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IT Support for Communities
IT4communities
Computers can be of huge benefit to charities and non-profit organisations. They can help them design and produce better-quality publications to improve fundraising efforts, or can be used as organisational tools so that members can make the best use of their time - but only if they are set up properly.
Although the price of computers continues to drop, they are still expensive to buy. Even if they are donated, there is still the additional expense of employing people to get them working and keep them running.
It is one thing to follow vague advice on the Internet or to rely on a member of the public but there is no substitute for a professional on important projects. However, there is no reason to struggle with IT problems when working for a community group.
IT4communities is an organisation of IT professionals volunteering their time and expertise for non profit groups. This organisation set about researching and promoting the need for digital inclusion. Initial funding was from partner organisations such as the Baring Foundation, IBM, BT, Symantec, Talktalk, and Microsoft have given support worth £2.5 million to charities and communities.
How does it work and what it costs
The service provided by IT4communities is not without cost for an organisation requesting help. There is an £85 registration fee that gives access to the volunteer network fo a year. Multiple requests for advice can be made in that year without incurring extra charges.
Once the needs of a project have been established IT4communities will then email suitable volunteers who will get in touch with the requesting organisation if they are available. Common projects include creating a new website or dealing with junk mail.
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