Nonprofit Technology Guide
Technology Planning for Churches and Nonprofits
A discount is valuable only when the technology fits the organization and can be managed well. Start with mission, risk, people, and process—then use nonprofit programs to support the plan rather than define it.
Start With the Work, Not the Product
Identify the work that is difficult, risky, or unnecessarily manual. Talk with the people doing that work and describe the outcome you need before comparing platforms or applying for a discounted product.
Evaluate the Full Cost
Free or discounted licensing may still require migration, configuration, training, support, security, and future upgrades. Include those costs so leadership can compare options honestly.
Prioritize Security Fundamentals
Protect administrative accounts, donor and member information, financial systems, and shared files. Individual accounts, multifactor authentication, appropriate access, reliable backups, and a clear offboarding process usually matter more than adding another isolated tool.
Review Program Terms Before Committing
Eligibility, features, pricing, and renewal requirements can change. Verify current terms directly with each provider during planning, and avoid building a critical process around an assumption that has not been confirmed.