Nonprofits and libraries like yours can access 400+ technology products from more than 40 donor partners, including Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, Intuit, and Symantec.
- Take our Check Program Eligibility Quiz and see which donation programs your organization is likely eligible for.
- Join TechSoup. It’s free, and the first step to accessing product donations.
- Talk to other nonprofits and libraries in the TechSoup Community.
Find out what the community had to say on our surveys.
Technology Planning
A technology plan is the single most important ingredient to effectively using technology in your organization. The technology planning process will help minimize technology-related crises, use staff time efficiently, and avoid wasting money on equipment. Create a plan to help you think through your priorities in order to use technology in a way that directly furthers your mission.
Looking for our older content on this topic? Visit our Technology Planning Archives page.
Article List
These sample RFPs were created for a Web site project. Create your own with this worksheet.
An RFP is a document that describes a project’s needs and asks for proposed solutions rom qualified vendors. When they're well crafted, RFPs can introduce an organization to high-quality vendor-partners and consultants from outside their networks and ensure that a project is completed as planned.
Multi-user computing is a system, like Windows MultiPoint Server, through which several users access the same computer or server simultaneously. How could this benefit nonprofits and libraries? It can mean maintaining fewer machines for more users, helping cut costs.
What are the best hosted backup options for nonprofits?
Keep your friends close and your backups near (and far)
Best practices, helpful tips, and useful checklists for effective backup systems at your organization.
When you’re lacking time and money, it’s tempting to wait until a computer breaks or a piece of software becomes obsolete and then think about how you’ll replace it. If you plan for technology replacements and upgrades, you can minimize the impact of outdated equipment.
Developing a sustainable technology plan starts with a thorough assessment. This article provides a primer on what questions you can ask and what things to look out for when assessing your organization’s technology infrastructure.
This article aims to help small and medium-sized nonprofits with “accidental techies” and part-time IT consultants focus on threats and develop solutions to better security.
You don't have to go it alone when it comes to technology planning at your organization.
Your file server should be arranged so that you can easily get what you need. We'll show you how.
A comparison of software tools to help manage your nonprofit help-desk.
Use IT policies to improve communication, set priorities, and manage expectations.
Understanding how servers can make your nonprofit’s tech infrastructure more powerful.
This article focuses on anti-spam technologies, also known as spam filters, and offers valuable resources to learn how to fight spam at your organization.
Go green, save money, and get organized with paperless fax.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a concept that frames technology as having costs and benefits that you don’t always see reflected in the price tag. In this article we’ll help you determine the ins and outs of measuring hidden costs and values of adopting new technologies at your organization.
How one technology giant is working to change industry computing standards to reduce their carbon footprint, partner with nonprofit and corporate leaders and change the world.
Taking control of the way we think of the accidental techie is the first step toward creating a more empowered and strategic support role within the nonprofit.
An analysis of the pros and cons to renting equipment for your NGO -- instead of buying.
Technology triage works when you don't have the time, resources, or expertise to start from scratch.
Inventory and track technology assets efficiently to save your organization time and money.
Find the IT staff that fits your organization – and your communication style – the best.
Minimize costs — and help-desk requests — by keeping technology consistent across your org.
A 10-step guide for finding and working with vendors.
One technology consultant shares advice for learning about and implementing technology.
Keep your service providers, usernames, passwords, and other info in order with a tech binder.
This NPower guide will help you navigate the technology staffing process, from hiring to spending.
Learn eco-friendly ways to make your print projects, the earth -- and your nonprofit -- look good.
Use these documents to help you develop an RFP for a new database, Web site, and network.
Conduct effective research and find a technology vendor without wasting weeks of valuable time.
This article will help you devise a CRM strategy and strengthen constituent relationships.
Use this sample RFP timeline as a rough guide for keeping the process on track.
Technology planning will help you focus on the essentials and make the case for funding.
This NPower guide will help you understand and think through the vendor selection process.
These tips can help you plan for and implement new technologies at your nonprofit.
We'll walk you through issues nonprofits face when deciding whether to outsource technology work.
Most nonprofits need help with their technology plans at some point. Learn where to find assistance.
Strategies to reduce paper use and increase paper efficiency.
Webinar List
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Cultivating Relationships with Microsoft Dynamic CRM
Watch our webinar, Managing Relationships with Microsoft Dynamics CRM to hear about this customizable solution. |
Mar 22, 2012 |
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Making the Most of Your Microsoft Software Donation
Do you want to know more about the broad range of software Microsoft donates to nonprofits and libraries through TechSoup? Watch our webinar Making the Most of your Microsoft Software Donation to find out more. |
Feb 15, 2012 |
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Endpoint-Level Security at Your Library or Nonprofit
Symantec representative Andy Singer discusses some of the threats facing your nonprofit or library, and the enterprise-level security you can deploy, such as Symantec's Endpoint Protection, to help to better protect your organization. |
Sep 08, 2011 |
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Free Windows 7 Curriculum:
Struggling to provide jargon-free, basic computer training for an adult audience? The My PC Series, a free online curriculum, aims to make this challenge a bit easier. |
Aug 18, 2011 |
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Microsoft Donation Program: Get Your Questions Answered
This webinar will focus on your questions about TechSoup's Microsoft donation program. Our goal is to better inform our community so everyone who is eligible is able to better leverage technology to further their mission. |
Aug 11, 2011 |
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Microsoft Donation Program: How Does It Work?
Whether you are new or experienced with Microsoft donations, this webinar will teach you about the recently updated Microsoft donation program, restrictions, and additional benefits that will help you to get the most out of your donation request. |
Aug 04, 2011 |
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Security Basics: Keep your Computers Safe
Kami Griffiths from TechSoup interviews Marian Merritt, an Internet Safety Advocate from Symantec Corporation who explains what employees should know and what activities can be problematic. |
Oct 28, 2010 |
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Tips and Tools for Technology Planning
This TechSoup and WebJunction presentation where we’ll share tips, tools, and tales from folks who’ve crafted their own tech plans without too much discomfort. |
Jul 20, 2010 |
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Creating a Successful Computer Refurbishing Program
This a webinar covers how to start a program at your nonprofit to refurbish computers. Learn how to get good refurbishable equipment donations and how to economically set up an operation that is suitable to your budget and the space you have. |
Mar 04, 2010 |
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After the Crash: Minimize your Downtime
Kami Griffiths interviews Laura Richardson from Uptime Resources to help you understand how you can get your system back up and running so your staff can continue to do their work as quickly as possible. |
Feb 25, 2010 |
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How Much Should a Website Cost?
A basic-to-intermediate level overview of the website development process. |
Dec 17, 2009 |
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Disaster Planning: Backup, Backup, Backup!
TechSoup's Becky Wiegand interview sNutmeg Consulting's Chris Shipley and Sarai's Zac Mutrux about the different types of backup options. |
Aug 27, 2009 |
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What Organizations Need to Know to Protect Their Tech
We discuss the ins and outs of getting your organization in tip-top shape before a disaster or crisis happens. |
Aug 20, 2009 |