Funding information technology: a missed market.

Information technology is driving business and industry into the future. This is the essence of reengineering, process innovation, downsizing, etc. Non-profits, schools, libraries, etc. need to follow or risk efficiency. However, to get their fair share of information technology, they need to

An old maxim in fund raising goes as follows: it is easier to make the case for innovation - especially with sizzle to it - than for ho-hum, humdrum maintenance needs. Raising funds for routine operations smacks of mismanagement. If you know how to handle the resources already in place, you ought not have to ask for outside help to stay afloat.

Innovation sends a totally different message to potential donors. Change says that the requesting organization is dynamic, has vision, and wants to do better! Creating exciting futures has more "sex appeal" for donors than shoring up a tired status quo.

Today, one of the greatest catalysts of innovation and change is information technology - particularly the networked variety. based on my work during the past four years, I have noticed a curious disconnect between fund misers - who excel at fostering change - and the planners of information technology.

This odd dichotomy hamstrings deploying information technology. Typically, the "techies" who draw up the wishlists have few - if any - clues about how to fund their glowing visions. Knowing how to "connect wires" is not enough. First you have to buy the "wires." You need to raise funds. As an information technology planner during the past four years, I am puzzled why fund raisers are glaringly absent from this robust market.

Given the huge infrastructure investments that are required to remain competitive in the Information Age, the need for funding help is pressing and growing. Too many projects fail because the technical planners typically depend on entitlements from government. They are blind to what they can do for themselves and each other in partnership with business, industry, foundations, etc. They need fund raisers on their planning teams to help them get projects off the ground.

Information technology is driving business and industry into the future. This is the essence of reengineering, process innovation, downsizing, etc. Non-profits, schools, libraries, etc., need to follow or risk efficiency. However, to get their fair share of information technology, they need to help with funding. From my observations at state, regional and local levels, the field is wide-open for fund raisers who want to work with such clients on information technology.