Nonprofit Technology, Digital Strategy, and NTEN

Posted on February 19, 2015 by | 3 comments
The Nonprofit Technology Conference NTEN

I’ll stick my neck out and suggest there has never been a time where nonprofit technology has been more accessible and pervasive than it is today. (Not much of a risk, there!) It really wasn’t that long ago when all technology budgets, decisions, and challenges were the concern of just one person (or department) at an organization. Today, however, there isn’t a single department within any type of organization that cannot become more efficient with the aid of appropriate technology.

The Nonprofit Technology Network (a.k.a, NTEN), based in Portland, OR, has been spearheading ways to bring technology and the nonprofit professional closer since the late 1990’s. Since officially becoming “NTEN” in 2000, its leaders have been committed to evangelizing the growing need for all nonprofits to not only embrace technology, but be mindful of the cultural changes necessary to allow it to have an impact.

Recently, I had an opportunity to catch up with NTEN’s CEO, Amy Sample Ward.  In the podcast below, Amy shares her thoughts on what “digital strategy” means, what change technology has brought to the sector, and what we can expect from the 2015 Nonprofit Technology Conference-  and how to get the most from it whether in person or on-demand.

The 2015 Nonprofit Technology Conference (#15NTC) will be held in Austin, TX March 4-6. Don’t miss it! Attendess will have more than 130 educational sessions to choose from, as well as opportunities to participate in Days of Service and join a large number of progressive parties.  For details on how you can register as well as complete details on speakers and schedule, click HERE.

 

You can listen to my interview with Amy Sample Ward here:

While there are distinct advantages to the increasingly decentralized role played by nonprofit technology; challenges arise, as well. This growing trend is what prompted a recent study-conducted by NTEN, Care2, and hjc-of nonprofit technology and, specifically, the digital strategy, at organizations throughout the country.  You can download the report HERE.

Going to be in Austin, TX for #15NTC? Stop by and say “Howdy” to Third Sector Today at booth #531 in the Science Fair and say “Howdy”  We’d love to meet you and you can enter to win a $100 Gift Card!

Additional Resources:

NTEN’s Blog post with details and a recap of findings from the 2015 Nonprofit Digital Outlook Report

Days of Service link, in conjunction with NTC and VolunteerMatch

Follow on Twitter: @NTENorg  and follow the hashtag for the latest at NTC’15  #15NTC

A couple of interviews at #14NTC :

Talking about donations and Bitcoins with NTEN Award-winner Jason Shim

Getting Tips on Mobile Engagement from Anthony Jones, Web Director, Ducks Unlimited

  • Megan Keane

    Hi Amy, thanks so much for posting the interview with Amy and sharing these NTEN resources with folks! We’re really excited to have the findings from this new survey, as well as our annual conference just around the corner - we’re always looking to find ways we can best help nonprofits not just with technology needs, but also the cultural shifts that go with embracing new technologies.

  • http://www.thirdsectortoday.com/ Amy DeVita

    Happy to help get it out there- it’s great stuff!

  • https://www.aplos.com Christy Qualle

    Interesting study, the nonprofits I have worked with typically are interested in jumping into digital strategies since the hard cost is lower, but have a hard time knowing how to make the biggest impact and which method will be worth the time and effort. It will be helpful to see what other nonprofits are doing that is working as the sector evolves.

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