Why I Moved Our Business to Cloud Computing and Why It Might Be the Right Move for your Nonprofit

By Jacqueline M. Tiso, Founder and CEO of JMT Consulting Group

As does every leader in a firm, I have to keep watch on how the numbers are doing.  Specifically – how is the money coming in and what is it going out for.  Probably the strongest message any business leader has heard over the past few years is that cash is king.  This is true for every firm, whether for-profit or non-profit.

Given this fact, you can imagine having to spend approximately $20,000 a year on technology – upgrades and maintenance to our servers – is NOT my most happy moment.

The good news?  The last time I had to spend this kind of money was in late 2009.

At that time, I realized that I really didn’t like to spend $20,000 a year on hardware and software upgrades – and that money could be much better spent elsewhere.

Think about it:  What could you do for your organization with $20,000 of “found” money?

JMT’s mission is to support non-profits in their use of technology, so they can achieve their mission.  I realized that I should be applying this philosophy to my own business.  And this forced me to ask the question how was spending this money every year on upgrades and maintenance furthering our mission?

I easily realized that spending a significant portion of our operating budget each year on IT infrastructure didn’t support JMT’s mission.  And that was the moment our move to the cloud was born.  This decision was arrived at after thorough reviews of our entire technology foot print, including not only direct costs such as the annual $20,000 equipment spend, but also electrical, maintenance, security, and of course, the human resources costs.

Our move to the cloud is not 100% complete, but it’s almost done and it has had an amazing impact on our organization in terms of not only dollars, but in the ability to streamline our processes, accessibility, team collaboration, and increased efficiency.

Every non-profit can benefit just as JMT has.  If you need help in understanding this changing paradigm and how you organization might benefit, please do call us and I will be happy to share what we’ve done.

Technology Working in Favor of Nonprofits

Have you ever postponed investing in a new accounting system for your nonprofit because of the cost to buy or add new servers?

Or maybe your organization doesn’t have a large (any) IT department to support replacing or upgrading to a better accounting solution and so you’ve made due with the system that you have (inadequate as it may be).

You’re not alone.  But here’s some good news:  new options are available to nonprofits that take advantage of hosting and Cloud Computing and Software as a Service (SaaS).

In addition to traditional, powerful, on-premise fund accounting like Sage MIP Fund Accounting, JMT Consulting Group has added two more options for nonprofits.

Hosted Solutions – Sage MIP Fund Accounting is housed on servers on your behalf.  You access the applications via your desktop but there is no “backroom” in your office housing a stack of servers that would need to be purchased, maintained, upgraded, etc.  Because your solution is hosted, it’s pretty much ready to go – deployment is far less complication.  Likewise, you do not have to worry about the manpower and associated costs and hassles of upgrading the software each time there is patch, fix, of new version released.

Cloud Computing/SaaS – JMT Consulting Group added Intacct to our portfolio of solutions because we know just how beneficial and economical Cloud Computing would be for nonprofits.  Cloud computing offers all the same benefits of a hosted solution – rapid deployment, eliminating the need for IT with regards to upgrading and managing the solution, diminished costs associated with servers and new hardware, and accessible anywhere you have access to the internet.

The best part is that you don’t sacrifice any features or functionality with these solutions.

We like it when technological advances help nonprofits worry less about infrastructure, hardware and software and allow you to achieve your mission.

For more information, Tech Soup has a great article: Why Should Nonprofits Care About Cloud Computing?

Or give us a call at 888- 368-2463 or click here for more information.

Professional Knowledge Firm or Software Vendor

JMT Consulting Group is a professional knowledge firm dedicated to improving the impact and effectiveness of our nonprofit clients.

There’s a significant difference between a nonprofit software solution provider and a professional knowledge firm.  Most nonprofit software solution providers only offer one solution.  As a result, regardless of your nonprofits particular operations, requirements and mission, it is in the best interest of the software solution provider to recommend the nonprofit software they represent.  That may not be the best solution for your organization.

Would your nonprofit be best served by an on-premise solution, Software as a Service (Saas), Cloud-based or hosted?

At JMT Consulting Group we review your needs and make our recommendation based on the best product fit for your nonprofit organization.

We take a look at different facets of the organizations and make recommendations on business process analysis and improvement; technology planning and consulting; and business process outsourcing. Based on our findings, we then refer to our portfolio of solutions including such brands as Sage, Intacct, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Convio, etc., to make our product recommendation based on the best product fit.

Our commitment:

• Recommend on the right solution for your organization.
• On-time project delivery as scoped.
• On-budget price is guaranteed.
• Always operate with the highest ethical standards.
• Whether you future technology direction is in the cloud or on-premise, JMT works with you to design solutions for the long-term success of your organization.

For more information on how JMT Consulting Group can help your organization, contact us at info@jmtconsulting.com or call us at 888-368-2463.

2nd Annual Private Club Executive Symposium

Our CEO and Founder, Jacqueline M. Tiso will be presenting at the 2^nd Annual Private Club Executive Symposium “Challenges for Today, Opportunities for Tomorrow” on the topic of “Cyber fraud and current information technology issues:  How secure is you member data?”

The Symposium is hosted by O’Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins, LLP and PKF LLP.

Other presenters include Mitchell Stump, CPA, Network Founder and Director Club Tax Network; Louis LiBrandi, Fellow, ISCEBS, Principal, O’Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins LLP; and Robyn Nordin Stowell, Esq., Partner, Holme Roberts & Owen, LLP.

The Benefits of Attending

This is an important seminar for private club executives, including:

• General Managers
• Controllers
• Presidents
• Treasurers
• Board Members

Anyone who is interested in updates and strategies to position a private club for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities will benefit from attending this presentation.

Time and Location

• Wednesday, May 4, 2011
• 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.  Registration and Lunch
• 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.  Program
• 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Questions & Answers

The Greenwich Country Club

19 Doubling Road

Greenwich, CT 06830

To RSVP

To register for this complimentary seminar or request additional information, please visit here and complete the online registration form.  If you have any questions, please call Sandy Carroll at (914) 381-8900 x7051

We hope to see  you there!

Are nonprofits unique?

This post is by Jacqueline M. Tiso founder and CEO of JMT Consulting Group. She is a frequent speaker and writer on technology, accounting, best practices and nonprofits. If you would like to have her speak to your group please contact lmurphy@jmtconsulting.com

Are non-profits unique?

Working exclusively with non-profits, I hear every day from clients how unique their organization is and I agree. Non-profits are unique. You are unique in the “product” and services you deliver, in the “customers” you serve, in the revenues you raise, in the systems you use, the list goes on and on.

Given that uniqueness, how does it translate to the tools you need to achieve your mission? My husband is in construction and one of the most frequent points he makes is the importance of hiring the right contractor and using the right tool. For example, if your drain was clogged, you would not call a carpenter, but a plumber. And whether you were a do-it-yourself or hired the plumber, you would not fix a drain using a hammer. While a hammer is an excellent tool for driving a nail, a wrench is what is needed to fix a drain.

There are endless examples that reinforce this principle. Unfortunately, I only came to understand this principle through the painful process of experiencing it firsthand early in my career working within a few non-profit organizations. Unknowingly, I would contract with firms who had limited understanding of the unique needs of my organization and we paid the price.

It was from this experience that JMT was born.

As technology consultants working exclusively with non-profits, we understand what the reality is of how unique non-profits are and the powerful impact implementing and using the right software solution can have to your organization. Because non-profits are unique, you will be best served using software tools and services that have been specifically designed to meet those unique needs.

Firms experienced in for-profit projects using commercial, for-profit software can certainly implement a system, but will your project be implemented as efficiently and effectively as your organization needs? And will the tool have the functionality you need without your departments having to jump through a bunch of hoops?

Be cautious of spending your valuable funding on a carpenter using a hammer. Remember, a slow leak usually ends up being much more costly in the end than bringing in a professional right from the start.

Nonprofit Best Practices: Cloud Financials

On February 15 at 1:00e, Jacqueline M. Tiso, JMT Consulting Group, CEO and founder will be presenting with Dan Druker (Intacct) and James Linday, CFO of The Great Books Foundation.

This is a webcast and free of charge, so please join us by registering here.

Here’s what you’ll learn at the web event:

• The key financial management and technology issues facing nonprofit organizations today
• Why cloud computing is a more effective and efficient, lower cost option for nonprofit organizations
• Best practices in evaluating and contracting for cloud computing

James Linday, CFO of The Great Books Foundation will share his first hand experience in moving to cloud financials including:

• His process for selecting and implementing a cloud-based accounting solution
• The ROI of moving to cloud financials and how it has reduced his need for IT resources
• The tangible and intangible benefits The Great Books Foundation has seen by moving to the cloud

We hope you can join us!

Things to do in Chicago

Here are some fun things to do in Chicago…and yes I snuck in a couple events that JMT will be hosting in Chicago this month.  Where are your favorite places to go and your favorite restaurants and activities to enjoy in the Windy City?

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a world class zoological institution located in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park district. Founded in 1868, the zoo is rich with architectural treasures as well as award-winning progressively designed animal habitats. A conservation haven nestled in the heart of Chicago, the zoo operates one of the country’s largest zoo-based conservation and science programs. Committed to saving species locally and globally the zoo employs highly specialized experts in veterinary medicine, landscape ecology, cognitive and behavioral research, endocrinology, epidemiology and population biology. The not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo attracts an estimated 3 million visitors per year and is one of America’s last remaining free admission zoos.

The Black Ensemble Theater

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. BE achieves its mission through productions and programs that perpetuate the history of the African American people, while reaching out to a cross-cultural audience and serving disenfranchised communities.

The Black Ensemble Theater’s theatrical productions and educational outreach programs have been featured in the New York Times, The New York Post, Crain’s Chicago Business, Jet and Ebony, just to name a few. Some of our most popular productions include “The Jackie Wilson Story”, “The Other Cinderella” and “Don’t Make Me Over: In Tribute to Dionne Warwick”.

1/13/11 JMT Consulting Group Sage MIP Fund Accounting Users Group

If you use Sage MIP Fund Accounting we cordially invite you to an upcoming User Group meeting we’re hosting on Thursday January 13 at the Chicago Hilton Garden Inn Downtown.

We will be looking at administrative functions and reporting tips that will help you prepare for your audit. We will be sharing a lot of helpful information about the software that you can benefit from but this is also an opportunity to grow your network and meet others who are putting the power of Sage MIP Fund Accounting to work for their nonprofit.

To register click here or contact Lyndsey Murphy, Marketing Coordinator
845.319.7610 lmurphy@jmtconsulting.com

The Children’s Discovery Museum

The mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play.

The Children’s Discovery Museum is a different kind of museum — where touching the exhibits is actually encouraged. The exhibits are designed for kids of any age to touch, climb on, climb into, and even take apart and put back together. It’s a liberty kids are seldom afforded in a museum — or anywhere else!

1/13/11 A CFO’s Guide to Nonprofit Financials

Join us at Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush for lunch and a discussion on knowing when your organization is ready to change financial systems.  We’ll discuss how to determine the ROI of any system change, whether or not your current system is the cause of inefficiencies, what options are there for a nonprofit interested in hosting system in the cloud environment, and much more.

To register: Email nhasser@jmtconsulting.com or call 888.368.2463.

Victory Gardens Theater

From its founding in 1974 through the present day, Victory Gardens Theater has dedicated itself to playwrights and their works as well as emphasizing the development of an ethnically and culturally diverse community of artists. Recipient of the 2001 Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theatre, Victory Gardens continues to expand on its new works initiative through its 14-member Playwrights Ensemble, as well as work from playwrights who are changing theater in the United States and abroad. Victory Gardens has produced more world premieres than any other Chicago theater.

Social Media for Nonprofits

There is no denying the power of social media – though I’ve observed that while social media is easy to use; it is difficult to use well.  Evidence of this is the fact that over 50 percent of Twitter accounts that are created are quickly abandoned and remain unused.

The low cost (free) of entry is very attractive – but nothing is free.  What I mean is that most social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) don’t charge you to open an account, but all require an investment in time and creating a compelling message.

If you organization can make the commitment to the time it takes to manage social media and the patience to cultivate the community of your followers – soon you’ll find the numbers of your community growing.

Here are some links about how nonprofits can use social media and some case studies of organizations creatively leveraging social media.  Please use the comments section to share your questions about social media or share how you’re using social media.

5 Must-Follow Non-Profits Making a Difference With Social Media [Mashable Awards]

Nonprofits, Facebook, Best Practices, and What a Difference It All Can Make

Social Media & Nonprofits: How Social Media Can Help

Social Media Best Practices for Non-Profit & Public Sector Organizations

Considering new fund accounting software? Some things to think about as you explore.

It’s sort of a mantra of ours that the decision you make regarding your accounting software is one of the most critical choices you can make for your nonprofit organization.  Look no further than the amount of time your accounting and finance team spend on creating monthly, quarterly, and program-specific reports, just to name a few.  Reporting is the key to effective use of the funds you’ve been awarded as well as additional funds you hope to gain.

The solution that works wonderfully for one nonprofit may not be a good fit for another nonprofit.   It’s part of the reason that we represent a number of different fund accounting solutions.  When counseling a nonprofit on software selection, we don’t walk in with a preconceived notion of selling a particular solution.  We want to learn about your organization first and understand the challenges that you face.

There is so much more than just software to consider.  While features and functions are important, there may be other factors that need to be weighed in your decision.  Are you staffed to support a system internally?  Do you have the necessary systems and infrastructure (or the means to invest in them) to host your systems?

Most of the time, there are human and technical resources available to support an in-house system.  But more and more, due to limited budgets and internal resources, we’re being asked about Software As A Service (SAAS) and Cloud Computing.  We believe that this is more than a fad and that it will continue to be a consideration on the list of choices available to nonprofits.  As a result, we’ve recently added Intacct to our product portfolio in order to better respond to the different requirements of nonprofits seeking our help.

If you have questions regarding the various fund accounting solutions on the market, we’d be happy to answer them.  Use the comments section here on the blog or give us a call.  Also, we routinely host free webinars on the various solutions in order for you to learn more about them.  You can see the webinar topics here.

With so many good solutions available to relieve you of tedious, time-consuming, cumbersome manual processes – you should look to a solution that can automate those routines and give you more time to analyze the data – and we’d be happy to help you explore the options in order to find the perfect fit for you.

 

Private Foundation Symposium in NYC Features Jacqueline M. Tiso Presenting on “Technology and Security in the Private Foundation World”

JMT Consulting Group’s CEO Jacqueline M. Tiso will be a featured speaker at the 3^rd Annual Private Foundations Tax and Accounting Symposium hosted by O’Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins LLP on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Yale Club of New York City.

In addition to Tiso’s presentation on “Technology and Security in the Private Foundation World” other topics include: Compensation issues for private foundation trustees; Rebranding your mission; Streamlining your grant-making; New York Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (NYPMIFA) – How will it affect your private foundation; and Private Foundation tax update.

The event is designed to update private foundation trustees, executives and staff on new and developing issues in the private foundation community.  Topical issues will be discussed and analyzed by industry leaders.  Those interested in how private foundations are managing in challenging times will benefit from attending this symposium.

If you are interest in attending, click here.  Please note that seating is limited.

The event will run from 8:15 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Yale Club of New York City, Grand Ballroom, 50 Vanderbilt Avenue, between 44^th and 45^th Streets, New York, NY.