Nonprofit Technology

Nonprofit Technology

Alliance for Community Technology

The Alliance for Community Technology (ACT) is dedicated to advancing the use of computing and communication technology internationally, acting as a resource for people through community serving organizations. ACT works to build relationships among community organizations, social investors, and academia through its Web site. To this end, the ACT Web site features a virtual conference tool called Centra Symposium, which let members interact with others around the world, record live session and delieve online training.

Alliance for Technology Access

The mission of the Alliance for Technology Access is to increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations. The Web site includes an extensive resource area, news, and links.

Benton Foundation

The Benton Foundation works to bring together philanthropy, public policy, and community action in the promotion of digital media to bring about social change. The foundation’s Web site offers a virtual library with information on a range of issues, such as health, education, and industry, and their roles in the information age. Visitors to the site can sign up for electronic news services, order and view publications, check out the blog and calendar and join online discussion groups, all focusing on a variety of technology and social change-related issues. Links to numerous foundation initiatives, including the Digital Divide Network, Connect for Kids, and OneWorld U.S., are also provided.

Center for Arts Management and Technology at Carnegie Mellon

The Center for Arts Management and Technology at Carnegie Mellon was established to investigate existing and emerging information and communication technologies and to stimulate thinking about the practical application of such technologies for arts managers. The Web site has information about the center’s services, which include eGrant, a custom tool for funding agencies that wish to offer Web-based grant applications to their constituents; technology needs assessment; and Web site development and hosting.It also has links to other technology/art organization, resources and tools for nonprofit organization.

CEO Forum

The CEO Forum issued five annual assessments of the nation’s progress toward integrating technology into American classrooms before the forum, a five-year project, closed its doors in December 2001. The forum’s Web site continues to offer useful information, including annual assessment reports, as well as an interactive self-assessment tool for colleges of education. Links to forum member organizations are also available.

CharityFocus

CharityFocus is a California nonprofit that organizes volunteers to create and market Web sites for nonprofit organizations, free of charge. The Web site also has a blog, a section for news and media, a list of organizations and resources for nonprofits, as well as a list of resources for volunteers who design Web pages,

Charity Village

The Canadian-based Charity Village Web site has news, jobs, information and resources for nonprofit managers, staffers, fundraisers, donors, and volunteers. Visitors to the Web site can access a searchable directory of annotated links to Canadian charities and nonprofit organizations; career advancement and assessment tools, including job listings from more than 5,000 Canadian nonprofit organizations; the “Marketplace,” an online directory of products and services especially for nonprofit executives; and a listing of educational programs and professional development opportunities, including Charity Village’s own workshops and online tutorials, as well as links to courses available across the country.

The Digital Divide Network

The Digital Divide Network, produced by the Benton Foundation, addresses the gap between those who can effectively use new information and communication tools, such as the Internet, and those who cannot. Visitors to the Web site will find news about efforts going on across the country, around the world, research, and funding information.<!—

Dot Org e-newsletter

Dot Org e-newsletter is a free bimonthly e-mail newsletter, with selected topics such as application service providers, online advocacy, fundraising, and Internet presence. The newsletter presents case studies, effective practices, techniques, and tools to help nonprofits maximize their Internet presence.–>

Download.com

Hosted by CNET, the Download.com Web site serves as a virtual warehouse of software and shareware of all kinds. Application types include business, education, games, home and personal, Internet, multimedia and design, Web developer, utilities and drivers, mobile, and MP3 and audio.

ebase

ebase, part of Groundspring.org, is an integrated database designed to help nonprofits effectively manage interactive communications with their members, donors, citizen activists, volunteers, and clients. The database is available for downloading free of charge from the Web site. The website has consultants, support and training to helpe ebase users and a member based forum.

The Electronic Development and Environment Information System

The Electronic Development and Environment Information System (ELDIS) offers the latest information on development and environmental issues. ELDIS provides descriptions and links to various sources of information, including Web sites, databases, library catalogues, and e-mail discussion lists.

Gifts in Kind International

Gifts In Kind International links corporations (including 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies) and their product donations and services-including software and computer training-with a network of more than 50,000 nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (or an international equivalent), tax-exempt educational organizations, and U.S. Indian reservations are eligible to register with Gifts in Kind for donated products and discounted services. A Gifts In Time, a free global online system, matches company volunteers with nonprofits needing assistance in areas such as community rebuilding, mentoring, coaching, technology planning, and other critically needed support. The tech cafe in the nonprofit section of the site, is designed to assist nonprofit organization in solutions to technical questions.<!—

Global Technology Corps

Global Technology Corps (GTC), in partnership with the U.S. State Department, seeks to bridge the global digital divide by recruiting high tech volunteers for international short-term public diplomacy projects. The Web site provides information on GTC private and public partnerships, details on current international projects open to private-sector partners, news items, and links to related organizations.—>

Hewlett-Packard Company Contributions Program

HP focuses its philanthropic resources on developing and supporting programs and partnerships that promote educational opportunity and e-inclusion for people in underserved communities in the U.S. and around the world. The company’s grantmaking programs provide a variety of different types of support, including donated equipment and products, employee matching gifts, general/operating support, in-kind gifts, and curriculum and program development. The Web site provides information on their projects, news and contact information.

IBM Community Relations

IBM contributes cash, equipment, and people to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across the U.S. and around the world. They aim to help people use information technology to improve the quality of life for themselves and others. The Web site includes information on grant programs and guidelines, news, reports, and other resources.<!—

iComm

iComm is a nonprofit Internet service provider that donates its services to other nonprofits, community organizations, and charities all over the world. The Web site lists the groups currently receiving assistance.—>

The IT Resource Guide for UK Charities

The IT Resource Guide for UK Charities provides information on software products, hardware, and technological services of interest to charities and nonprofit organizations located and operating in the United Kingdom. The Web site contains a series of technology reports and news, along with access to a free e-mail newsletter for interested UK organizations.

Making the Net Work

Making The Net Work, a UK-U.S. initiative led by David Wilcox, Drew Mackie, and Terry Grunwald, aims to help those planning to get their organization or neighborhood online or to create local technology centers. The Web site offers the MTNW Toolbox, which provides information for communities and organizations seeking an online presence.

Morino Institute

The Morino Institute is a nonprofit organization that explores the opportunities and risks of the Internet and the “new economy” to advance social change by stimulating entrepreneurship, advancing a more effective philanthropy, closing social divides, and understanding the relationship and impact of the Internet on our society. The Web site has speeches and publications, information on the institute’s programs and venture philanthropy partners, plus additional resources.

National Cristina Foundation

The National Cristina Foundation provides computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk, and economically disadvantaged persons the opportunity, through training, to lead more independent and productive lives. The foundation works to recycle computer technology resources, giving them a second life as tools for developing human potential. The Web site provides information on how to donate computer equipment, specifications, and an online form to initiate a donation.

NetDayCompass

NetDay is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping educators meet educational goals through the effective use of technology, thus enhancing children’s learning. NetDayCompass, the organization’s Web site, is a resource for education technology geared toward technology decisionmakers working in K-12 schools. The Web site features a variety of links to resources in the areas of planning, infrastructure, grants and funding, classroom support, and best practices, as well as an interactive research desk for further inquiries.

Network for Good

Network for Good aggregates online content and technology resources to help nonprofits increase their capacity, reach new audiences, and build Internet strategies. The Web site includes information how to fundraise online, recruit volunteers online, and online advocacy.

Nonprofit Tech

Nonprofit Tech works to provide expertise in technology, nonprofit management, human-computer interactions, and the psychology of service-driven industries to the nonprofit community. The Web site features details on the organization’s programs and services in eight main areas: education and policy; technology transfer and research; client and member services; community services and special programs; communications, networking and collaboration; publications, media and marketing; professional development; and administration and management.

NPower

NPower helps other nonprofits use technology to better serve their communities. NPower offers a variety of technology-related services to area nonprofits, including technology assessments and planning, database management, technology training classes, print and electronic technology resource libraries, and short-term technology project assistance. NPower’s Tech Surveyor enables an organization to assess hardware, software, and staff technology skills. TechAtlas is a step-by-step Web-based planning tool that nonprofits can use to assess their current technology use and to receive recommendations on how to better implement technology to achieve their mission.

Npsoft.org

Catering to nonprofit organizations and academic organizations, Npsoft.org offers discounted software for nonprofits and schools. Software programs range in scope from technical assistance, to educational, business, and communication tools. The Npsoft Web site includes a newsletter and FAQs from schools and nonprofits with practical information about the software.

Open Studio: The Arts Online

From 1996-2000, Open Studio: The Arts Online, a national initiative of the Benton Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts, provided Internet access and training to artists and nonprofit arts organizations to ensure that the communications environment of the 21st century would thrive as a source of creative excellence and diversity. The project is no longer active, but the site is archived by the Benton Foundation as a resource to the nonprofit community.

Pew Internet & American Life Project

A project of the Pew Research Center for People and the Press, the Tides Center, and the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Pew Internet & American Life Project explores the growth of the Internet and its societal effects on families, communities, and work environments. The Web site provides research reports; a useful listing of links containing information, discussion, and/or data on the Internet and society; and information about new research by the Pew Internet & American Life Project or other organizations. It also includes survey questions on varies technologic topics and expert advices.

SeniorNet

SeniorNet provides training for and access to computer technology for adults age 50 and older. The Web site offers online courses on a variety of technology-related topics, virtual discussion groups, discounts on technology products, digital galleries, a robust enrichment center, and information about local learning centers.

TechFoundation

TechFoundation works to bridge the nonprofit digital divide by providing nonprofits with access to the technology, expertise, and capital they need to enhance their effectiveness. The Web site includes events, a marketplace, grant information and a news center.

TechSoup

TechSoup is a Web-based resource center that offers technology assistance and solutions for small to mid-size nonprofit organizations. The site offers nonprofit technology articles and news, and information on where to find donated or discounted software and equipment through its companion site, DiscounTech. The site also has information on computer training; advice on technology funding; information on technology planning; listings of available volunteers and consultants; and detailed information on recycled hardware, including how to find it. Visitors has to be a member in order to purchase the donated items on the site. It also has a free, monthly publication, By the Cup, with feature articles related to nonprofit technology

Techsoup Global

Formly known as CompuMentor, the mission of Techsoup Global is to create social change by helping nonprofit globally get and use technology to heighten their philanthropic impact. Visitor to the website can access a searchable directory of annoted links to Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Russia and England. The website offer jobs/internships and a list of case studies it supported around the world.

TechSoup: Recycled Hardware

TechSoup’s Recycled Hardware page is a great place to go if you are looking for usable recycled computers for your nonprofit organization or if you are looking for a place to donate your old computer. There is a list of recycling/refurbishing organizations, tips on donating a computer, featured articles and resources, and a message board.

Technology Grant News

Technology Grant News, published four times a year, covers upcoming grant announcements by the government, technology funders, trade associations, and private foundations. Among the technology funding opportunities covered are creating an Internet presence for educational purposes, electronic publishing, and global nonprofits and emerging technology outreach. The Web site has a sample issue with links to featured grant sites and a Grants Index sampling. A discounted subscription is offered to nonprofits.

Tips on Using Database Software and Other Tech Tools

Tips on Using Database Software and Other Tech Tools was created by Jayne Cravens, of Coyote Communications, to help nonprofit and public sector organizations program-enhancing benefits from technology. Most of the material is geared to community-serving organizations who don’t have the resources to hire a full time consultant, but some materials are for a broader audience. The web site has a list of advice and answers to many questions of non-techies like how to import information to database, using online video and audio and how to prevent spyware on you computer.

The Web Developer’s Toolkit

The Web Developer’s Toolkit has links to authoring, design, graphics, and other resources for developing a Web site, from Fundraising and Friend-Raising on the Web: A Handbook for Libraries and Other Nonprofit Organizations.

Web Page Design for Designers

The Web Page Design for Designers Web site serves as a portal to a vast array of free Web design-related resources on the Internet. The information on the Web site is searchable, and the links are broken down by subject area. Each link is annotated with a brief description.

World Wide Web Consortium

Under the direction of Tim Berners-Lee, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has played a leading role since 1994 in developing and articulating the specifications and protocols at the heart of the Web. The W3C develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the Web to its full potential as a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding. The Web site has W3C news and activities, links to information about W3C technologies, as well as information about “getting involved” in W3C activties. It also have a ” New Visitor ” section to help first timer navigate the site.