BridgeTECH Preview: Strategies for Nonprofits to Successfully Implement Innovation

Heather Hooper

Heather Hooper was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in nonprofit studies at North Carolina State University when her father died of cancer. And that ended up shaping the rest of her career path. 

“After losing my dad to lung cancer in 2005, I committed to working with organizations that are improving health while bolstering quality of life for those throughout my community,” she said.

She joined the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina in 2009, moved on to the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University in 2017 and became the executive director of the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina in 2018. 

“Since the start of my career in 2005 and working with peer-to-peer fundraising platforms, I have seen the power technology can have in helping create meaningful change for organizations,” Hooper, who also has a certificate in nonprofit studies from Duke University, said. “This sparked a passion for using technology as a tool to grow our mission and impact.”

Hooper 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 the session, “Breaking Through Resistance: Strategies for Successfully Implementing Technology Innovation in Nonprofits,” Hooper and Mallory Erickson, owner and CEO of Mallory Erickson Coaching, will discuss why nonprofits are resistant to technology and how to overcome the roadblocks nonprofits encounter when implementing new technology, like gaining board approval, securing funding and or getting your staff on board.

NonProfit PRO caught up with Hooper to learn more about her work in nonprofit technology and why she’s so passionate about the implementation of nonprofit technology.

What impact has technology had on your nonprofit?

Technology has helped our small organization run more efficiently. By using technology effectively, we have been able to be more innovative, better aligned and grow our mission. We have been able to tell stories and ensure people feel welcomed into our organization. Additionally, technology has allowed us to streamline processes to enable better reporting of impact. 

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

Choosing technology can often be overwhelming. What do you need? Are you doing it right? [What is] the cost? Are the systems speaking to one another? Does the staff have the capacity and willingness to learn and implement yet another technology? The list goes on and on. The biggest challenge nonprofits face when it comes to technology is finding a way to make the most of the limited resources that they have, not being clear on what they need [and] limited technical knowledge. 

At Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, we have managed to overcome this challenge by taking a strategic approach with our technology investments. We have identified the areas where technology can be most helpful and we have made sure to invest in the necessary tools and software to make our operations as efficient as possible. This also helps us to sell the ROI to the board. By taking the time to understand our technology needs and investing strategically, we have been able to make the most of our limited resources and maximize the impact of our work.

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

Simply put, technology allows us to grow. Technology is often the first encounter people get with our organizations, whether it’s our social media, website, e-newsletter, donation form or event software. It is hugely tied to our brand identity. By embracing the powerful tool, it can allow us to improve operational efficiency, increase visibility and engage in a broader and more impactful way with [our] target audiences. 

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

I am passionate about creating alignment and action around implementation of technology. As technology continues to evolve, nonprofits should be at the forefront of embracing and deploying it to increase their reach and impact.

Do you have that staff member that does not do technology? Do you start implementing but don’t get very far? Mallory Erickson and I will be discussing breaking through resistance and [learning] strategies for successfully implementing technology innovation. We will be covering some helpful tips on creating habits, increasing motivation and creating a culture of learning and celebration when it comes to technology innovation. I will be giving real-life examples on how this has played out in my own organization. 

Join Us at BridgeTECH

Learn from Hooper and Erickson how to focus on finding technology solutions that will have the greatest impact on your organization 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.