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 center, seminar room, and online discussion board. Visitors will also find links to lists and databases focused on communication technology; a monthly online newsletter with new technologies for online collaboration; community technology initiatives; conferences devoted to various aspects of community technology (e-learning, groupware, digital divide, etc.); and relevant online readings and events.

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.

America Connects Consortium

The America Connects Consortium (ACC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide technical assistance to community technology centers (CTCs) in low-income communities around the country. The ACC Web site provides resources mainly for community technology center staff members on a wide range of topics, including education, program design, disability and inclusion, and workforce development, among other practical guides to starting a technology center. The site also includes current news articles and spotlights on CTCs nationwide.

AOL Time Warner Foundation

The AOL Time Warner Foundation is dedicated to using the power of media, communications, and information technology to serve the public interest and strengthen society. Rather than providing grant monies, the foundation enters into strategic partnerships with organizations that have a demonstrated commitment to pioneering innovative ways of meeting its four priorities: equipping kids for the 21st century; extending Internet benefits to all; engaging communities in the arts; and empowering citizens and civic Participation. The Web site includes an area for upcoming events, grant seekers and nonprofit resources.

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, 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.

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 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.

Community Technology Centers' Network

The Community Technology Centers' Network is a national membership organization that promotes nonprofit and community-based efforts to provide equal access to technology skills and usage to the general public and to disadvantaged populations. The Web site has contact information for community technology centers in the United States, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and the United Kingdom where access to computers and computer-related technology is available. The site also has relevant news, conference information, publications, and other resources.

CompuMentor

CompuMentor works to provide technology resources-person-to-person services, low-cost software, and online resources-to nonprofits and schools serving low-income communities. The Web site has a link to DiscounTech, which offers software packages that can be ordered online for a fraction of the retail cost to organizations that qualify; a mentor matching program that matches skilled technical volunteers with community organizations and schools; a consulting program that includes technology planning for small and mid-size nonprofits; and information for nonprofits interested in developing a Community Technology Center to provide access and training to low-income or disadvantaged communities.

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, research, and funding information.

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 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 Special Needs section is also available for individuals with disabilities. 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.

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.

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, which started in Seattle, Washington, but now has expanded to more than 60 communities nationwide, 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, hands-on help with network implementation, 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.

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.

Strategic Technology Program

The Strategic Technology Program works to help nonprofit organizations take advantage of technology through a series of courses. The Web site has course materials, including numerous lesson plans; a toolkit of program resources; partner information; and links to technology planning and management assistance related Web sites.

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.

TechRocks

TechRocks encourages and enables foundations, advocacy groups, and activists to use technology to achieve their goals. Visitors to the TechRocks Web site will find ebase, a free downloadable software program that enables nonprofit organizations to manage their relationships with their members, donors, activists, and volunteers, and TechAtlas which provides context specific technology recommendations and step-by-step guides to assist organizations with their individual technology issues. Various case studies and TechBits, two- to three-page primers on topics about which organizations consistently have questions, are also available.

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. The Web site also has a free, monthly publication, By the Cup, with feature articles related to nonprofit technology.

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.

Technology Tip Sheets for Nonprofits

Technology Tip Sheets for Nonprofits was created by Jayne Cravens, of Coyote Communications, to help nonprofit and public sector organizations reap money-saving, program-enhancing benefits from technology. Most of the material is geared to community-serving organizations, but some materials are for a broader audience. The Web site includes a What's New section for frequent visitors.

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.