TechSoup.org is an interesting and useful site to bookmark with savvy computer and internet tips for non-profits. To name a few, the site contains tips on:
- accessible technology (i.e. screen readers),
- website building and blogs,
- how to create a YouTube channel for your nonprofit,
- internet networks,
- how to prevent spam,
- building databases and even
- how to do outreach using Google Earth
Powered by CompuMentor, one of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit technology assistance agencies, TechSoup.org promotes itself as a one-stop resource for nonprofits’ technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to their online information and resources, they offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock. Here, nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products, provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners.
TechSoup’s Learning Center contains additional non-profit technology articles to help people make informed decisions about appropriate technology for their nonprofit. Some topics include articles on software, hardware, internet connections, technology planning and fundraising.
TechSoup also has a free enewsletter, By the Cup, that contains highlights from TechSoup, a new product alert with announcements from TechSoup Stock, and easy ways to keep your computers healthy.
Their TechFinder tool is a helpful online directory to find individuals and organizations that provide technology services, consulting, and training to nonprofits. And their Community Discussion forums are a good place to ask technology questions, network with nonprofits around the world, debate current hot topics, and learn from experts in the field.
And…what would an entity with a name like TechSoup be without some relation to soup? Each enewsletter also contains a soup recipe and their ‘Community blog section’ of their site contains many recipes from fellow site visitors as well.
As we have personally experienced how technology can enhance our work, making us more efficient and better able to serve our communities, TechSoup.org is another resource for enhancing your own agency’s or organization’s technology.
