by Barbara Blumenthal - Virtually every agency we encounter is searching for better information systems. Fortunately, technology improvements have made many nonprofit applications easier to use, more customizable, rich in features and affordable. Agencies are moving to this new generation of software to better manage websites, track constituents and engage in advocacy.
But progress is surprisingly slow when it comes to the core work of agencies – the delivery of programs and services.
In our work we continue to see a glaring need for access to timely, accurate information to support program delivery and improvement. While some agencies have found solutions that work for them many more, particularly multi-service agencies, have settled for partial solutions or are simply waiting for better options to emerge.
We, along with our clients, dream of better solutions - robust program applications (sometimes referred to as case management, client management or performance based management system) -- that are customizable and affordable. The dream application would be pre-built to support efficient processes and best practices in each program area. Imagine what life would be like if managers and staff could…
- Use management reports to assess whether the program is implemented as planned – are enough participants enrolled; are enough attending; is the full range of activities being delivered?
- Use management reports to assess whether the drivers of quality programs are on track – are staff positions filled; are staff attending training; are managers observing and providing feedback to staff; are development plans and staff evaluations taking place?
- Efficiently access participant information when needed, such as contact information; teacher communications; staff notes.
- Use quarterly and annual reports to assess whether the program is working, for which participants, and at what level of activities.
- Produce funding reports at the push of a button with complete data that conforms to funding requirements.
Individual agencies cannot solve the problem of improving program applications, but we believe that collective effort can make a difference. We suggest creating a “better program data” team that can promote the development of better program applications at an affordable price.
One strategy that could have an immediate impact is to fund a Program Application Comparison Report. (Idealware has conducted excellent research on other types of nonprofit software). This report would provide in-depth information about leading Program Applications (such as ETO, Salesforce, Foothold Awards and Harmony) and compare them against the same criteria.
Such a report would have several immediate benefits. First, every nonprofit would have access to a high quality assessment of leading solutions to assist in its decision process. While the report will not answer the question of which solution is best for a given agency, it will provide an important starting point for the decision. Second, individual vendors would be able to address major gaps identified in the report. Finally, based on a better understanding of unmet needs and vendor strategies, the “better program data” team can decide on their next step.
In a future post, we will explore the reasons why the adoption of program applications has been so slow, particularly in New York City. We look forward to hearing from agency leaders, IT managers, consultants and funders about your experiences and thoughts about moving this work forward.
Would anyone like to join the “better program data” team?
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