Executive Q&A: Changing attitudes toward cloud solutions in the Not-for-Profit (NFP) space

Organizations in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector operate on tight budgets and rely on volunteers wherever possible. So if many live up to a reputation for slower adoption of technology in their operations, it's easy to understand why.

But a new generation of executives and board members appears to be changing the way NFPs approach business applications, says Kelly Hagen, a partner at BDO Canada in their NFP practice. New momentum around cloud-based financial management and data analysis tools, for example, are leading more NFPs to rethink how to maximize service toward a mission while minimizing time spent on IT systems, says Hagen. These priorities are well aligned with the latest generation of Microsoft business applications, including Dynamics 365 and Power BI. Hagen spoke with MSDW in the interview below about the changes underway in the NFP sector in terms of technology investment and the opportunities that these organizations seem motivated to take on.

MSDW: At a high level what are leaders at non for profit organizations talking to you about today in terms of modernizing business systems?

Kelly Hagen: Most of the not-for-profit leaders are very interested in how they transition their organizations to the cloud, to lower their cost of ownership and minimize the need to manage their internal IT.

What are some of the specific technology investments that seem to be having the most impact in the NFP space today in your view?

So, from a technology point of view, I'm seeing two trends. ...