What is a Chief Technology Officer (CTO)?

A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a senior leader responsible for overseeing an organisation's technology strategy, ensuring that digital tools and systems align with its overall mission. In the nonprofit sector, a CTO focuses on leveraging technology to drive efficiency, improve engagement, and support long-term sustainability.

Do Nonprofits Typically Have a CTO?

Most nonprofits do not have a dedicated CTO due to budget constraints or a lack of perceived need. Instead, technology decisions are often made by operations managers, IT staff, or even leadership teams without dedicated technical expertise. However, as digital tools become increasingly critical to mission success, more nonprofits are exploring fractional or outsourced CTO services to fill this gap.

Why Does a Nonprofit Need a CTO?

A nonprofit may not have a "product" like a for-profit company, but it still delivers services, programs, and impact—all of which are powered by technology. A CTO helps ensure that an organisation's systems are efficient, secure, and scalable, allowing staff to focus on their core mission rather than dealing with technology headaches.

A CTO in a nonprofit can:

• Align CRM, donor management, and engagement tools with fundraising and impact goals.

• Ensure website, email, and internal communication platforms work seamlessly.

• Oversee data security, compliance, and risk management.

• Help organisations navigate digital transformation and adopt new technologies strategically.

• Provide guidance on IT investment to prevent wasted resources.

How is a CTO Different from an IT Manager?

An IT Manager focuses on day-to-day operations, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining infrastructure. A CTO, on the other hand, takes a strategic role, ensuring that technology investments align with the organisation’s mission, future growth, and operational needs.

What Does a CTO Do in a Nonprofit Without a Product?

While for-profit companies often have a product managed by a CTO, nonprofits are mission-driven organisations with programs, services, and digital engagement tools. A nonprofit CTO focuses on:

• The "Product" is the Organisation – The CTO ensures that systems supporting donor engagement, service delivery, and internal operations function effectively.

• Efficiency & Scalability – Making sure the organisation can grow its impact without being constrained by outdated or inefficient technology.

• Technology Roadmaps & Digital Transformation – Planning and implementing tech solutions that enhance service delivery and mission outcomes.

What is a Fractional CTO, and How Can It Benefit a Nonprofit?

A fractional CTO is an outsourced technology leader who provides high-level strategic guidance without the cost of a full-time executive. This model is ideal for nonprofits that need expert leadership but do not require or cannot afford a permanent CTO.

A fractional CTO helps by:

• Offering strategic oversight and guidance without long-term overhead costs.

• Bridging the gap between IT operations and mission-driven strategy.

• Assisting with vendor selection, tool integration, and digital transformation.

We Already Have an IT Partner or Internal IT Staff – How Can You Work Together?

Absolutely! Our goal is to complement and enhance your existing IT resources, not replace them. Whether you have an internal IT team, an outsourced provider, or a mix of both, we can work alongside them to ensure your nonprofit’s technology strategy is aligned with your mission and operating efficiently.

What’s the Difference Between an IT Partner and a CTO?

Your IT partner or internal IT staff typically focus on:

• Day-to-day support (troubleshooting, maintenance, software updates)

• Helpdesk services (responding to staff tech issues)

• Infrastructure management (servers, networks, security)

• Basic software administration (keeping tools running smoothly)

A CTO (or fractional CTO) provides strategic leadership by:

• Aligning your technology with your mission and long-term goals.

• Ensuring your CRM, donor database, website, and communication tools work in harmony.

• Guiding your IT roadmap, investment decisions, and digital transformation efforts.

• Bridging the gap between operations, fundraising, and technology.

• Helping you select and manage vendors to ensure you get the right solutions at the right price.

How Do We Work with Internal IT Teams?

We collaborate with your internal IT team by:

• Providing strategic direction so their efforts align with your nonprofit’s goals.

• Supporting digital transformation initiatives and guiding best practices.

• Filling expertise gaps in areas like CRM optimisation, integrations, and nonprofit tech.

• Helping advocate for technology needs at the executive level.

• Enhancing IT governance and security policies to reduce risk.

How Do We Work with Outsourced IT Providers?

We work alongside your managed IT service provider (MSP) or external vendors to:

• Ensure they are meeting your needs and delivering value.

• Help translate your nonprofit’s needs into technical solutions.

• Advise on contract renewals, pricing, and alternative vendors if needed.

• Oversee major tech projects (such as CRM implementations or website overhauls) to ensure success.

Why Would We Need Both an IT Partner and a CTO?

Having both an IT partner/internal IT staff and a fractional CTO ensures that your nonprofit has:
✅ Day-to-day IT support for troubleshooting and maintenance.
✅ Big-picture strategy and leadership to guide tech decisions.
✅ Seamless collaboration between mission, fundraising, and technology.
✅ A proactive approach to long-term tech planning, rather than reactive fixes.

Can You Help If We Want to Transition to a New IT Provider?

Yes! If your current provider is no longer meeting your needs, we can:

• Assess what’s working and what’s not.

• Help you select and onboard a new IT partner.

• Ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

What If We’re Unsure Whether We Need a CTO?

If you’re struggling with technology decisions, integrations, or strategic direction, a fractional CTO can provide guidance without the overhead of a full-time executive. We can work with you to determine the best support structure for your nonprofit.

Our Systems Are Disorganised – Is That a Problem?

Not at all! Many nonprofits struggle with outdated, disconnected, or underutilised systems, and that’s exactly where we can help. We understand the realities of limited resources, stretched teams, and competing priorities, and we approach every engagement with kindness, empathy, and zero judgment. Our goal is to help you get things back on track without adding stress.

We Don't Even Know Where to Start – What Do You Recommend?

If your systems feel overwhelming, we start with a Systems & Strategy Alignment Review to:

• Assess your current tech stack (CRM, donor database, website, email, finance, productivity tools, etc.).

• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and pain points.

• Provide a clear, actionable roadmap to prioritise improvements in a way that works for your budget and capacity.

Our Team is Already Overwhelmed – Will This Create More Work for Us?

We get it – you’re already stretched thin. That’s why we focus on guiding the process and making it as easy as possible for you. We work at a pace that suits your team, and we can take on as much of the heavy lifting as needed.

We Have a Lot of Legacy Systems and Workarounds – Can You Still Help?

Yes! Many nonprofits rely on patchwork systems, spreadsheets, and workarounds to get things done. While these solutions may have worked for a time, they can become inefficient as your organisation grows. We help you:

• Optimise what you already have (sometimes a few small tweaks can make a huge difference!).

• Plan a transition strategy if new tools are needed.

• Minimise disruption so your team can keep focusing on their mission.

We Don't Have a Big Budget – Can We Still Work with You?

Absolutely. We offer flexible engagement options to fit different budgets, from short-term consulting to ongoing fractional CTO support. We can help you prioritise the most impactful changes so you see immediate benefits without overcommitting resources.

What’s the First Step?

Let’s have a conversation! We start with a discovery session to understand your challenges, offer initial insights, and explore how we can help. No pressure, no judgment – just practical support to get your systems working for you.

We Just Need Help with One Service or Project – Can You Still Work with Us?

Yes! You don’t need to commit to long-term support if all you need is help with a specific issue, project, or system. We offer targeted, project-based services to get you the results you need without unnecessary complexity or long-term contracts.

What Kind of One-Off Projects Do You Support?

We can assist with a wide range of focused, one-off projects, including:

• CRM & Database Fixes – Streamlining, reconfiguring, or optimizing Salesforce or other donor management tools.

• System Integrations – Connecting your CRM, email, website, or other platforms for seamless data flow.

• Website or Digital Platform Upgrades – Fixing issues, implementing new features, or migrating systems.

• IT Security & Compliance Checks – Ensuring your data is safe, backed up, and aligned with best practices.

• Technology Vendor Selection – Helping you choose the right tools, software, or service providers.

• Process Automation – Reducing manual work by setting up smart workflows and automations.

• Staff Training & Documentation – Making sure your team is confident in using your tools effectively.

Can You Work Within Our Budget and Timeline?

Yes! We scope each project based on your needs, budget, and capacity, offering transparent pricing and clear deliverables. We focus on quick wins and high-impact improvements so you see results as efficiently as possible.

What If We Need More Help Later?

That’s completely fine! Many clients start with a small project and later decide they want additional support. We’re happy to be flexible—whether you need one-time help or ongoing assistance, we adapt to your needs.

How Do We Get Started?

Reach out for a free discovery session! We’ll discuss your needs, identify solutions, and outline a clear plan to get your project completed smoothly and efficiently—without unnecessary commitments.