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Technology for Nonprofits

Technology can work wonders in a nonprofit, but when misunderstood it can wreak havoc. These resources will help you comprehend and use technology for the mutual benefit of your organization and those you seek to serve.

If you know of a resource we should add, please contact us here. If you notice any broken links or bugs, please email web@idealist.org.

NetSquared is an online and offline community created by TechSoup, a project of CompuMentor. NetSquared highlights projects around the world that succeed at the intersection of pervasive access, new tools, and new audiences.

Accessible Web Design provides information from the University of Washington's DO-IT program about how to make websites accessible to people with disabilities.

CompuMentor is a nonprofit organization specializing in technology assistance for community-based organizations and schools. Its consulting practice offers technology planning, implementation, and support services. CompuMentor is also the home of TechSoup.org, a technology website for the nonprofit sector.

ENTECH provides technology assessments and consultancy services for nonprofits in Wisconsin. Housed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as a program of the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management, ENTECH is actively involved in empowering nonprofits in technology.

Grassroots.org provides free web hosting to registered charities and other nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada. (Note: clients will need to place a Grassroots.org banner on the home page of their site.)

The Low Income Networking and Communications (LINC) Project is a project of the Welfare Law Center. Since 1998, the LINC Project has worked to build the technology capacity of low-income grassroots groups across the country, enabling community-based organizers and low-income individuals to gain a presence in public debates on economic justice issues, be informed, reach new allies, educate communities, share strategies, and participate in the democratic process.

The National Cristina Foundation directs donations of used computer equipment to nonprofit organizations, schools, and public agencies throughout the United States. These organizations train people with disabilities, students at risk, and economically disadvantaged persons to lead more independent and productive lives.

Netlingo.com is an online dictionary about the internet. It contains thousands of words and definitions that describe the technology and community of the World Wide Web.

Npower is a network of independent, locally based nonprofits dedicated to putting technology know-how in the hands of nonprofits.

Per Scholas provides computers to nonprofit organizations at low cost, as well as accepting computer donations to recycle or destroy in an eco-safe manner.

Organizers' Collaborative is a membership organization of activists and technology consultants dedicated to providing social change groups with proven, easy-to-use technology and support that is specific to the needs of organizers.

Public Interest Registry offers information about how to purchase a .ORG domain name. The site also provides resources to help nonprofit organizations more effectively utilize the internet.

TechFinder is a searchable, online directory of individuals and organizations that provide technology products and services to the nonprofit sector. TechFinder is a service of the Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (N-TEN) in partnership with TechSoup.

Techsoup is the technology website just for nonprofits. It provides a wealth of free technology information, including articles, tools, an interactive community, and a weekly e-newsletter. For a small fee, nonprofits can also qualify to receive donated and discounted tech products.

The Virtual Activist helps organizations learn more about using the Internet for outreach and organizing.