BridgeTECH Preview: A Case for Collective Action

Lance Pierce

Lance Pierce, CEO of NetHope, has worked as a strategic adviser and executive with for-profits and nonprofits throughout his career. In these roles, he has worked toward new ventures and partnerships for sustainable investing, climate, corporate responsibility, international development and policy. Previously, he served as president of CDP North America, executive director and chief operating officer of Ceres, and director of corporate issues management for Altria Group. He also served as a track adviser to the Clinton Global Initiative.

Pierce is a senior program fellow at the Harvard Corporate Responsibility Initiative, executive advisor at the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, senior advisor in the Sustainable Finance Cluster at the University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability, and board member of Helvetas.

Pierce has worked with tech throughout his career, but the founding of NetHope — which brings together global nonprofit leaders, technology companies and funders to develop and implement new ways of addressing humanitarian, conservation and development issues — stands out in his mind.

“I was working in the tech sector in New York around the time that NetHope was founded, and I remember being excited by that because it seemed to have been founded to do the kinds of things I was interested in doing with the sector,” he said.

Pierce will be presenting at this year’s inaugural BridgeTECH, a tech-focused event for nonprofit executives, fundraisers, and marketers on Aug. 2 at the 18th annual Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference. In his opening keynote, “Greater Than the Sum: A Case for Collective Action,” Pierce will discuss the benefits of working together toward a common goal. 

NonProfit PRO caught up with Pierce to learn more about his work in nonprofit technology and why he’s so passionate about coming together to accomplish a shared goal.

What impact has technology had on your nonprofit?

NetHope exists to serve humanitarian nonprofit organizations through technology. It’s in our DNA, and carrying the promise of the new technological tools to help people via the nonprofit sector is why we were founded.

What is the biggest struggle nonprofits have with technology and how has your nonprofit overcome that struggle?

Nonprofits are generally better able to perform their missions when they are supported by the right technology platforms. Technology makes it possible to expand a nonprofit's reach in the products and services they provide, thereby increasing their capacity to serve their intended population. As software becomes more sophisticated, nonprofit organizations are better able to find solutions that work for their budget and scope. However, many nonprofits still lag when it comes to implementation and strategy related to technology.

Why is it so important for nonprofits to embrace technology regardless of staff size, revenue, overhead misconceptions, etc.?

Nonprofits have endless ways technology can be integrated into their organization that will simplify processes, provide insight into operations, and allow organizations to have a deeper and more complete understanding. Technology is the way of the future, and the quicker it gets integrated, the more successful, knowledgeable and impactful the nonprofit will be.

What will you be presenting at BridgeTECH and why are you passionate about the subject? 

We see this as an opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share our passion for helping mission organizations get better at what they do, and who are interested in using technology for good.

Join Us at BridgeTECH

Hear Pierce share the benefits of working together toward a common goal at BridgeTECH on Aug. 2 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Sign up for BridgeTECH and the Bridge Conference by selecting the "BridgeTECH + Bridge" option.