Simplicity: New Technology Program Gives Small Nonprofits a Chance to Make a Big Difference
February 9, 2010
Media Contacts: Dana Haydock, 704-926-1301, dhaydock@wrayward.com
Lindsay Jones, 704-999-3386, ljones@npowercharlotteregion.org
_____________________________________________________________________
New Technology Program Gives Small Nonprofits
a Chance to Make a Big Difference
NPower Charlotte Region Launches Pilot Program Designed
to Help Small Nonprofits Fast-Track Their Technology
_____________________________________________________________________
In a move to transform the technology landscape for small nonprofits, NPower Charlotte Region launched Simplicity, a pilot program that will provide six nonprofits in Mecklenburg County with new computer hardware, software, and strategic technology planning over a three-year period at a 55 percent discount, thanks to grant support from Project Ignite, a Knight Foundation funded initiative.
“Some of Charlotte’s small nonprofits are forced to work with outdated technology tools that limit their ability to accomplish their missions,” says Chris Meade, NPower Executive Director. “Through NPower’s work with small organizations, we know many have limited resources to invest in the technology solutions and strategy that will help them effectively and efficiently reach the people they are trying to serve. We believe Simplicity will give small nonprofits an affordable way to acquire new hardware, tech support and long-term technology strategy for their organizations.”
Nonprofits must submit an application online at projectignite.npowercharlotteregion.org by March 12 to be considered for the program. A full list of application criteria is available on the Web sites listed above, but some qualifications include having 10 or fewer employees, being willing to operate without a server and demonstrating commitment from senior management and board members to engage in strategic technology planning. Application selection will also be based on each organization’s need and their ability to positively impact the Charlotte community with the help of technology.
Simplicity addresses common technology challenges small nonprofits encounter by giving them a technology makeover. This makeover includes a strategic assessment of technology needs, replacing existing computers with new laptops for all employees, replacing desktop printers with one wirelessly networked multifunction printer, implementing data backup and installing a new wireless router. Participating nonprofits will also gain access to help desk support, receive two strategic review sessions per year and be included in group workshops focused on effective use of these upgrades.
“In the past, there has been a tendency to throw people at outdated hardware rather than replacing it because of limited funding, furthering the break-fix pattern,” says Troy Norman, NPower’s Director of Managed Services. “ If an old computer breaks, smaller nonprofits are forced to find a temporary fix but tomorrow there will likely be another problem, then another, then another. NPower has a vested interest in the nonprofit community. We want the nonprofit marketplace to benefit from technology innovation and Simplicity can help us do that.”
Simplicity At-A-Glance:
Simplicity transforms the way participating nonprofits accomplish their missions, reach their constituents and conduct everyday business practices. It creates a virtual office environment that nonprofits can access from any computer with an internet connection. This 24-7 accessibility allows nonprofits to serve the Charlotte community through a technology experience that provides unique business advantages. Simplicity allows nonprofits to be more mobile, flexible, innovative, efficient and effective by offering the following:
- New, fully-loaded laptops for up to 10 employees
- The most current software programs: Windows 7 Operating System, Office and PDF Conversion software
- One, new, networked printer
- Two strategic review sessions every year
- Data security and backup
- New wireless network with router
- A user-friendly way to store and share files
- Web-based email, calendars, document sharing
- Live Meeting for web-based conferencing
- Access to help desk support
- Network access storage device to archive data
- Collaboration groups with other participating nonprofits
Exact costs vary according to agency size and the number of employees; the monthly cost during the three year commitment ranges from $108 for one user to $322 for ten users. This payment structure provides small nonprofits an affordable way of acquiring new hardware, securing the technical support they need and determining the best long-term strategies.
About NPower Charlotte Region
NPower Charlotte Region is a 501 (c)(3) information technology consultancy serving other 501(c)(3) organizations in the 14-county region surrounding Charlotte, N.C. NPower Charlotte is part of the national NPower network.
NPower assists nonprofits in the strategic application of information technology with a goal of enhancing and expanding client service. NPower Charlotte Region was launched in 2003 with funding from Microsoft, Accenture, Bank of America, Duke Energy, Wachovia, Foundation for the Carolinas, Duke Endowment, United Way of Central Carolinas and Arts & Science Council. (www.npowercharlotteregion.org)
Funded by a $2.75 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Project Ignite is a three-year program of NPower Charlotte Region that is transforming the ways in which nonprofits use IT. (projectignite.npowercharlotteregion.org)
About the Knight Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. The Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote community engagement and lead to transformational change. (www.knightfoundation.org)
###
