July 27, 2000 | Read Time: 1 minute
Wired for Good is helping charities in the Silicon Valley develop sound technology plans.
Non-profit groups go through a stringent application process to participate in the program, which is run by the Center for Excellence in Nonprofits, in San Jose, Calif.
Charities that are chosen for the program form a technology-planning team within their organizations, and members of the team attend nine technology workshops — on topics such as business strategies, computer support and maintenance, and budgeting.
After completing the workshops, each team develops a plan for using technology to achieve its organization’s goals. Staff members from the center and technology consultants review the plans and offer suggestions. When both the reviewers and the charity are satisfied with the changes, the plan is certified by Wired for Good.
Charities with approved plans are eligible to receive equipment donations, services, and discounts from participating technology companies through the program.
Joni Podolsky, program director for Wired for Good, hopes that the effort’s seal of approval will also make it easier for charities to win technology grants. “We’re hoping that funders look at a Wired for Good certified non-profit and say, ‘OK, we’re more likely to fund you for technology because we know that you’re going to thoughtfully use it.’”
Eight charities went through the program’s first class last year, and six of the groups finished with approved plans. Participants found the interaction with employees from other organizations so beneficial that they continue to meet monthly to discuss the technology issues their organizations face.
Representatives from 12 charities are currently meeting in the program’s second class, and another round will start this fall.
To get there: Go to http://www.wiredforgood.org.
