The strategic use of information technology by nonprofit organizations: increasing capacity and untapped potential

How are nonprofits using information technology to enhance mission-related outcomes and boost organizational performance? The authors examine a large-scale survey of nonprofits' technology planning, acquisition, and implementation to assess the strategic use of IT in these organizations. They evaluate nonprofits' strategic technology-use potential by examining IT-related competencies and practices that are critical for the successful strategic employment of technology resources. Several promising developments are found, alongside significant deficits in the strategic utilization of IT especially in the areas of financial sustainability, strategic communications and relationship building, and collaborations and partnerships. To boost IT mission-related impact, nonprofits must enhance their organizational capacities in long-term IT planning, budgeting, staffing, and training; performance measurement; Internet and Web site capabilities; and the vision, support, and involvement of senior management.