[Next Page] [Table of Contents]
Link to national
associations
Awareness/ advocacy
of national policy issues
Networking with
advocacy groups
Program/ education/
research of value to staff and constituency
Grant announcements and
other funding information
Resources for
nonprofit management
Local events/
coalitions
Local information
and referral
Local data and trends
Discussion.
The preceding discussion focused upon the content an agency may provide online to others. This page discusses the value of Internet access for an agency itself. The points are often derivative of ideas already developed on previous pages.
National associations can be a much more effective resource to local member organizations when material is timely and available in an organized structure to serve the needs of an organization as the material is appropriate.
National associations can also serve as the link between local organizations and similar organizations elsewhere. They can call attention to pace setting work that other organizations may utilize.
We live in "interesting times." Rapidly changing policies at a national level can affect local survival. As issues develop into policy options or as new perspectives on an issue emerge, agencies can more quickly learn of a need for action. Organizations can also stay in touch with the new "buzzwords" being used by foundations and others as models evolve.
National and international opportunities to network with others can be critical. Online forums increase the opportunity for regular communication with others. Tens of thousands of formal forums exist as List Serve or UseNet categories. Forums are now being developed as a structured part of World Wide Web pages to more tightly link them to specific sites.
Materials organized by Universities, national associations, advocacy groups and other service organizations can be an invaluable resource. Entire libraries of material are being developed.
Material about and from foundations may be one of the most valuable resources online. Requests for proposals can more easily be widely disseminated. Details about the priorities and funding patterns of foundations are very useful when selecting appropriate foundations to approach.
In some cases, an agency may read previously successful proposals or visit online the program site of an agency receiving foundation support.
Most nonprofit organizations share similar problems managing their programs. Reference and "how to" material can be placed online. Examples of bylaws, personnel policy, etc. may provide useful templates for those looking for a starting point.
Community event calendars are a key part of a community information service. They can also be used by organizations to avoid conflicts when scheduling new events.
Online systems can help to outline the range of services available in a community and to identify the best fit for a referral from one agency to another. Such a reference can be much more up to date than printed directories. The means of access can also be flexible, allowing more rapid and accurate access.
Organizations may know a great deal about a local program but miss the larger picture. Locally available program and demographic data collected on a regular basis can provide a perspective on organizational statistics that may change ones perception of the program data.