How to make confident nonprofit tech decisions

Phew, what a year! It's December, right?

We're barely into 2025 but it's already clear this will be a watershed year for nonprofits. The sector is facing unprecedented challenges, with financial stability impacted by economic uncertainty, shifting donor priorities, and volatile US federal funding. Amid increased cybersecurity risks and evolving regulatory compliance, technology has become ever more crucial for sustaining your mission.

We have seen organizations continue or double down on their digital transformation plans, knowing that reliable and robust technology is how they will survive.

OK, what should I know?

There are some significant changes afoot in nonprofit technology that development leaders should be aware of:

• Salesforce and Microsoft are gradually divesting from business applications, focusing on core platform competencies and bolstering their AI solutions. Blackbaud is filling the space left, investing in business apps, and third-party solutions from Kindsight, Virtuous, and Bonterra are also increasing their investment.
• Artificial Intelligence is becoming a cornerstone of nonprofit technology.
• Many nonprofits are focusing on extending their current technologies and integrating them with new applications, rather than considering a full CRM migration.
• Tech leaders are focused on data hygiene and governance, and making tech investments to increase efficiency.

Technology is not just a tool for operational efficiency—it sustains the very missions nonprofits strive to achieve.

What are the next steps I should take?

1. Align your technology with your strategic goals and choose solutions that directly support these objectives. Beware shiny objects!
2. Maximize your current software before purchasing new technology.
3. Think of AI as a way to automate repetitive tasks and free up staff time for more impactful work. High-quality data is crucial for effective marketing, fundraising, and AI implementation.
4. Make data hygiene and governance an ongoing priority. Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in nonprofit technology.

By following these insights and strategies, development operations and tech leaders can make confident technology decisions that support their nonprofit’s mission and goals. Embracing these changes will help nonprofits thrive in the dynamic tech landscape of 2025.

More insights from Team Heller

With over 29 years working on solutions from Salesforce, Microsoft, and Blackbaud, Heller Consulting can help you make the most of your data to accomplish your mission more effectively. Get in touch.