Tamarac Interpretive Association
Technology Committee and Resources
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Nonprofit Technology Planning

Online Technology Planning resources:

a. National Center for Technology Planning, www.nctp.com

b. The Evergreen Society, www.nonprofit-info.org

c. Nonprofit technology: www.nonprofit-tech.org

d. State Library of North Carolina:

e. TechAtlas: http://techatlas.org

 

Technology/Computers/Web

Access eNonPorifit - Penn State University has developed this on-line tutorial as a backgrounder covering nonprofits and Internet basics, how nonprofits can and do use the Net, and the business, social, and technical issues affecting nonprofits online. This is the big idea part of the tutorial!

American Computer Foundation (ACF) - The mission of the American Computer Foundation is to narrow the dramatic and growing gaps in computer knowledge, access and literacy in American society.

Bridges.org - Researches, tests, and promotes best practices for sustainable, empowering use of information and communication technology (ICT).

Centre for Management and Technology - Provides strategic planning, consulting, management and technology solutions at little or no cost to eligible nonprofit organizations. Established in 2002, the Centre has worked with over a hundred nonprofit organizations across the United States and overseas to implement improved business processes and technology.

CharityFocus.org - Provides opportunity for volunteers to give freely of their time and talents, without any expectation of material gain. CharityFocus volunteers build web solutions for nonprofit organizations.

Computer Access Center (CAC) - A nonprofit organization serving children and adults with disabilities

CTCNet -  National nonprofit membership organization of more than 600 independent community technology centers where people get free or low-cost access to computers, Internet access and computer literacy resources.

Digital Divide Network (DDN) - The Benton Foundation's DDN offers a range of information, tools and resources that help practitioners stay on top of digital divide developments.

Digital Divide Solutions/Hispanic Research Center at Arizona State - Digital divide information clearinghouse with many links to valuable research and resources.

The Digital Equity Toolkit - Points educators, teacher education faculty and professional developers to free resources that help reduce the digital divide in classrooms and communities.

Digital Freedom Institute - Assists institutions and communities of color in taking advantage of the digital opportunities that exist in the burgeoning 21st century information technology world.

Digital Partners - A Seattle-based nonprofit institute taps the power of the digital economy to develop market-based solutions that help the world's poor reap the benefits of the Digital Revolution.

Falling Through the Net - The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) established this site to provide public information about the federal government's efforts to bridge the digital divide.

Generations On Line - Generations On Line is a specially designed Web-based software program that helps people over 65 teach themselves the Internet - for libraries, senior centers, nursing homes and retirement communities.

Getting Online: A Guide to the Internet for Small Town Leaders - Produced by the National Association of Towns and Townships, this book explains the power, organization and tools of the Internet, with emphasis on the World Wide Web. It shows how small communities can encourage telecommunications access and promote economic development by creating an interactive town Web site, establishing a community technology center, aiding local businesses in using electronic commerce, and more. It includes an extensive listing of Web sites of interest to small town leaders.

HandsNet - Empowering organizations to integrate effective online communication strategies. 

Instructional Communications Systems, University of Wisconsin Extension - ICS provides electronic communication and distance education services to University of Wisconsin institutions, state governmental agencies, and other educational, governmental and nonprofit organizations.

IndianTech.org  - An information clearinghouse for Indian Nations attempting to bridge the digital divide in their communities.

Morino Institute - Reston, Virginia-based nonprofit organization that explores the opportunities and risks of the Internet and the New Economy to advance social change.

Network for Good -  This site was established to foster the informed use of the Internet for civic participation and philanthropy. It includes a section with resources related to nonprofits using technology. 

ONE/Northwest (Online Networking for the Environment)
Connect to the conservation movement’s technology success stories.

PBS/Digital Divide  - A PBS series which shines a light on the role computers play in widening social gaps throughout our society, particularly among young people.

Progressive Technology Project - Seeks to strengthen community based social change efforts and increase public participation by under-represented communities by exploring and supporting the effective use of information technology.

Project Connect - Info Line, Inc. has developed a group purchase program for nonprofits (501(c)(3) organizations). This page also gives some information about technology planning and Microsoft Office purchasing options (including the charity open license program)

SeniorNet - Provides adults who are 50+ years old access to and education about computer technology and the Internet to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. 

Summit - Internet strategy, technology planning and
program and organizational development services for nonprofits, foundations, and management support providers.

TechSoup.org - One-stop resource for nonprofits to find technology assistance, including software, hardware, and technology planning. The TechSoup site is divided into 5 main content areas: How-to, Community Discussions, Products, Service Directory, and News and Views.

Technology Training Foundation of America (TTFA) - TTFA's Computer Donation Program provides public/private partnerships that help bridge the "digital divide" and create wider opportunities for underserved communities. 

Verizon Foundation - Nonprofits can request an eGrant from Verizon Foundation, in the amount of $240, toward Internet access from the vendor of their choice. All you need to do is select the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and complete the application. Although the program targets smaller non-profits (those with annual budget under $500,000) any organization with a 501(c)(3) (public charity), served by Verizon Communications, may apply. Verizon also offers scholarships for nonprofit technology training through their E-Solutions program.

The Virtual Office - Tech Soup article discussing a nonprofit that made the transition to a virtual office. Other worthwhile sites that address the Virtual Office issue:

  • How Virtual Offices Work - This piece provides a good overview of factors that should be considered ("how stuff works" web site)

  • Virtual Office Survival Handbook - A book available through Amazon.com

  • Collaborative and Virtual Office Tools - OMB discusses collaborative technology for nonprofits

    Virtual Private Networks are revolutionizing communications on the same order of magnitude as fax, voicemail, and e-mail. The cost, functionality, and ease-of-use of a VPN are unmatched by any previous networking solution or technology. Organizations now have the opportunity to leverage the power of the Internet in order to create a wide variety of globally accessible e-business applications.

    • Virtual Private Networks - A short description of VPN's with links to proprietary software by Cisco.

    • Choosing a VPN - A great collection of articles and resources to assist you with making an informed decision about which VPN is best for your organization.

    • VPN Primers - New to VPN's...here is a good starting point.

  • Working Virtually: Practical KM Strategies for Small Organizations

  • GotVMail Communications - Create the impression of a single office by assigning private extensions to employees and partners even if they work from different locations.  Give callers automated service and company information with sub-menued  mailboxes and fax-on-demand documentation. Get notified of voice and fax messages via phone, email, or pager.
     

VolunteerMatch - Thousands of volunteer opportunities online. Utilizes the power of the Internet to help find volunteer opportunities nationwide.

 

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