Nonprofit Tech Tip: Get TechSoup

July 6, 2010 in Association Tips | Comment

If your nonprofit organization or association has a tight budget and outdated technology, snuggle up to TechSoup. Not everybody knows about this online tech clearinghouse, but everybody should. So bookmark this site now.

So what is TechSoup? TechSoup sums it up this way:

‘TechSoup Global is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working towards the day when every nonprofit, library, and social benefit organization on the planet has the technology knowledge and resources they need to operate at their full potential.’

What TechSoup does. TechSoup gets hardware, software and service donations from high-tech companies like Microsoft, Adobe and Citrix. TechSoup makes those donations available to eligible 501(c)(3)s and libraries for what it calls “administrative fees.” These fees are substantially below market retail. (Think “almost free.”) Each donor may set eligibility requirements beyond the 501(c)(3) designation.

What TechSoup has. TechSoup has hardware, software, hosted applications and training resources, among other offerings.

For software, how about Windows 7 upgrades, Microsoft Office 2010, Adobe Acrobat Pro 9, and QuickBooks 2010? All these programs are available for that bargain-basement administrative fee.

Could your nonprofit organization use GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, BlackbaudNow or DonorPerfect? TechSoup has those, too.

For hardware, TechSoup has a limited selection of new and refurbished items. If you can use what they have and the price fits your budget . . . why not go for it?

How to get your nonprofit on board. First, sign up with TechSoup. Answer some standard questions about your 501(c)(3), and you’ll be good to go. You’ll also need to meet donor requirements for the products you want to buy. That can be a little trickier. Check TechSoup’s FAQs for details.

Get free tech advice. The TechSoup Web site is also packed with useful resources. Get free webinars, articles and blog posts on hot nonprofit topics. Join the mailing list for TechSoup’s must-read By the Cup newsletter. Ask questions and get answers in the community forums. You can still benefit from all the buzz—even if you don’t buy.

Nonprofit bottom line. TechSoup is just a mouse click away. Get up-to-date information on tech choices. Buy tech products at prices you just won’t find at retail.

“Almost free” is the next best thing to “free.” Especially for nonprofits on tight budgets.