Bits: Environmental, Social-Justice, and Independent-Media Activists To Gather
Environmental, social-justice, and independent-media activists will gather at the “Networking for a Sustainable Future” conference to discuss the role of the Internet in their work. Organized by Planetwork, the meeting will take place June 6-8 at the Golden Gate Club at the Presidio National Park…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Some Americans Remain Offline by Choice
While the cost of computer equipment and Internet access continues to prevent many people from going online, it is not the only reason why people remain offline, according to a new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The study found that almost one-quarter of Americans have no direct…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Design-School Students Build Charity Web Sites
This spring, in a high-tech twist on the old-fashioned barn raising, students studying multimedia and Web design worked with charities across the country to help them build their first Web sites. More than 275 students at 12 schools that are part of the Art Institutes educational network donated…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Online Iraq Campaign Provides Running Tally
Mercy Corps is harnessing the immediacy of the Internet in its campaign to raise money for relief efforts in Iraq. The international-aid organization, located in Portland, Ore., is trying to raise $2-million in two months. In the first three weeks of the campaign, Mercy Corps raised more than…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Web Sites Offer Details on Charity Projects
Several new databases provide information for charities on nonprofit business ventures, support for capacity-building efforts, and the history of philanthropy. Community Wealth Ventures, in Washington, created a database of businesses run by nonprofit organizations and marketing partnerships…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
National Technology Group Schedules Regional Meetings
The Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network, in San Francisco, a national organization for individuals, charities, and businesses that provide technology assistance to nonprofit groups, will hold eight regional conferences this year. Registration is now open for the New York conference, “Using What…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
New Owner Takes Over Database Program
Groundspring.org is taking over control of ebase, a free database program that allows charities to keep track of donors, activists, and volunteers. TechRocks, the San Francisco nonprofit group that developed the software, is scheduled to transfer the program by the end of the month. Formerly known…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Book Advises Charities on Technology Plans
A new book guides charities through the process of developing a technology plan based on their mission and organizational goals. Wired for Good shows nonprofit groups how to design a planning team that is representative of the entire organization; analyze their business processes and current…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Tax-Checkoff Program Yields Scholarship Fund
Charitable checkoff programs aren’t limited to state income-tax forms. In the early 1980s, the town ALSO SEE:A Taxing Opportunity of Arlington, Mass., started a college-scholarship fund financed by tax checkoffs that appear on the town’s quarterly property- and car-tax bills, as well as on water…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Charities compete for space in income-tax checkoff programsTaxpayers dread the annual ritual of filing income-tax returns, but scores of nonprofit organizations look forward ALSO SEE:Tax-Checkoff Program Yields Scholarship FundCauses Taxpayers Can Support When Filing State Income TaxesAUDIO: How…
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor