 |
 Martin Schneiderman has served as
technology editor,
industry analyst, and regular contributing writer for
Foundation News & Commentary, the membership
publication of the Council on Foundations.
IAA conducts regularly
scheduled
presentations on a wide
range of technology and philanthropy related topics at
international, national
and regional conferences.
In this section you'll find articles and presentations about technology, industry trends, surveys, and
links to resources for foundations and nonprofit organizations.
To view these resources
download and install
Adobe's free
 Acrobat
Reader.
FOUNDATION INFORMATION SYSTEM SERVICE PROVIDER CHART -
UPDATED 2013
See this
detailed chart describing the major North American integrated
foundation information system service providers and their products.
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Packing Up and Moving On(line): Selecting and Migrating to a
Fully Web-Based Information System
Many grantmakers are now planning to migrate to externally
hosted integrated foundation information systems. While this has
many advantages there are significant differences between these
types of systems that grantmakers need to understand, carefully
consider and plan for.
This presentation will help you to learn
how to select, migrate data, configure, link to other services,
and successfully implement Web-based philanthropic systems.
NEW 2013
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Digital Dashboards: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Nowadays the development and implementation of digital
dashboards of current and historical grant information is a high
priority for grantmakers. The best of these graphical systems:
are personalized for different types of system users, are easy
use, present data clearly, and enable drill down capability.
See a variety of the major digital dashboards showing best practices in how each can
be used for different targeted audiences. What works, what
doesn’t work and why? NEW 2013
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Selecting and
Implementing Integrated Grants Management Systems:
The Promises and Pitfalls
What are the key trends in integrated online information systems
for grantmakers? Find out about the different types of systems,
key product and service directions, and how to successfully
evaluate, select and integrate grants management with other
foundation information systems and external services.
See this updated and
detailed chart describing the major
integrated foundation information system product
and service providers.
NEW 2012
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What's New in Grants Management Software and Services
There are now many experienced and new vendors developing online
applications and Web-based grants management systems. They
enable grantmakers to take advantage of new features and
functions to save time, reduce costs, and to streamline
operations. This presentation provides an overview of major trends plus new features and integration with external
systems.
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Establishing
the NGOsource Equivalency Determination Information Repository
(EDIR) on Non-U.S. Based NGOs
Learn about this sector-wide project to streamline the
equivalency determination process and establish a sharable repository of information on non-U.S. based nonprofit
organizations (NGOs). A high level of support for this project
has been reported by U.S. grantmakers, NGO leaders and
international giving service providers. See the
FAQs
for more information.
Information Age Associates
 has been
serving as the NGOsource Repository project leader and Manager since inception. TechSoup Global
was selected
by the Council on Foundations as the Repository host organization. |
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Online Information Resources for Grantmakers and Grantseekers
An overview of online information resources and analytical tools
for grantmakers and grantseekers. Multiple searchable databases
with charting, graphing and mapping capabilities are presented
showing detailed information about grantmakers, U.S. nonprofits
and international NGOs. Use these tools to identify
funding partners
and make better informed decisions. Try out the new interactive
maps and
charts that Foundation Center
eGrant Reporters
get for free.
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Emerging Technology Trends and Choosing the Right Integrated
Grants Management System for Your Foundation
How does a foundation select and implement their next generation integrated foundation information system? What are the significant trends and key questions you should ask to make an informed decision? Presented at COF Annual Conference
2006 and AGM 2007.
View a chart describing the products and services
offered by the vendors of grants management and online
application systems
and services.
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Implementing a Multilingual Grants Management System
A case study of how Belgium's King Baudouin Foundation selected, adapted, enhanced, and successfully implemented an integrated multilingual (French, Dutch, German and English) grants/project management system. Presented at the 2006 European Foundation Center Conference in Brussels. |
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USA Patriot Act - Impact on Nonprofits and Philanthropy
An overview of how U.S. anti-terrorist legislation and the November 2005 revised U.S. Treasury Department Voluntary Guidelines are impacting nonprofits and philanthropy.
Click
here for the latest revised September 29, 2006
“Guidelines” that were originally issued in November 2002 and
revised in December 2005 to assist charitable organizations in
complying with Executive Order 13224 and the USA Patriot Act
following 9/11. |
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Lessons Learned from Managing the Grand Challenges in Global Health Program
How this $436 million milestone-based program was managed by
implementing integrated online systems to solicit and process
2,000 proposals from researchers in 98 countries and conducting
6,000 critical online peer reviews by internationally renowned
scientists. |
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Technologies That Enable Knowledge Management:
Understanding the Options and Taking the First Steps
An overview of different technologies that can and are being used by grantmakers to implement integrated systems to facilitate knowledge management. It includes an overview of the overlapping and complimentary capabilities of many different commercially available products and services.
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Beyond Project Management: Create More Impact With What You Know
Best practices in knowledge and grants management (a.k.a. "Project Management" in Europe) for European foundations. Covers system
capabilities, design and implementation, and European software and service providers. Presented at the 2004 European Foundation Center conference in Athens. Also see the Bertelsmann Foundation case study.
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Seeking Safe Harbor
How some foundations and corporate grantmakers are using technology to facilitate compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act and the Executive Order 13224 intended to disrupt the support of terrorism.
Presentation at COF 2004 about the USA PATRIOT Act and Implications for Grantmakers and a description of selected compliance verification services.
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Googling Your Grantee: Due Diligence and the Web
Learn about how grantmakers are using Web-based tools to conduct research and due diligence of nonprofit organizations. This presentation includes comprehensive survey results of US philanthropic organizations.
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Funding Technology: Lessons Learned
Lessons learned by foundation program officers about helping nonprofits to develop strategic plans and make effective use of technology to meet their organization's goals.
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Maximizing Use of Grants Management Software
A Web broadcast at the TAG 2003 annual conference that provides an overview of market trends and new opportunities for interoperability between grants management systems and other foundation applications.
Click RealPlayer or
Windows Media Player to play the Webcast now.
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Designing Your Next Generation Foundation Website
Would you like to take your foundation's website to the next level? These best practices to emulate and pitfalls to avoid can guide you through the process and minimize headaches.
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Key Technology Trends for Grantmakers
An up-to-date review of the key technology trends for grantmakers. This presentation includes graphical highlights of the recently released results of the
2005 TAG/COF Grantmaker Information Technology Survey Report
and Executive
Summary.
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Trends in Grants Management Software and Services
An overview of the leading market trends in commercial grants management software and services. It includes a detailed chart that describes the major vendors' products and services. Click here to learn about the strategic directions and product enhancements that vendors say are on the way.
Reader feedback
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Grants Management Software: How to Manage Your Existing System in the Midst of Product and Market Changes
A presentation at the Council on Foundations 2003 Annual Conference. Learn about key market trends, ASP services, new development platforms, capabilities of the best grants management systems, plus common pitfalls and mistakes.
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Broadening Communications - Redesigning Your Web Site to Reach Diverse Constituents
Your first-generation Web site needs a redesign. You now want to communicate your message to all of your target audiences. See and learn how foundations have designed cost-effective sites that are broadly accessible, easy to navigate and manage, and facilitate online collaboration.
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Some Words to Remember and Live By
This collection of quotes shows how hard it is to predict where technology will take us, and how important it is to learn from mistakes we've made.
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Realizing Potential
Today practically all nonprofits depend upon information technology tools in their day-to-day operations. Unfortunately, many don't come close to realizing the full potential of these systems. It's time to take a fresh look at proposals for technology assistance.
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Telecommuting in Philanthropy
In the past few years foundations have moved quickly to provide telecommuting capabilities to their staff. Learn about the latest summary statistics and the key factors that have influenced this.
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Telecommuting / Teleworking in Philanthropy Presentation
A multimedia presentation concerning the trends, attitudes, issues, and practices about telecommuting in philanthropic organizations.
Also view the detailed results of a telecommuting survey conducted in Spring 2002.
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Take a Bite Out of Spam
Spam, spam, spam, e-mail and more spam. How do spammers operate and what can you do to minimize it?
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Online
Strategies for Foundations and Grantseekers
Grantmakers are now using the Web to disseminate information about their foundations and solicit grant applications online. Grantseekers are also turning to the Internet to conduct research and identify potential sources of funding.
"Fundraising on the Internet" - Jossey-Bass Publishing 2002
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Emergency
Preparedness
Now is a good time to think about a back-up for your back-up
plan. Learn about real-world emergencies that foundations and nonprofits have experienced in the past few years. Which could happen to you?
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How
to Quit the Commute
What to know before deciding whether telecommuting is right
for your organization. (And it's not just a question of technology)
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Are
you Ready for E-mail Publishing?
Practical steps
for getting the word out in the most cost-effective and timely
way.
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Choosing
A Technology Consultant
Before your foundation
or nonprofit can be well connected, it needs to be plugged
in. Here's a guide to finding the right outside expert to
advise, analyze and evaluate.
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Brave
New Broadband World
The demand for affordable
high-speed Internet access is exploding. Broadband communications
such as a digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable modems,
provide "always on" Internet access. Includes a chart of broadband options. Reader feedback
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Donating
Used Computers
Most grantmakers
donate their used computers to nonprofits, but doing so is
more complicated than you might think. That’s why this
expanded Technology column looks at some of the nitty-gritty
details of giving directly to a nonprofit, working with an
intermediary organization or letting staff members take them
home. Reader feedback
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Grants
Management Software Moves to the Web
An update on the
status of grants management software products and their Internet-enabled
capabilities in 2000. It includes a detailed
chart with references
to the latest commercial products and services.
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How
Corporate Givers Are Taming Technology
Learn about corporate
grantmakers' latest plans to use technology in their grantmaking
operations. There have been some big changes in 1999 and 2000.
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Upgrade
Your Technology Skills
Practical suggestions
for learning how to make optimal use of your computers and
software to improve your productivity.
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Using
Web-Based Surveys
Several
grantmakers have successfully implemented Web-based grant
application forms. Learn about what they've done and some
of the key issues facing grantmakers and grantseekers.
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Getting
Your E-mail Under Control
This article describes
"Ten Steps to E-mail Heaven. " It provides practical
tips on how you and your colleague can improve your productivity
by reducing unwanted e-mail and respond to messages much faster.
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What
Choice Do You Really Have?
An industry insider
describes the recent mergers and acquisitions among sellers
of grants management software. Reader feedback
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Technology
Planning for 2001 and Beyond
Thirteen
things foundations need to consider when looking for near-term
technology needs. Read about how some foundations are making
exemplary use of technology to streamline their operations
and improve their grantmaking.
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Setting an Electronic Standard
The Foundation Center believes that grant reporting should be as simple as pushing a button. That's why it's working toward establishing some universal data protocols and a more efficient reporting process. The effort involves a lot of technology talk-but it is really about achieving greater accountability in philanthropy.
Click here to learn more about the e-grant reporting
standard that is used by almost 600 of the largest U.S.
grantmakers to report a total of
2.2. million grants online.
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Anti-virus Testing - Evaluate your e-mail defenses using a benign EICAR test virus.
Cell Phone
Tower Search. - A listing of U.S. cell phone towers as
registered with the FCC. The information is compiled it into a
searchable database and shown using Google Maps.
Council
on Foundations - This is a nonprofit membership association of
grantmaking foundations and corporations. The Council is committed
to promoting knowledge, growth and action in philanthropy.
The
Chronicle
of Philanthropy - A
leading news source, in print and online, for charity leaders, fund raisers, grant makers, and other people involved in the philanthropic enterprise.
Cynthia Says™ - An online tool that enables the review of Web sites to evaluate their accessibility for handicapped users as established by the U.S. Government's Section 508 Standards.
E-mail Blacklist
Check - Enter your e-mail server's IP address into MXToolbox's
service to find out if your server is on one or more of 100+ e-mail
blacklists. This may explain why some messages being sent to you are
not getting through or bouncing back to the sender.
European Foundation Center - The EFC serves a core membership of more than 200 members, associates and subscribers, 250 community philanthropy initiatives, plus 48,000 organizations linked through a network of information and support centers in 37 countries worldwide.
Forum
of Regional Associations of Grantmakers - A membership
association of twenty-eight RAGS from around the country, assists
RAGS in providing local leadership to grantmakers on the issues of
public policy, promoting the growth of new philanthropy, technology,
and measuring effectiveness and impact.
Foundation Center - The
Center is responsible for collecting, organizing, and communicate information on U.S. philanthropy. They
also conduct and facilitate research on trends in the field and
provides education and training on the grantseeking process.
Grants Managers Network
- The Grants Managers Network (GMN) is an association of foundation professionals responsible for grants management. The Network provides a forum to exchange information about grants management and its relevance to efficient and effective grantmaking.
GuideStar
- The GuideStar Web
site is produced by Philanthropic Research, Inc. It contains
detailed searchable information about the operations and finances of
nonprofit organizations.
Idealware - This
updated 2012 detailed 183 page
consumers guide and
executive summary about
grants management software and services summarizes
the common features of 22 different systems (but not for community
foundations) used by
grantmakers to track outgoing funds, with prices and a comparison
chart.
2012
There is also another new 2012 detailed 63 page
consumers guide and
executive summary specifically about grants management systems for
community foundations. This report focuses on 5 different systems.
Information Age Associates was a significant contributor to
all of these Idealware reports listed above.
2012
Also see IdealWare's 2010 report
Software to Streamline Online Grant Applications commissioned by
the Technology Affinity Group (TAG).
Independent Sector - A national coalition group that is committed to promoting philanthropy, volunteering, and
citizen action, by bringing together nonprofit
organizations, foundations, and corporate giving programs.
Internet Speed Test - Test the
upload and download speed of your
dialup, DSL, cable, fiber optic and satellite Internet connections. Here's
another test that lets you check
bandwidth to/from locations worldwide.
National
Center for Charitable Statistics - NCCS is the national
repository of data on the nonprofit sector in the United States. Its
mission is to develop and disseminate high quality data on nonprofit
organizations and their activities for use in research on the
relationships between the nonprofit sector, government, the
commercial sector, and the broader civil society.
Network Security Testing - Gibson Research's top-rated ShieldsUp security testing and information service. Use it to check your system and identify potential vulnerabilities.
NPower - Through a partnership with Microsoft, NPower is a national network of independent, community-based organizations dedicated to helping nonprofits better serve their communities through technology.
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) - of the US Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Also read a case study about OFAC and the legal dimensions of international grantmaking.
Philanthropy
News Digest (PND) - A weekly online publication in the field of
philanthropy. Includes a searchable archive.
Project Streamline
- Project Streamline is a collaborative effort of grantmaking and
grantseeking organizations working to improve grant application and
reporting practices. Download and read the excellent landmark report
Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted From Purpose
full report
and
executive summary.
Secunia Software
Inspector - Detects insecure versions of applications installed,
verifies that all Microsoft patches are applied, and assists you in
updating your system and applications. It's free, runs through your
browser and no installation or download is required.
Server
Location. Use this tool to lookup a server location, conduct a
visual traceroute, and determine your IP address.
TechAtlas - TechAtlas is a suite of online planning tools that can help you integrate technology more effectively into your organization. It was developed by NPower with support of multiple foundations.
Technology Literacy Benchmarks for Nonprofit Organizations - This is a unique tool designed to help nonprofit organizations grapple with the challenges posed by computer technology. It was developed by NPower, in partnership with the Benton Foundation and the SBC Foundation.
TechSoup - TechSoup (aka
CompuMentor) is one of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit technology assistance agencies.
They provide comprehensive online technology resource for small to midsized nonprofits. It includes a DiscounTech service that enables registered nonprofits to purchase hardware and software at very low cost.
Technology
Affinity Group (TAG) - An affinity group of the Council on Foundations that serves as a technology
forum for professionals working in philanthropy.
USIG. United States
International Grantmaking (USIG) is a project of the Council on
Foundations in partnership with the International Center for
Not-For-Profit Law. The USIG project facilitates effective and
responsible international grantmaking by U.S. foundations.
Web Site Link Checker - Download and use Xenu to check your Web site regularly for dead links.
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