within their foundations and in general that make technology-related grant-making difficult. These challenges mirror the very issues that nonprofits themselves face as they try to plan, fund, and use technology.

First and foremost, we hear funders lament the fact that they have a difficult time knowing if their technology-related giving is having the desired impact. They are often not sure about exactly what kind of investments would make a difference. The reality is that there is often a lack of reliable information available to foundations about how technology impacts programmatic goals.

Nonprofits can help funders (and themselves) by tracking the impact of their technology investments more carefully. This can be done by setting clear goals for projects and then identifying some simple ways to measure success over time.

We get the sense that funders just don't get it. They seem unaware of how critical advanced technology is to help us improve our programs. Are they really in the dark on this stuff?

Unfortunately, yes. As one funder we recently interviewed stated in blunt terms, "I have difficulty convincing some of my foundation colleagues of the value of technology to advance program goals. They just don't get it."

Leaders in most foundations, as well as within our own organizations, often lack the knowledge needed to envision and advocate for strategic use of technology. Foundation program officers are often unable to convince other decision makers at the foundation that greater investments can, when applied appropriately, yield powerful results.

As one program officer said, "Much of the leadership simply doesn't have experience using technology. The younger program officers or staff understand the potential of technology, but don't have enough influence to sway decisions."

Where can I find lists of funders that are interested in technology?

We recommend you start by looking at your current funders to better understand how they might be able to fund some of your technology needs. They already support you and hopefully understand and have confidence in your work.

Another thing to do is visit the Foundation Center or get access to its materials so that you can seek out the names of funders that are interested in technology. We suggest you then cross-reference those names with funders that are also interested in your mission.

Another interesting approach is to search for corporate funders that have a presence in your area and may have philanthropic programs. You can often get this information from the foundation center or from your local chamber of commerce.

Some nonprofits have had success by finding a new angle for approaching funders. For example, there may be a foundation that has a keen interest in a certain topic like knowledge transfer, evaluation, professional development, or planning that might find your proposal attractive.

We don't even know what it is we should be thinking or talking about. How do we get started?

We suggest that you read the worksheet to consider ways you can be more effective in your grant seeking. First, it is important to determine what it is you are trying to do. For example, are you trying to fund an existing project or something new? Do you have a funder in mind that you want to approach, or do you need to develop a list of target funders? Do you already have a grant proposal for a project that needs to have technology funding incorporated into it, or are you drafting a new proposal? Figure out exactly what it is you are dealing with first. Then you can get others involved in making suggestions about what to do next.