Not-for-Profit organizations are generally resource "challenged" even in the best of times, and the current economic climate has created many new and unique issues and opportunities. Given the pressures on funding, organization stability, sponsorship and possible increased demand for their services, not-for-profits must find ways to do more with less, and have a greater impact with less resources. This article will highlight several best strategies for not-for-profits to save IT costs and improve service in these turbulent times.

Why do so many business-critical projects, whether done in house or outsourced, fail far too often, take too long, cost too much, and fail to achieve the business value for which they were justified and designed. In this article I want to offer several approaches to improve the "conceptual" aspect of IT projects - the what and why and the business case. A little uncommon sense is in order with six things you can do to significantly improve your business case and economic justification process and ensure your projects come in on time and on budget. 

Have you slashed your IT budgets across the board indiscriminately, and suspended, delayed and limited your technology projects? You are not alone. There is no doubt that in times of uncertainty and "turbulence" you must reduce spending and get more for every dollar you spend however, consider a little “uncommon sense” to target investments in those areas that save costs without undermining capability.

There is a better way! Turbulent times call for more “uncommon sense” to target investments in those areas that save costs without undermining capability, and that can increase efficiency, improve productivity and yes, increase revenue. Consider the following principles and approach to strengthen your operations in turbulent times and emerge leaner, more resilient and more profitable.

Challenging times call for creative approaches and perhaps a little "uncommon" sense to be ready to respond to the opportunities ahead! Information Technology is a vital enabler of organization performance, and enterprises whose CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs collaborate on a more strategic and mindful approach to their IT investments today will ultimately emerge more responsive, robust, resilient, productive and profitable.