Technology Funding – Improving Your Prospects

Technology is the backbone of any organization's ability to produce results. But, more often than not, technology funders see your mission as non relevant or, worse, boring.

Add to this mix these facts and getting program funding is near impossible:

• Technology is often seen as voodoo. It can frighten tech neophytes.
  
  
• It's hard to justify technology because it can't be tied directly to mission goals
  
  
• It can be expensive. Very expensive for smaller organizations who just don't have the budget
  
  
• Technology requires great care. Upgrades and refreshes are standard if you want to stay up to date

So, how do you translate your passion into a concrete proposal that funders can support? Below are five ways you can improve your prospects for getting technology funding.

Show don't tell

Show how your current technology is helping you reach your goals. Success stories demonstrate your ability to improvise and improve without additional funding. Complaining about dilapidated equipment only shows that you're unwilling to work within your means. Be specific and use concrete examples. Explain how your Website has increased your media exposure.

Downplay technology

Although it may seem counterintuitive, don't focus on the technology itself. Explain your program, goals, and budget. Include technology as a standard procedure. Don't call undue attention to technology budget items simply because they're technology related. You're requesting funding to get the job done not to have the latest tech gadgets.

Drop the jargon

When you're passionate about how technology can help you, the tendency is to lean on jargon filled terms to support your cause. Learn to speak in tech layman's terms. Focus on your program objectives steering clear of techno-speak. Everyone appreciates getting the whole story in simple language.

Consistently evaluate

Make sure you understand the factors included in your costs. Grant proposal evaluators will scrutinize your numbers. Have the answer for every budget line item so you can respond correctly and quickly to questions.

Talk with others

Find out which organizations have already been supported by your potential funder. Call two or three of these organizations and find out what the funder is looking for. Can they introduce you? Can they give you specific examples of what worked or didn't work?

The bottom line to securing technology funding is to align your plan with the potential funder's goals. Demonstrate how using their funds will ultimately meet their mission by increasing your ability to perform.

 

Written by: Frank J Klein - CIO

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