What Is a CTO? Here's Why Your Small Nonprofit Deserves One (Even If You Don't Think So)

Small nonprofits do important work to make the world a better place, whether it's voter education, supporting foster youth, aiding domestic violence survivors, or protecting the environment.

And to that end, TechSoup believes that nonprofits deserve to and should be using the best technology that allows them to support their missions. But how to choose when there are so many confusing options? 

In the private sector, and in many large nonprofits and foundations, this is where a CTO comes in. 

What Exactly Is a CTO, Anyway?

The role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is actually quite simple and incredibly important. They are responsible for your overall technology strategy, making sure your technology choices align with your mission and goals and that your systems and data are secure. Most importantly, they

• Oversee the security of your IT systems, making sure applications and tools are connected to each other in the right way to keep sensitive information safe from hackers 
• Provide guidance on the most effective and efficient tools for your specific needs
• Keep an eye on new technologies to ensure that your organization is using the best possible tools to save time and money  
  
  

Essentially, a CTO helps you use technology smartly and safely so you can focus on what you do best: your mission.

Why Small Nonprofits Need CTO-Level Guidance Now More Than Ever

Small nonprofits face unique challenges in today's digital world, and CTO-level support and a solid technology strategy isn't a luxury. It's a necessity — and possibly critical to your organization’s survival. Here's why:

• Technology is mission-critical. From donor engagement platforms to service delivery systems, technology underpins nearly every aspect of nonprofit operations. As the number and types of applications and tools increases, the digital security and overall management of your IT systems becomes more complex. 
• Data protection is about protecting people. Nonprofits collect deeply personal data about constituents, donors, and staff. Losing access to or control of this data can be catastrophic — not just for the organization, but for the individuals it serves. Nonprofits are increasingly targets of cyberattacks as hacker bots automatically scan for systems with digital security vulnerabilities. 
• Funders expect digital maturity. Grantmakers and donors increasingly expect nonprofits to demonstrate digital capacity. CTO-level leadership signals that your organization is prepared, strategic, and resilient. It also opens doors to funding opportunities and partnerships that require a strong tech foundation.
  
  

A lack of digital strategy and guidance can lead to, at best, operational inefficiencies. At worst, it leads to compromised data and financial systems that can literally take down an organization. Nonprofits are entrusted with protecting the data and privacy of their funders, donors, and the constituents they serve. This data must be safeguarded from those who would exploit it for personal gain. 

With fewer resources than corporations, nonprofits must make hard but critical decisions about how to invest their limited money and time in technology. Often this means putting a digital strategy on the back burner for years. 

We want to level the playing field once and for all. 

TechSoup's Solution: Affordable Technology Leadership

TechSoup understands these challenges. We believe that small grassroots organizations, regardless of their specific focus, deserve the same high-level technology leadership that corporations and large organizations enjoy. We aim to provide affordable CTO-level support to empower your vital work, ensuring you can deliver on your missions without putting anyone at risk. The new Virtual CTO for the Nonprofit Sector program is one way in which we are providing that support.

In partnership with our long-standing partner, Tech Impact, this program will guide your nonprofit through a thorough "Tech Check Assessment" and follow-up consultation with Tech Impact.

In addition, you'll gain access to Quad, TechSoup's member community, in which you'll have access to

• Free one-on-one consultations with experts.
• Free access to 150+ basic and intermediate courses (valued at over $3,700). You'll also get 80 percent off advanced live and on-demand courses (valued at over $2,100).
• Quad’s peer-to-peer community and discussion groups.
• Access to 250+ nonprofit-focused resources designed to build tech skills and knowledge.
• Free expert-led webinars and community networking events.
• A tech stack and tech spending audit for your organization.
  
  

Your work improves society as a whole, and you deserve the best tools and guidance to achieve your goals. Let us help you navigate the complexities of technology so you can continue making a profound difference in the world.