Quick Start

Quick Start #1
11 Computer Questions To Ask Your Staff

Organizations that are initiating or expanding the use of technology in their operations can often be hampered, or helped, by the familiarity of staff with high-tech gadgetry.

At a recent conference on nonprofit technology, attendees learned that to maximize the benefit a computer system, or to minimize the difficulties, a questionnaire of employees about computer aptitude can help.

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The questionnaire could ask:

• Describe one or two major duties and responsibilities of your role.
• What four specific tasks do you perform most often (not necessarily related to technology)?
• Rank your computer skills (e.g., novice, moderate, educated, advanced, expert).
• How many hours a day do you spend working on a computer?
• Which of these tasks would you like to do with technology to help you better fulfill your responsibilities? (This can include a wide variety of areas, such as communication, tracking and management, accounting, etc.)
• What would you like to do that you can't without computer equipment?
• In what ways has technology made you more productive or effective, or made your job easier?
• How many hours per month do you spend receiving help from co-workers to solve computer-related problems?
• How many hours per month do you spend assisting others?
• How much formal classroom training have you had on computers or related systems?
• How much informal training have you had (e.g., studying a book, etc.)?
  

Quick Start #2
Here's a Vocabulary Techno Test

As nonprofit leaders navigate the ever-changing world of high technology, they find themselves encountering terms that can be arcane or confusing.

• At a recent national conference on nonprofit technology, several words and terms were explained for the benefit of those unfamiliar with them. Among the words and phrases:
• RSS. Real Simple Syndication is a format for storing online information in a way that makes that information readable on different kinds of software.
• Aggregation. Gathering information from multiple Web sites, typically via RSS.
• Blog. Originally short for "weblog," a Web page that contains entries in reverse chronological order. It's an easy way for people to maintain a constantly updated Web presence.
• Blogroll. A list of recommended sites that appears in the sidebar of a blog.
• Mashup. A Web service or software tool that combines two or more tools to create a whole new service.
• Moblogging. Short for "mobile blogging," refers to posting blog updates from remote or mobile equipment, such as a cell phone or camera phone.
• Newsreader. A device that gathers the news from multiple blogs or news sites via RSS, allowing readers to access all their news from a single Web site or program.
• RSS feeds. A constantly updated version of the site's latest content, in a form that can be read by a newsreader or aggregator.

Quick Start #3
10 quick tips to quickly get into the minds of online donors

From 2001 to 2005, online giving increased eightfold to reach an estimated $4.53 billion, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Need a moment? ... Now, consider that more than 50 percent of donors said they would not have taken further action had they not first visited a charity's Web site -- and what you've got is potential at your donors' fingertips.

If your getting cash online, fantastic. If you aren't -- or if you know you could be doing better -- read on:

In the sped up world in which we live, time is precious, and that applies even more to the time we spend navigating the World Wide Wait, err, Web. So, make it quick - the images, the information, the anecdotes, the ask, everything must be relevant, and fast.

Ted Hart, ACFRE, ePMT, at the 2006 Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits, held in Charleston, S.C., discussed the need for charities to have an effective online presence. During his session, Succeeding with ePhilanthropy: Where Technology and Philanthropy Meet, the president and founder of ePhilanthropy Foundation offered the following checklist for online readiness:

1. Clearly display up front your organization's name, logo, and mission.
2. Register your Web site with local, state and federal authorities.
3. Make it easy for donors to get quick answers to questions.
4. Make sure your Web site uses encryption technology wherever you request sensitive or confidential information.
5. Provide multiple opportunities and methods for gifts to be made both online and offline.
6. Post a comprehensive privacy policy.
7. Provide quick documentation of gifts made.
8. Provide online and offline contact information.
9. Provide methods for communication, information, education (i.e., e-newsletter, discussion board, etc).
10. Provide information on how donations are used to support your mission (stewardship).