Definitions

"TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE is a non-financial resource provided to an organization or an individual that resolves a problem or enhances capability. Mutual problem identification, time-limited focus, and specific goal setting should characterize the provision of technical. Typically, the resource relates to management, governance or the programs of a nonpofit organization, and can be provided through a variety of methods."

"CAPACITY BUILDING is developing improved business practices at a nonprofit organization. Its outcome is the ability to produce more work or improved results more efficiently."

"ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS ensures accomplishment of the mission through achieving strong client, community, audience, or participant outcomes."

    Why use technical assistance?

Technical assistance is clearly not the only answer to the needs and problems confronting the nonprofit sector.  However, when judiciously chosen and carefully planned, outside assistance can help an organization in meeting its goals and objectives, and thus, ensure higher-quality programs and services. Consultation, training or other means should enable a nonprofit to overcome a challenge and/or "move to another level" of development.

For technical assistance to be most effective for an organization, the following questions should be answered prior to contacting potential consultants.

What are the specific problems which need to be resolved? Do these problems need to be solved immediately, in a few months, or next year?

How can an organization best solve these problems? Are there staff or Board Directors whose skills can be directed toward resolution of these problems? Or, is it more appropriate to contract for outside assistance?

Assuming that a decision has been made to seek outside help, what are the specific goals or measurable outcomes that are expected during and after receiving technical assistance?

What method will be most helpful to meet the specific goals? Is attendance at a training session in order? Or, is a long-term consultative relationship with a consultant necessary?

What qualities does the organization seek form prospective consultant? For example, what kinds of expertise, personal attributes, experience, etc. should the consultant possess?

If answers to most of these questions indicate that the provision of technical assistance from an outsider is appropriate, then one of the following conclusions has probably been reached.

The needs to be met through technical assistance are clearly and specifically defined.

The organization needs something done staff cannot do; there is neither the time nor expertise to accomplish the task.

The organization needs an outside opinion to ensure objectivity and/or to handle a difficult or conflictual situation.

The staff and/or Board want outside training during this initial phase, so that they can learn to resolve the problem or do the task in the future.

It is neither a cost-effective nor efficient use of the staff and/or Board's time to accomplish this task at the present time. Thus, the organization would be better served by outside help.

    Using Technical Assistance Effectively

Consider the following suggestions in selecting and using technical assistance.

Review the past experiences and capabilities of the providers whom are being considered. Be sure they have experience in the area in which help is needed. Also, be sure the organization is comfortable with their personal style.

Check the provider's references. What other nonprofit organizations have used their services? Has the provider worked with similar organizations? Don't be afraid to call these organizations to get an opinion of their work.

Review the materials that providers make available to clients. Request an annual report, samples of previous work, sample contracts resumes of consultants, past evaluations, or fee schedules.

Request a meeting with the prospective providers to discuss needs. Give a brief history of the organization's present situation and outline the problems or needs in detail. Ask for the providers ideas on how needs will be met.

Be specific about expectations for the assistance to be provided. Require a written contract that includes the following points: specific goals and objectives, mutually agreed-upon timelines for completion, cost of the services and billing procedures, and evaluation of the technical assistance provided.

Complete all assignments between consultative sessions. Don't waste money and the consultants' time by failing to be prepared for consultative sessions.

Above all, don't be intimidated by getting help from the "expert". Each individual and every organization must determine if the needs are being met. Don't be afraid to ask questions and challenge ideas and suggestions. Receiving technical assistance is a learning process; take advantage of the opportunity and make the most of it.