Grantmakers Information Technology Survey Report 

V. Challenges/Emerging Issues 

Technology Planning 

Today, 43 percent of foundations (127 of 293) reported having no barriers to using or 

making effective use of information technology. This is an improvement relative to 1996, 

when 30 percent of foundations reported having no barriers.  

Current Barriers (n = 293) 

Among foundations reporting barriers in 2003, the most common barriers were cost 

(48%, or 80 of the 166 reporting barriers), lack of training (48%) and lack of in house 

support (42%). In 1996, cost and lack of in house support were somewhat less formidable 

barriers, 33 percent and 29 percent, respectively, while lack of training stayed about the 

same at 45 percent. Inadequate equipment was a much more formidable barrier in 1996 

than it was in 2003: 29 percent versus 9 percent. 

It is clear from the survey results that most foundations are struggling with technology 

planning. Most foundations do not have a technology plan, with only 21 percent of 

foundations reporting that they have written technology plan that is up to date (Table 

A 4).  

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