spring 2023 philanthropy roundup exponent partners

Philanthropy Tech Roundup – Spring 2023

Posted in: Blog
By: Heather Ballachey

Here at Exponent Partners we have been immersed in philanthropy tech, working closely with grantmaking and philanthropic organizations since our company was founded in 2005. Our highly trained experts have decades of combined experience helping clients automate their grantmaking processes, with the goal of delivering a faster and more efficient experience for teams, funders, grantseekers, and grantees. We believe that by consolidating and interrogating outcomes data, the true value of your work and investments come into sharp focus, giving you a more complete picture of your organization’s impact. Foundations around the world continue to choose the Salesforce platform as their central source of truth, allowing them to streamline the grants lifecycle, open up systems to grantees and reviewers, and collaborate on impact metrics. Especially in recent years, system innovation has become key to organizational transparency for more effective grantmaking efforts. 

With this expertise and innovation in mind, we have a few inspiring philanthropy tech-focused updates we would like to share to demonstrate the type of advisory and project work we have been doing to support our grantmaking clients.

William Penn Foundation Relaunches Salesforce Without foundationConnect

William Penn Foundation, a longstanding client of Exponent Partners, realized in 2022 that it was time to strategically engage with us to better align their technology platform to their vision for innovative grantmaking. Additionally, they identified an timely opportunity to improve user experience for both staff and grantseekers, which was ineffective and confusing with the existing configuration. A big part of this entire initiative involved moving off of foundationConnect, a grantmaking platform that was acquired by Salesforce in 2020 and will likely eventually be replaced. Check out our recently published client success story to learn more about the crucial planning stage of this project, how they collaborated with us in the build phase, and the overwhelmingly positive project outcomes.

Lara Hoke Kimberly, Principal Consultant at Exponent Partners, Becomes First Certified AmpImpact Administrator in the Vera Solutions Partner Network

We are thrilled to announce that Lara Hoke Kimberly, principal consultant in our philanthropy practice, has successfully become the first Certified AmpImpact Administrator in the entire Vera Solutions partner network. As proud partners of Vera Solutions, we are thrilled that a member of our team is the first to achieve this exciting milestone! As an official implementation partner, we provide AmpImpact implementation services within our existing portfolio of nonprofit consulting and strategic advisory services. We feel this partnership benefits the grantmaking community as a whole, by offering expertise in developing and implementing sustainable systems to support grantmaking innovation and growth. As a backbone to our partnership, Vera Solutions and Exponent Partners have critical mission alignment: to help nonprofits working in philanthropy, education, and human services drive greater social impact. 

Upcoming Event: PEAK Grantmaking, Baltimore, May 8 – 10

Ongoing learning and community engagement are critical to understanding the challenges and opportunities grantmaking nonprofits are facing. Andrew Whitehouse, director of nonprofit markets, will be attending PEAK Grantmaking’s annual conference in Baltimore in May. Andrew looks forward to connecting with grantmaking organizations to better understand how the Exponent Partners team can help support them with their strategic planning, grantmaking system design and implementation, or ongoing data governance or virtual administration. Drop Andrew a line and connect with him to talk about philanthropy tech in Baltimore!

If your organization would like to start a conversation about how to increase the effectiveness of your grantmaking and impact measurement efforts, be sure to reach out!      

Team collaborating around boardroom table

Increasing Efficiency Across the Stages of the Grantmaking Lifecycle

Posted in: Blog
By: Lara Hoke Kimberley

As grantmakers seek to increase their impact it is critical to find areas to increase the efficiency in the grantmaking lifecycle. This blog post explores three discrete areas grantmakers should consider for optimization.

Simplify and Standardize

A trend we have seen recently across grantmaking organizations is the drive to simplify and standardize. This comes in many flavors and can be seen across the stages of the grantmaking lifecycle. 

Perhaps the most common approach is the adoption of a single set of application forms with standardized questions across programs and funding types. An organization may be able to reduce the number of applications from over a dozen to three basic types – programmatic support, operational support, and sponsorship. Although on the surface this sounds simple, we are keenly aware that getting buy-in across grantmaking stakeholders is no small task.

Other steps to consider are:

  • Reducing the number of required documents from grantseekers
  • Limiting the number of steps in approval processes
  • Standardizing scoring rubrics

Use Technology to Support Business Processes

Grants management software, when implemented thoughtfully, can ease the burden on grantmakers by automating business processes and integrating with external systems. 

Some examples of automation we frequently see include:

  • An approval process that automatically routes a grant application to the correct approver(s) based on program, requested amount, and geographic location of the grantee
  • Automated reminders to grantseekers prior to application and report due dates. 
  • Generating PDFs of a grantseekers’ submitted application and reports
  • Automatically retrieving data about a grantseeking organization from Candid (Guidestar) when an application is submitted

Grants management software should also be end-user friendly, which often means having an interface that is intuitive to use, minimizes the steps that a grantmaker or grantseeker must take in order to complete a task, is mobile-friendly, and accessible to users with assistive devices such as speech recognition software and screen readers.

Several user experience features to help streamline the grantmaking lifecycle include:

  • Grant application forms which lead grantseekers through the steps and validate the completeness of an application prior to submitting, reducing the back and forth between grantseekers and grantmakers 
  • Mobile-friendly applications which can be completed by grantseekers anywhere, anytime
  • An interface for reviewers to access and score applications without requiring them to juggle PDFs, scoring rubrics, and countless Excel spreadsheets

Tie Grantmaking Priorities to the Organization’s Logic Model

At the beginning of the grantmaking lifecycle, grantmakers should work to align internal stakeholders around the desired outcomes and impact of their grantmaking program. These outcomes and impact may reflect the entirety of the organization’s logic model, or a subset of the larger framework.

Naming the desired outcomes of the program will inform the indicators against which the grants will be measured. Defining these indicators and communicating it clearly internally and externally will help both grantmakers and grantseekers avoid spending time and resources on applications and grants that aren’t a good fit. 

This structure will also increase efficiency during the monitoring, evaluation, and learning stage. Grantees will report results against the established indicators and MEL teams will have access to data in structured format connected directly to their logic model, saving untold hours of data manipulation and extrapolation.

In conclusion, simplifying and standardizing across programs, using technology to reduce the administrative burden on end users, and aligning grantmaking priorities to an organization’s logic model will help grantmakers more quickly and effectively get their funds out the door.

The expert team in the philanthropy practice here at Exponent Partners has decades of combined experience working with grantmaking organizations to increase efficiency across the grantmaking lifecycle. Drop us a line if you would like to have a conversation about how we can support your organization to achieve radically better impact.

Social worker speaking with man and child

Unlocking a Healthy Nonprofit Workforce: The Power of Case Management Solutions

Posted in: Blog
By: Greg Rideout

Believe it or not, it was just three years ago that the country essentially closed down in an effort to contain the COVID-19 virus.  While all businesses, for profit and nonprofit, attempted to pivot sufficiently and successfully in order to survive, soon dire reporting around job losses began to fill all our media streams.  Thankfully, the country’s economic prognosis started to improve a little over one year later and companies shifted from significant layoffs to major hiring efforts.  While this should have been the easiest time to welcome new hires, a large percentage of the unemployed population seemed disinterested.  While government-funded financial support likely bolstered this disinterest, individuals taking this stance also spoke about toxic work environments: too much work for too little pay,  unsupportive bosses, and a lack of work/life balance.  To make matters worse, those who remained employed through the height of the pandemic started citing the same frustrations and media outlets soon shifted to cover the Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting trend.  Within the nonprofit sector, these economic phenomena were even more problematic as it was clear that fewer and fewer of America’s newest generation of full-time employees were choosing careers in social services.  

While it is true that today’s workforce, even in the nonprofit space, wants to be paid what they believe they are worth, they are also prioritizing a healthy work environment.  How is healthy defined?  In numerous polls, individuals have cited a sense of belonging and inclusion; opportunities to grow; supportive and engaged supervisors; a sense that their work is impactful; and healthy work/life balance.  As the title of this piece suggests, believe it or not, the right case management platform might also be your human resources solution, positively impacting the health of an organization as defined by today’s job seekers and current employees alike.

At Exponent Partners, we have extensive expertise in social impact-focused case management implementation for human services organizations. The right case management platform can provide an employment experience today’s nonprofit workforce and job seeking population are looking for from their employer. 

  1. Sense of Belonging and Inclusion: The right case management platform actually brings teams closer, even if working hybrid or fully remote schedules.  All the work being contributed by various members of a team or even across teams is charted in the same client record.  Further, reporting is accessible by all, so that teams can collectively engage in inclusive, data-informed decision- making relative to the future program model and services.  
  2. Opportunities to Grow: The right case management platform  can provide an employee and their supervisor the opportunity to set measurable developmental goals on annual performance appraisals.  For the employee who is looking to grow in the organization, these goals can speak to the development of new skills and higher achievement levels coveted by nonprofit leadership.
  3. Supportive and Engaged Supervisors: Leading case management platforms  provide program managers with real-time dashboards that can be customized to reflect both program and individual employee performance.  As a result, the supervisor enters supervision sessions well-informed and ready to support the employee in areas in which they may be struggling but also celebrate the employee’s successes.
  4. Sense of Impact: Dashboards are not just for managers; case management platforms can also be calibrated to  provide employees with a real-time dashboard.  Again, these dashboards can often be customized to reflect what team members believe to be the key variables that speak to the impact the individual employee and the program is having on program participants.  For the employee seeking a mission-driven position, this daily, visual representation of the work is key.
  5. Work/Life Balance: Unlike other single point solutions, industry-leading case management platforms provide the 360 degree view of an agency participant to create the job efficiencies that support work/life balance.  Sophisticated platforms also allow for migration or integration with other systems used within the organization and as discussed relative to dashboards, robust reporting.  These attributes generate incredible work efficiencies, including 1) the need to collect key data points only once despite multiple enrollments; 2) the ability to quickly track program adherence via referral follow through, progress notes, class or group attendance, or progress on service plan goals; and 3) ease in producing reports to funders and collecting key statistics for proposals for new funding.  The result? Gone are the 10-12 hour work days in order to complete all direct care work and complete all the associated administrative tasks.

Understanding which case management platform is the best fit for your organization can be challenging. The team at Exponent Partners has extensive experience with implementing a number of industry-leading case management platforms and understanding which system is the best fit for the client organization. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help your organization achieve radically better impact.

Streamline Your Grant Management Process: A Nonprofit’s Guide

Posted in: Blog

Whether you’re just starting a new nonprofit organization or you already have a handle on the grant management process, having a streamlined grant process is key to effectively running your nonprofit. It can be a complex process that requires searching for the ideal grants, handling reporting, filing numerous applications, and more. And all of these responsibilities can be time-consuming and challenging at times.

Luckily, there are a few key ways to streamline nonprofit grant management. In this guide, we will share the basics of the grant management process, as well as best practices for building an effective grant management system for your nonprofit.

What Is Grant Management for Nonprofits?

Nonprofit grant management refers to the process of overseeing the entire lifecycle of a grant received by a nonprofit organization. This includes everything from organizing and securing grants to tracking and processing grant applications and grant closure. 

It’s important to note that grant management can be viewed from two perspectives: the organizations dispersing the funds, and the nonprofits receiving the funds. 

From the perspective of philanthropic organizations and foundations, grant management involves determining how to disperse their funds. This process is also known as grantmaking. These philanthropic organizations ensure that the funds they disburse are used effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with their intended purpose.

Some of their activities include:

  • Monitoring the progress of grant recipients
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of funded projects
  • Conducting site visits to ensure compliance with grant terms
  • Provide technical assistance to grantees as needed

The second perspective is from that of the nonprofit organization applying for and receiving the grants. This involves a series of steps that nonprofits take to ensure that they meet the requirements and expectations of the grantor, and that they use the grant funds in a way that achieves their mission and goals.

Some grant management activities from a nonprofit perspective include:

  • Reviewing the grant requirements
  • Developing grant proposals
  • Managing funds and tracking expenses
  • Preparing reports and evaluations
  • Maintaining compliance with grantor requirements

Effective grant management requires a collaborative effort from a team of individuals with diverse skills and expertise. This includes grant managers, the finance team, and the nonprofit’s board of directors. 

Types of Nonprofit Grants

There are several types of nonprofit grants that organizations can pursue, each with its own specific requirements and application processes. Here are some of the most common types of nonprofit grants:

Project grants

These are typically awarded for a specific project or program. This type of nonprofit grant is often tied to specific goals and outcomes.

Operating grants

Operating grants provide funding to support an organization’s day-to-day operations, such as salaries, rent, and other administrative expenses.

Capacity-building grants

This type of grant supports nonprofit organizations in building their ability to deliver services and programs. Examples include grants for staff training, strategic planning, and program evaluation.

Capital grants

Nonprofit capital grants are used to fund capital expenses, such as building construction or renovation, the purchase of equipment or vehicles, or other major investments.

Challenge grants

Challenge grants require the organization to raise a certain amount of matching funds before the grant is awarded, typically providing an incentive for other donors to contribute.

Research grants

This type of nonprofit grant supports research projects and studies, typically in fields such as healthcare, education, and social sciences.

Where Do Grants For Nonprofits Come From?

Grants for nonprofits can come from a variety of sources, including:

Foundations

Many private and public foundations offer grants to nonprofits. These can range from small local foundations to large national and international foundations.

Government agencies

Local, state, and federal government agencies may offer grants to nonprofits for specific programs or initiatives.

Corporations

Some corporations offer grants to nonprofits as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Individual donors

Individual donors may choose to give grants to nonprofits that align with their philanthropic goals.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms allow nonprofits to raise money from a large number of individuals over the internet.

The Importance of Grant Management for Nonprofits

Effective grant management is essential for nonprofit organizations to maximize the impact of the funds they receive. Here’s why grant management is so crucial for nonprofit organizations:

Ensures the nonprofit is meeting requirements

When a nonprofit organization receives a grant, there are often specific requirements that the organization must meet in order to use the funds. Grant management helps ensure that the organization is meeting those requirements and is using the funds appropriately.

Holds the nonprofit accountable

Nonprofit organizations that receive grants are accountable to their funders for the use of the funds. Grant management helps ensure that the organization is transparent and accountable, which can help build trust with donors and funders.

Promotes compliance

Nonprofit organizations that receive grants must comply with laws and regulations related to the use of the funds. Grant management helps ensure that the organization is complying with those laws and regulations.

Measures the progress of nonprofits’ work

Grant management helps nonprofit organizations track their progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the grant. This information can be used to report back to funders and to make decisions about the organization’s programs and services.

Encourages sustainability

Grant management helps ensure that nonprofit organizations are using funds in a sustainable way so that they can continue to provide their programs and services in the long term.

The Risks Of Ineffective Grant Management

Not having a proper grant management process in place can pose significant risks for nonprofits. Poor grant management can result in financial mismanagement and fraud, leading to financial instability. This could potentially cause the nonprofit to shut down. Noncompliance can also result in penalties and legal consequences, adding to the financial burden of the organization.

Ineffective grant management can also cause the nonprofit to miss out on future funding opportunities. If an organization fails to meet the requirements or expectations of a grantor, it’s unlikely that the grantor will award future funding. The organization’s reputation can be negatively impacted, making it difficult to secure funding from other sources.

The Complete Grant Management Lifecycle 

Here is an overview of the steps involved in the grant management lifecycle:

1. Grant prospecting

This stage involves identifying and researching potential grant opportunities that match the nonprofit’s mission and objectives.

2. Grant application

This stage involves preparing and submitting a grant application, which includes a proposal, budget, and other required documents, to the grantor.

3. Grant review

Once the grant application is submitted, it is reviewed by the grantor to determine if the nonprofit meets the eligibility requirements and the grant objectives.

4. Grant award

If the grant application is successful, the nonprofit will be awarded the grant, and a grant agreement will be signed by both parties.

5. Grant implementation

This stage involves putting the grant funds to work and executing the activities outlined in the grant proposal.

6. Grant reporting

Throughout the grant implementation, the nonprofit is required to submit progress reports and financial reports to the grantor, which show how the grant funds are being used.

7. Grant closeout

At the end of the grant period, the nonprofit is required to submit a final report, which summarizes the project’s achievements, lessons learned, and the impact of the grant. The grantor will then evaluate the report and close the grant.

In addition to the above stages, a nonprofit may also need to maintain compliance with regulations and requirements related to the grant, such as tracking and reporting on specific outcomes or providing audit documentation.

Tips for Streamlining Your Grant Management Process

Here are some grant management best practices to keep your funding efforts as consistent and efficient as possible.

Take Advantage of Grant Management Software for Nonprofits

Purpose-built software can be a game-changer for nonprofits that want to streamline their grant management process. Exponent Partners’ grant management software can help nonprofits track their grant applications, manage reporting requirements, and monitor grant progress. 

Our solution can also help nonprofits identify new grant opportunities that align with their mission, and automate routine administrative tasks. By automating these processes, nonprofits can free up staff time and focus on more strategic activities.

Use a Grant Calendar

We recommend setting up a grant calendar that your whole team can access digitally. This will keep your employees on the same page throughout the proposal process and makes it easier to track grants you’ve applied for. 

Each calendar entry should include the grant application’s deadline window, your organization’s task timelines and deadlines, and any recurring dates that may arise during the grant process. Virtual calendars with built-in communication and timeline tools will also help you to collaborate with your team and connect relevant tasks to your nonprofit’s goals.

Create a Resource Library

Lastly, we suggest establishing a central repository of all the documents and materials that nonprofits need for their grant management process. This can include standard application documents, grant management templates, and grant reporting templates.

A resource library can help nonprofits streamline their grant management process by providing a one-stop shop for all the necessary materials. This reduces the time it takes to search for materials, improves consistency across applications, and ensures that all the necessary documents are up to date.

How Exponent Partners Can Help

Exponent Partners offers expert solutions for nonprofits to streamline the grant lifecycle. We have extensive expertise working closely with organizations in the philanthropic sector as well as their funding recipients to restructure their processes, manage key relationships, and measure their impact and progress. We provide support throughout their entire grant management journey. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you optimize your grant management process. Let’s work together to help your organization achieve its vision and mission by unleashing the power of your data.

Grantmaking Best Practices for 2023

Posted in: Blog

As the charitable sector grows, grantmakers face increasing competition to attract and support the right recipients and nonprofits. In order to keep up with the latest trends and needs of the nonprofit sector, grantmaking best practices are constantly evolving. This makes it essential for grantmakers to keep their processes and practices up-to-date.

But what does it take to be a great grantmaker? And why is it so important for them to implement the latest grantmaking best practices? 

This article will cover actionable tips on how to improve your grantmaking strategies. We’ll also explain how Exponent Partners’ grant management software can help you streamline your processes, attract more applicants, and ultimately achieve greater impact.

Competition Within The Nonprofit Market

With the increasing number of nonprofits and the limited funding available, nonprofit organizations are constantly competing with each other for resources, including funding, volunteers, and partnerships. This competition is further exacerbated by the emergence of new social and environmental challenges that require more resources and attention from the nonprofit sector.

With a growing number of nonprofits vying for limited funding opportunities, grantmakers are faced with the challenge of identifying the most effective organizations and programs to support. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the competition for funding. Many nonprofits are struggling to meet the increased demand for their services while facing decreased funding opportunities.

And that’s why the role of a grantmaker is so important.

6 Characteristics Of A Good Grantmaker

But what does it take to be a good (and great) grantmaker? Here are some characteristics:

1. Clear mission and values

A good grantmaker should have a clear and well-defined mission and values that guide their grantmaking practices.

2. Responsive and approachable

A good grantmaker should be responsive to inquiries and approachable to potential applicants. They should provide clear and transparent guidance on their grantmaking process and priorities.

3. Strategic and innovative

A good grantmaker should implement a strategic roadmap around their grantmaking practices. They should seek out innovative and effective programs and nonprofits that align with their organization’s mission and values.

4. Collaborative

Fostering collaboration among grantees and other stakeholders is crucial to building strong partnerships and maximizing impact in the nonprofit sector.

5. Flexible and adaptable

A good grantmaker should be able to respond quickly to changing circumstances and emerging needs in the nonprofit sector.

6. Transparent and accountable

Transparency and accountability are key characteristics of a good grantmaker. They need to provide clear and accessible information on their grantmaking process, priorities, and outcomes.

The Importance Of Good Grantmaking Practices

Without the correct funding, nonprofits aren’t able to carry out their projects and initiatives. This can be especially important for smaller or newer organizations that may not have access to other sources of funding.

But with the right practices in place, grantmakers help maximize the impact of funding by supporting the most effective programs. With effective grantmaking practices, nonprofits have access to the resources they need to achieve their mission and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Some areas they can help address include:

  • social justice
  • education
  • healthcare
  • environment

Efficient grantmaking can also support innovative approaches and ideas that may not have been tried before. By taking risks and supporting new and untested approaches, grantmakers can help drive innovation and progress in different fields.

5 Grantmaking Best Practices

Here are some actionable tips on how to improve your grantmaking process and strategies.

1. Streamline the application process

One of the most important best practices for grantmakers is to streamline the application process for applicants. This can be achieved by using online portals or software that makes it easy for applicants to apply and for grantmakers to review applications. 

The online portal should be user-friendly and provide detailed instructions on how to complete the application process. Additionally, grantmakers should consider using a common application form that is widely recognized and accepted by nonprofits.

Exponent Partners offers a suite of grant management solutions that help grantmakers streamline their application process, making it easier for nonprofits to apply and for grantmakers to review applications. Our solutions also allow grantmakers to customize their application process to meet their specific needs, ensuring that the right information is captured in a timely and efficient manner.

2. Foster collaboration

Collaboration among nonprofits can lead to greater impact and more efficient use of resources. This can be achieved by encouraging grantees to work together on joint projects or by hosting networking events that bring together nonprofits from different sectors.

Grantmakers should be able to easily communicate with their grantees and other stakeholders through a platform. This encourages the sharing of ideas, resources, and best practices, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective use of grant funds.

3. Use data to drive decision making

Data is increasingly becoming a critical factor in grantmaking decisions. Grantmakers need to assess the impact of their grants and the effectiveness of their grantmaking processes. This will help grantmakers make calculated, informed decisions about where to allocate funds.

Exponent Partners offers data management and analytics solutions that allow grantmakers to collect, store, and analyze data on their grantees, grants, and impact. Our solutions can help track your progress toward your goals and measure the effectiveness of your grantmaking efforts.

4. Encourage Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Grantmakers should make a concerted effort to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in their grantmaking practices. This ensures that all nonprofits have an equal opportunity to apply for and receive funding.

Grantmakers should ensure that the grant application process is accessible to all and that their charitable organization is actively seeking out and supporting nonprofits that promote DEI.

5. Continuous learning and improvement

Finally, grantmakers should be committed to continuous learning and improvement. This can be achieved by:

  • Soliciting feedback from grantees and other stakeholders
  • Conducting regular evaluations of their grantmaking practices
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the nonprofit sector

Harness The Power Of Technology For Effective Grantmaking

Grantmakers have the daunting task of managing large amounts of data related to projects, grantees, donors, and other stakeholders. But just as in many other industries, technology has become an increasingly important tool to turn manual tasks into streamlined processes.

At Exponent Partners, we’re dedicated to (and a bit obsessed with) making grantmakers’ lives even easier through technology. Integrated with Salesforce, our grant management solutions provide grantmakers with the tools they need to track and continuously improve their grantmaking practices. And if you’re a bit apprehensive about using new technology with your team, don’t worry. We also provide training and ongoing support to help you get the most out of our technology solutions.

Ready to take your grantmaking process to new heights? Get in touch with our team and let us advise you through your organization’s change management every step of the way.

Strategic Roadmap Planning for Nonprofits: How Technology Can Help

Posted in: Blog

As technology continues to advance, it has become increasingly important for nonprofits to incorporate it into their strategic roadmaps. Whether you’re a small grassroots nonprofit or a large established organization, technology can help you achieve your mission, reach new audiences, and streamline internal operations.

However, for many nonprofits, incorporating technology into their plans can be a daunting task. Where do you begin? And how can you encourage your team to be open-minded to new processes and embrace change? 

From assessing organizational needs to selecting the right tools, we’ll explore the key steps and best practices for creating and leveraging technology for your nonprofit’s strategic roadmap planning. We’ll also show you how partnering with Exponent Partners can help your nonprofit effectively integrate technology into your strategic roadmaps. 

What Is A Strategic Roadmap?

A nonprofit strategic roadmap is a plan that outlines an organization’s goals and objectives over a specific period. It serves as a guide for decision-making, resource allocation, and performance evaluation. The roadmap should align with the nonprofit’s mission, vision, and values, and should be flexible enough to adapt to changes in the external environment and internal operations.

Let’s imagine that your nonprofit is a group of friends who love hiking. You’ve decided that you want to climb to the top of a nearby mountain, but you’re not quite sure how to get there.

A strategic roadmap is like a hiking plan for your group. It’s a map that shows you where you want to go, what you’ll need to get there, and how you’ll make it happen.

First, you’ll need to decide on your destination: You want to climb to the top of the mountain. In the same way, your nonprofit has a mission, which might be to provide education or support for a specific cause.

Next, you’ll need to plan your route. You might need to choose the best trail to take, which could be like choosing the right programs or services to offer to achieve your mission. You’ll also need to decide what gear to bring. In nonprofits, the plan or strategy could be choosing the right technology or tools to support your nonprofit’s work.

Once you have your plan in place, you’ll need to keep track of your progress, which is like monitoring your nonprofit’s performance. You might track how far you’ve hiked, how much time it’s taking, and whether you need to adjust your plan along the way. Similarly, your nonprofit might track metrics like fundraising, volunteer engagement, and program impact to ensure that you’re on track to achieve your goals.

In short, a strategic roadmap is a forward-thinking, strategic plan for your nonprofit, helping you to chart your course and reach your destination. Your strategic roadmap should be a living document that is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure your nonprofit organization stays on track to achieve its mission.

The Importance Of Technology For Strategic Roadmap Planning

Just like how technology can help hikers navigate the trail more easily and efficiently, it can also help nonprofits achieve their strategic roadmap more effectively.

Technology plays a critical role in enabling nonprofits to 

  • collect and analyze data
  • communicate with stakeholders
  • streamline operations
  • collaborate with team members

Let’s take a closer look at how technology can help nonprofits.

5 Ways Technology Can Help A Nonprofit Organization

Still on the fence about using technology? Here’s why your nonprofit should invest in technology as part of your strategic roadmap:

1. Efficiency and productivity

Technology can help nonprofits automate processes, streamline operations, and improve productivity. For example, using a donor management system can make it easier to track donations and communicate with donors, freeing up staff time to focus on other important tasks.

2. Data collection and analysis

One of the biggest benefits of technology is providing nonprofits with valuable analytics. Important insights can inform your team’s decision-making and help them achieve their goals more effectively. By collecting and analyzing data on program impact, volunteer engagement, and fundraising performance, nonprofits can make data-driven decisions about where to allocate resources and how to improve their programs.

3. Communication and outreach

Technology can help nonprofits reach a wider audience and communicate more effectively with their stakeholders. For example, donor management systems can help nonprofits track donations and communicate with donors. Social media platforms can help them reach a wider audience and promote events and fundraising campaigns.

4. Collaboration and remote work

With the increasing popularity of remote work and virtual collaboration, technology has become an essential tool for nonprofits to work together and stay connected. Platforms such as video conferencing and project management software can help teams work more efficiently, no matter where they are located.

5. Cost savings

Investing in technology can also help nonprofits work more efficiently and cost-effectively. For example, moving from paper-based processes to digital systems can save on printing and postage costs. Video conferencing and project management software can help teams work together more efficiently, no matter where they are located.

How To Incorporate Technology Into Your Nonprofit’s Strategic Roadmap Planning

Incorporating technology into your nonprofit’s strategic roadmap can seem daunting. Here are a few key steps you can take to get started:

1. Identify your needs

Before you can incorporate technology into your strategic roadmap, you need to identify what your organization needs. Start by reviewing your strategic plan and identifying areas where technology could help you achieve your goals more efficiently or effectively. For example, you might need a better way to manage donations or a more effective way to engage volunteers.

2. Set priorities

Once you’ve identified your technology needs, prioritize them based on their impact and feasibility. Focus on areas where technology can make the biggest difference in achieving your goals, and where implementation is within your budget and resources.

3. Research solutions

Once you’ve identified your technology needs and priorities, research potential solutions that can help you achieve your goals. Look for technology tools and platforms that are specifically designed for nonprofits, and consider consulting with experts in nonprofit technology to get their recommendations.

At Exponent Partners, we offer a wide range of technology solutions that can help nonprofits harness the power of technology to achieve their goals and mission. We’re experts in Salesforce, a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform that helps nonprofits manage their donors, volunteers, and programs more effectively. It’s never been easier to track donations, manage volunteers, and measure program impact, all in one centralized location.

4. Develop a plan

Once you’ve identified your technology solutions, develop a plan for how to implement them. This might involve setting up new systems, migrating data, or training staff on new tools. Be sure to include timelines, milestones, and budgets for each step of the plan.

5. Measure your success

Finally, measure the success of your technology implementation by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjusting your plan as needed. This might involve collecting data on volunteer engagement, fundraising performance, or program impact to assess whether your technology solutions are helping you achieve your goals.

It’s Time To Harness The Power Of Technology

Incorporating technology into your nonprofit’s strategic roadmap planning is an ongoing process that requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment. By following these steps and continuously refining your technology solutions, you can ensure that you are making the most of technology to achieve your mission and make a greater impact in your community.

At Exponent Partners, we’re all about helping nonprofits use technology to achieve success and make a bigger impact in communities. We know that nonprofits face unique challenges, which is why we take a customized approach to incorporating technology into a nonprofit’s strategic roadmap. We work closely with nonprofits to understand their needs and goals, and then develop a technology strategy that aligns with their mission and priorities.

Our team of experts has over a decade of experience working with nonprofits, so we know what works and what doesn’t. And we’re not just here to set up technology and walk away. Whether it’s implementing new systems, migrating data, or training staff on new tools, we provide the support and guidance that nonprofits need to succeed.

Ready to make the most of our technology solutions? Contact us today and let’s get your nonprofit’s technology plan going.

Next Gen Nonprofit Cloud: The Evolution of Salesforce for Nonprofits

Posted in: Blog

Since 2005, Exponent Partners has been committed to our mission of helping nonprofits be radically better at driving social impact. Our team’s work has helped equip organizations working in human services, education and philanthropy with information systems that allow these organizations to extract the real value in their data and tell compelling stories of measurable impact. In addition to being the leading experts in developing enterprise-wide information systems for human services, education and philanthropic grantmaking nonprofits, we long ago chose Salesforce as the technology platform to best serve our nonprofit clients with the most configurable, extensible and scalable solution platform in the world. As the longest-tenured Salesforce partner for human services nonprofits, we even established our reputation as the premier expert in building Salesforce-based information systems through the development of the first widely available case management system built on the platform. 

Today Salesforce announced a new vision for their Nonprofit Cloud industry-specific solution that allows nonprofits to take advantage of the innovations that Salesforce enables for other industry clouds. While past product lines were built and layered on top of the Salesforce platform via installed applications, the new Nonprofit Cloud will be built directly into the core platform. This next-generation evolution of the Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud brings together all current and future functionality in a single solution without the need to manage additional installations. This vision will allow nonprofits who opt to use the newer offering to leverage industry common components and newer Salesforce tools to complement the well-known nonprofit solution line we’ve all come to know and trust. This will eventually include program and case management, impact and outcome management, grants management, and fundraising.

Available today, the new case management and program management features in the reimagined Nonprofit Cloud leverage a common core architecture and a broader spectrum of Salesforce innovations. For some Salesforce nonprofit customers, this may enable them to better implement their full breadth required functionality and derive greater value from their use of Salesforce. As the premier experts in Salesforce for human services and education nonprofits who might benefit from program and case management, we are eager to tap into the power of this new and improved platform where it makes sense to do so. What has not changed is Exponent Partners’ ability to help these organizations dramatically improve impact through a well-implemented information system strategy designed, built and managed in a single consolidated systems architecture that avoids the loss of valuable time and data coherence. Our High-Level Planning (HLP) and strategic roadmapping capabilities uniquely position Exponent Partners to help our clients determine if the new Nonprofit Cloud offering is right for them.

And as this newly released nonprofit industry solution expands throughout the year with additional functionality for grants management, outcomes management, and fundraising, those organizations who adopt it will be able to expand into these additional functional areas with efficient workflows and a single view of all of their generated impact. This innovation is envisioned by Salesforce to be another step in the direction of  enabling the whole agency vision that we at Exponent Partners have spent nearly two decades creating for the human services, philanthropy, and education nonprofit spaces.

It’s worth noting that this new technology approach for the nonprofit sector is made possible by Salesforce’s outcomes-focused commitment and benefits from core technologies in other Salesforce industries like health, life sciences, and the public sector. This means that nonprofit organizations will ideally be able to leverage best-in-class technology developed for many other Salesforce use cases and can benefit from a robust and expanded product roadmap.

Exponent Partners is one of the nonprofit sector’s longest-tenured Salesforce implementation partners and the premier human services experts. With these enhancements and the reimagined vision of the Nonprofit Cloud, our solution lines and consulting services are poised to create even more impact for the people and organizations that drive change and social impact. If you’re curious about if the new Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is right for you, please contact us to schedule a consultation. If you’re already working with us, please reach out to your Exponent Partners Client Lead or Account Executive to discuss what this means for you. We look forward to continuing to drive radically better outcomes for the nonprofit sector, as well as collaborating with the Salesforce Trailblazer community to create lasting, positive change for the communities we serve.

Creating a Strategic Roadmap For Nonprofits: Where To Start

Posted in: Blog

Picture this: a group of enthusiastic volunteers gathered around a whiteboard, brainstorming ideas for their nonprofit organization’s future. They throw out buzzwords like “impactful” and “sustainability,” nodding eagerly as they scribble down every idea that pops into their heads.

Fast forward a few weeks later, and the same group of volunteers is now frantically running around, trying to put together a fundraising event with no clear direction. The buzzwords have lost their lustre, and the once-enthusiastic group is now struggling to know what direction to take.

This is where a strategic roadmap comes in. A roadmap is like a treasure map for nonprofits, guiding them toward their goals and providing a clear path forward. Without a roadmap, nonprofits can find themselves lost and directionless.

If you want to avoid the chaos and uncertainty of running a nonprofit without a plan, we’re here to guide you. In this article, we’ll explain how to create a strategic roadmap that will structure your nonprofit’s efforts. 

What is a Strategic Roadmap?

A strategic roadmap is a high-level plan that outlines the key objectives and initiatives an organization needs to undertake to achieve its long-term goals. It typically includes a timeline and identifies the resources required to achieve these goals.

In the context of a nonprofit, a strategic roadmap is a planning tool that outlines an organization’s strategic objectives, goals, and action steps over a specific period of time. It provides a clear, comprehensive, and cohesive plan of how the organization will achieve its mission, vision, and goals.

The Benefits of Creating a Strategic Roadmap for Nonprofits

Here are some ways in which nonprofits can benefit from developing a strategic roadmap:

Clear direction

This helps ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and working towards the same objectives.

Nonprofits often have complex goals and many internal and external stakeholders, so a strategic roadmap can help ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives. Everyone in your organization can have a shared understanding of what the organization is trying to achieve and how it plans to get there. 

Developing a strategic roadmap for your organization is also an effective way to position it to achieve your core mission. Your plan, if crafted correctly, will break your mission up into achievable, measurable, and simple-to-track goals that you can reach one by one as steps toward your ultimate objectives.

Better decision-making

A clearly defined strategic roadmap can help guide tactical decision-making for nonprofits. With a clear understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives, decision-makers can evaluate potential options. They can choose the ones that best align with the organization’s overall strategy, especially when faced with change.

Uncertainty is of course a factor in any business operation. However,  your plan can be adjusted and consulted to aid you in proactively planning for uncertainty and tackling challenges when they arise.

Resource allocation

Nonprofits often have finite  resources, and a strategic roadmap can help them allocate those resources more effectively. It can help a nonprofit focus on the most important initiatives and align all of its resources around the same objectives.

By identifying the most important goals and objectives, nonprofits can prioritize their resources to achieve the greatest impact.

Improved collaboration

A strategic roadmap can improve team alignment and collaboration among stakeholders. By creating a shared understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives, everyone can work together towards the same vision. This can lead to better teamwork, and ultimately, positive social change.

Increased accountability

A strategic roadmap can help hold nonprofits accountable for achieving their goals. By setting clear objectives and action steps, your team can measure their progress and make adjustments as needed. This can help ensure that the organization is making progress toward its goals and using its resources effectively.

5 Strategic Plan Models for Nonprofits

Every nonprofit organization is unique. This means that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a strategic roadmap. There are a variety of different models that you can use to craft your own map to reach specific goals and milestones. 

These are the most commonly-used plan models for nonprofits:

1. Standard strategic plan model

Also called the basic plan model, this is the most commonly used planning model among nonprofits. We recommend using this model if your organization’s external circumstances – including the economy and funding sources – are generally predictable and calm, and your nonprofit is well established. This model includes a definition of your organization’s goals and mission; specific, shorter term goals; a clear plan to reach these goals, including responsible parties; and a schedule for completing each goal specified.

2. Issue-based strategic plan model

This is better suited to nonprofits operating in unpredictable and agitated conditions, like periods of high staff turnover over a recent change in your leadership. It’s the best plan model to use to get a straying organization back on track. It includes a brainstorm of the factors holding your nonprofit back; a plan to address each of these factors; and a plan for monitoring progress and adjusting your roadmap when necessary.

3. Real-time strategic plan model

This is best for organizations facing crises like recessions or national disasters. It focuses primarily on short-term goals that help you to withstand the storm. It includes regular meet-ups with your team to define short-term objectives; measurements of daily progress and obstacles; and an inventory of progress and damages that is updated as you weather the crisis period.

3. Alignment plan model

This plan is designed to unify individual departments or teams and improve communication. It includes team meetings to clarify challenges; a reiteration of your organization’s common mission; and strategies you can use to improve communication and transparency.

4. Organic strategic plan model

This nonprofit strategic plan model is also ideal for times of uncertainty. It gathers your team to clarify your organization’s mission and goals and determine actionable steps to reach them. The model includes a team meeting or retreat during which you harmonize your understanding of overarching goals; input from your team members on how to reach these goals by certain dates; and regular team meetings to assess progress.

How To Create A Strategic Roadmap Step By Step

Learning how to create a strategic roadmap doesn’t have to be complicated. You can take inspiration from strategic roadmap examples or use a strategic roadmap template. This will contain outlines of all the sections you need to include to simplify the process considerably.

Step 1

Once you have a template or structure in place, it’s time to start developing your mission, values, and vision. That is, why your nonprofit exists and what it aims to achieve. 

Include in this strategic roadmapping section a mission statement and a clear, honest vision and values statement.

Step 2

Your plan should include a section for your goals and activities. These goals should be specifically chosen to help you work towards your mission. When you’ve identified them, provide more detail about each goal’s objectives and activities.

Step 3

You will need to assess your environment and resources in your roadmap. These can include factors like internal and external support, financial resources, equipment and facilities, training and skills, and Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis to help you to use your resources as efficiently as possible.

Step 4

Now that you’ve filled in the main sections of your strategic roadmap, you can add additional sections to it. This can include an executive summary, timelines of your goals, financial budgets, and strategies for monitoring progress toward your objectives. 

Once you’ve completed your plan, review and edit it as necessary, using your team’s input to clarify points and include realistic deadlines before sharing your plan with your stakeholders.

How Can Exponent Partners Help?

Exponent Partners offers professional roadmapping services for nonprofit organizations. We can help you develop an intentional plan using our strategic discovery process. 

Together, we can identify any challenges holding you back and deliver actionable plans that align your team with your long-term goals. Our team comes to the table with proven techniques and workshop strategies to ensure high engagement and an intentional, forward-thinking plan.

How do you create a strategic roadmap? Simple: Contact us so that you can learn more about how you can take your nonprofit to new heights.

Hands on laptop with change management concept graphics

Change Management Process for Nonprofits: 3 Crucial Steps You Shouldn’t Skip

Posted in: Blog

The effectiveness and long-term success of any company or organization—especially those operating in the nonprofit sector—requires a willingness and ability to deal with and adapt to situations of change. This means that the organization must be ready and able to adapt to changes by identifying new challenges. However, it also requires an ability to spot potential opportunities that may arise as a result of the aforementioned situation change. This requires leaders and managers to inspire stability and steadfastness in the moving components of the company so that the change doesn’t wreak havoc in the short term. 

But what exactly does this entail? 

Well, firstly and most importantly, leaders and managers need to develop and cultivate an organizational culture based on solidarity, unity, and stability. If this culture is created, it ensures that when periods of difficulty arise that could inspire change, the entire organization is equipped with learned abilities that inspire a positive outcome. One way that this organizational change can be cultivated is by implementing the steps of the change management process.

 

Understanding the Organizational Change Management Process

The meaning of change management is dynamic. It can vary according to the specific needs of the business in question. For nonprofits, situations of change might come around more often and more frequently than for a company that operates in a regulated industry such as retail or manufacturing. Nonprofits operate in a different realm, one that is responsive to the social and economic needs of the surrounding communities and environments. Social stability is not something that is easy to come by. So, the leaders of nonprofit organizations need to be ready to deal with any major shake-ups when they eventually do come around. 

The steps of the change management process are therefore much more readily applicable to nonprofit organizations. They provide a set of tools, strategies, and workable skills that will help these organizations deal with difficult periods of instability. These change management techniques and steps will help any organization smoothly transition from one period or situation to another. Plus, they will help to grease the wheels of transformation, should it be necessary. But what are the steps and change management principles that nonprofits should implement?

 

3 Key Steps in the Change Management Process For Nonprofits

Change management relies upon and provides a set of steps and techniques that can help nonprofit organizations manage change. These steps and techniques also ensure nonprofits stay relevant in providing the necessary social and economic services:

 

1. The ‘Why’ Statement

In general, when any person wants to get involved in a project and get on board with inciting change, they need to understand why that project or change is necessary. The “Why” statement is therefore a prediction of what the future will bring. It will build a foundational understanding of the process of change being undertaken. The Why statement should express the vision of the future and the expected effects of the planned change. This step is essential for cultivating an organizational culture that believes in long-term stability and success.

2. The Executive Sponsor

A nonprofit organization must have an executive leader that also acts as a sponsor. This sponsor will successfully navigate and manage the process of change. But this is where things get tricky, especially because nonprofits are often in a position of having to fundraise to support major internal initiatives. When navigating a period of instability and change, the executive sponsor should be someone who does more than simply improve a budget request. Instead, they should be interested in the goals and vision of the nonprofit. And they should be someone who can write up and execute a change management plan.

3. The Reinforcements

In any process of change management planning, there should always be considerable effort and power placed into the bringing in of helpful reinforcements. Bringing more people on board who work in line with the vision of the nonprofit can only help smooth the transitional period that the company is experiencing. But furthermore, the reinforcements that were on board before the change management process started should be rewarded. Doing this will make them feel valued throughout any periods of instability. 

 

Change Management Challenges

Implementing a successful change management process is challenging. So, there’s no doubt that leaders will face obstacles along the way. It’s imperative that you identify these challenges and understand how to solve them when they eventually arise:

 

Lack of executive support

Above, it was explained that an executive sponsor who is involved and passionate is a necessity for any successful change management process. A lot of times, nonprofits struggle because their executive sponsor isn’t able to approve the budget needed for the scope of the project or isn’t able to provide the inspiring leadership to get all internal staff members on board. When exploring potential applicants for the executive sponsor role, take your time and apply a vigorous interview and onboarding process.

 

Lack of effective communication

The process of change requires a unified workforce that understands the situation of the organization. A lack of proper communication can lead to misalignment and a lack of belief in the goals that the nonprofit is attempting to achieve. Make sure to host regular meetings. Give everyone a chance for their voices to be heard and properly manage situations of unease and tension. 

 

Change-resistant culture

It’s natural for any worker to want to work in an organization and environment of stability. Unfortunately for nonprofits, this is simply not always how it pans out. Instead, a lot of the time, a nonprofit might be forced to change due to socioeconomic conditions or a change in executive support. Cultivating an organizational culture that’s aware of these eventualities and prepared to deal with them is imperative to a successful change management process. 

 

How Exponent Partners Can Help Your Nonprofit Deal With Change

Change can be difficult to deal with on your own. Exponent Partners consists of a team of experts that understand the challenges that a period of organizational change can bring. The team can help you to implement the principles of the change management process and create a plan for long-term survival and eventual stability. This is supported by an excellent track record and determination to stand by organizations committed to bringing about social change. 

Partnering with us makes it easier to implement a change management process and to keep your nonprofit organization running smoothly—no matter what challenges it faces. Read our white paper on change management for more useful information on how to plan for change and seize opportunities when adopting new technology in your organization. If you’re interested to know more, contact us today and let’s drive positive change together.

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Finding the Right Change Management Model for Your Organization

Posted in: Blog

Planning a big technology change at your nonprofit organization? There are many important factors to consider at each stage of the process: before, during and after the change. Unfortunately, knowing where to begin and the best way to approach the process can be difficult and that’s where finding the right change management models for your organization comes in. The management of organization-wide change is critical as it affects everyone internally and is a significant factor in team effectiveness, employee morale, technology utilization, and achieving both long and short-term goals.

Like many processes in the realm of organizational behavior, there are countless ways to go about it. Specifically, there are a number of well-established different change management models that offer structured approaches to help ensure success. Finding the change management model that works for your particular organization and project will go a long way in helping you through the process of effectively creating lasting, impactful change.    

Here are just three (of many) different change management models. Take inspiration from some of these approaches and see how you can apply similar principles to your change management project.

ADKAR Model:

This model focuses on the individual impact of organization-wide change and is considered a people-first approach. ADKAR is an acronym for:

  • Awareness of the need for change
  • Desire to support or participate in the process of change
  • Knowledge of how to change or what steps are needed
  • Ability to implement the change
  • Reinforcement of the change on an ongoing basis

Organizational change is ultimately down to the individuals who are impacted. The ADKAR model, by focusing on individuals, helps those impacted by the change to process and understand it through clearly defined stages. The goal is ultimately to get to a state of acceptance. Learn more about the ADKAR change management model here.  

Lewin’s Change Management Model:

First developed around 80 years ago, this model remains popular today because of its simple yet effective structure. Kurt Lewin, this change model’s namesake, envisioned change management being broken down into three manageable stages, known as:

  • Unfreeze
  • Change
  • Refreeze

Kurt Lewin was a physicist and aligned his thinking about change management to the cycle of water (ie: turning a cube of ice into a cone of ice). The unfreeze stage focuses on being honest and transparent about current perceptions and processes as a way to prepare for upcoming changes. The idea focuses on being able to let go of bias or bad habits. (Sounds good, right?) The next step is actually implementing changes (this is a change model after all), and requires clear and constant communication during and after the change taking place. Finally, the refreeze stage focuses on locking the new, changed process into place. 

Some may feel the three step process is too simplistic, but others find it provides the ability to uncover bad patterns or overlooked problems to approach a new way of thinking with a clean slate. Learn more about Lewin’s model here.  

PDCA Model 

This model is slightly younger than the Lewin’s model as it was originally developed in the 1950s by William Denning. PDCA stands for Plan, Do, Check, Act. This model takes a cyclical or iterative approach and focuses on ongoing improvement and changes. In theory, it follows the old parable that ‘the only constant is change’ and reinforces that change should be embraced on an ongoing basis. 

By following this change management model, organizations follow a simple process: devise a plan, test the plan, implement the changes and evaluate the plan’s success. This is both a versatile and powerful cycle of continuous improvement and can be effectively used to develop new processes, uncover inefficiencies, and conduct controlled trials. The fact that it’s cyclical in nature may cause frustration in that the change “never ends”, but that is the reality of the world in which we live. Having a process that embraces that concept can be very effective in promoting the concept of continuous improvement and change.

These three are just a few of the many change management models that have been used across industries for decades. Exploring what model might work best with your internal team and resources can be an important first step on your change management journey.

Speaking of change management journeys, we have recently published a white paper that dives into more detail on how effective change management can be like rocket fuel to organization-wide implementation of new technologies. Get your copy here.

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Change Management Principles for Nonprofits

Posted in: Blog

Navigating change can be hard, even for those who are naturally more likely to be open-minded to new processes and technology platforms. Understanding the challenges that organization-wide change can bring to individual contributors, teams and leadership can allow you to be prepared before, during and after the change. Our white paper, Change Management: Rocket Fuel for Implementing New Technologies, provides practical, deep-dive guidance for those planning – or in the middle of – an organization-wide technology change. Understanding key change management principles can help you increase the likelihood that your technology change will be successful in the long-term. In this article we’ll capture some of the high-level change management principles to keep top of mind before, during and after the change.

Psssst, once again, don’t forget to download our white paper to get access to even more important change management best practices you can implement at your organization today!  

Before the change:

It may seem obvious, but getting buy-in before a change process has begun is critical for building excitement, increasing engagement and encouraging trust in the process. You have to bring the impacted teams along with you on the change journey. Think about your “change story”, which is a way to help internal team members understand why this change will ultimately be good for them. This change story should focus on openness and transparency, provide a clear vision for how things will look when all is done, and allow participants to understand the benefits they will personally experience. And a really important aspect? Focus on listening!

During the change:

So much of the ‘during the project’ energy is focused on the technical aspects of implementation, and understandably so. However, the technology implementation phase offers an important opportunity to engage internal stakeholders in the process, making them feel included and valued as part of the change journey. Conversations around what they like about the current system, what they would change, and things that would make their lives easier can go a long way to make sure the final implementation reaches its full potential. The reality is, very few technology projects truly meet 100% utilization because of missteps at this important phase. Bringing internal stakeholders closely along in tandem with the proposed change will help increase the chances that everything will turn out well in the end.

After the change: 

The system is launched! Huzzah! Now onto the next project. Right? Wrong! It’s important to continually consider change management principles throughout the lifecycle of a project to see it to the finish line and beyond. Training staff members on the new system isn’t nearly enough to guarantee its success. Understanding the critical learning curve period of the process involves resisting the temptation to 1) roll back to the previous system or 2) make changes in the new one haphazardly. Getting through the initial discomfort of a new system is made even easier by celebrating successes and monitoring against established project goals. 

Understanding change management principles can help set your organization on the right track as you plan, implement or adjust to a technology change. We realize this can be intimidating to consider, so we have published a guide to help you dive into the most important tactics for success at each stage of the change management journey. Download our white paper today to learn more on this important topic. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if the experienced team here at Exponent Partners can support your organization through your technology change journey!