We firmly believe that new technologies that enable community building and help streamline the way companies and nonprofits conduct their business will create significant opportunities for the winners in the 21st century. Our view is that nonprofits that collaborate through technology enabled networks will thrive and those that cling to delivering cradle to grave services without engaging partners will perish. The key take away is that technology matters because it can move mission. Yet IT spending per seat by small nonprofits is at 5% of for profit corporate levels. Even large nonprofits spend 20% per seat as compared to corporate America. Yet nonprofit survival and growth based on increasing revenues and making productivity gains hinges on effective use of technology.


Web 2.0 refers to second generation internet technologies that emphasize two way online collaboration and sharing between users in sharp contrast to Web 1.0 that allowed for one way static communication only. Web 2.0 has enabled the launch of disruptive business models. For example, three internet charities Global Giving, Donors Chose, and Kiva challenge the traditional nonprofit value chain by directly connecting donors to beneficiary projects, cutting out the typical role non-profits play.  Innovative nonprofits are increasingly using social media like Facebook to leverage their fundraising efforts by building online communities. Relief organizations like Save the Children have implemented new child facing programs that directly serve their beneficiaries (using mobile wireless, Web 2.0 and PDAs) that would not have been possible without the new use of technology. This allows them to provide relief 50% faster with 50% more impact.

In an era of uncertainty and limited resources how can your organization get started and leverage new technologies? Our consultants can help you organize pilot programs, structure small experiments and test ideas.  This approach to achieving rapid results allows you to throw away what doesn’t work without making big bets.  Then we can help you take to scale that which succeeds.