Avoiding Tech Regret: Platform Planning for Nonprofits

In today’s digital-first nonprofit environment, it's not enough to simply invest in a platform—you must also manage that investment intentionally to see long-term value. Samar Haddad, Manager of Client Experience at JMT Consulting, walks us through how nonprofits can shift from reactive to strategic when working with tools like donor databases, accounting platforms, CRMs, and more.

From the outset, Samar stresses the importance of selecting not only the right software but also the right solution partner. “Partner solution is just as important as solution selection,” she advises, urging nonprofits to interview potential vendors, understand the structure of their support systems, and clarify expectations around responsiveness and ongoing engagement.

This episode dives into why support shouldn’t stop after onboarding. “Onboarding and training doesn't just happen once. The solutions are continuously evolving, needs are evolving, regulations are evolving,” Samar shares. This mindset—treating platform management as a living, breathing process—can help nonprofit teams make better use of their tools, align systems with strategic goals, and navigate disruptions with greater resilience.

Samar also outlines the value of structured, recurring touchpoints. JMT Consulting meets quarterly with clients, aligned with budgeting, audits, and planning seasons, ensuring that technology is always serving the mission—not the other way around. She encourages teams to be open about their frustrations and compliments, noting that the most productive relationships involve constant dialogue, feedback, and shared discovery.

A powerful takeaway from this interview is the idea that nonprofits should strive for “voluntary management instead of involuntary management”—a proactive, data-driven approach that empowers teams to use their platforms with intention rather than reaction.

Whether you’re onboarding a new tool or rethinking your platform strategy altogether, Samar’s insights offer a framework for maximizing ROI, minimizing friction, and advancing your mission through tech-enabled clarity.

#NonprofitTech #PlatformManagement #DigitalStrategy

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