Six Web Resources for Nonprofit Organizations

Title: Digital Divide Network
Web Address: http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/content/sections/index.cfm
Brief Description: This is a wonderful Web site that gives in-depth information about the digital divide, problems with accessibility, international issues and the latest measures taken to bridge the gap. It offers a discussion forum, feature stories, links to the latest headlines and information about upcoming events.

Title: TechSoup – The Technology Place for Nonprofits
Web Address: http://www.techsoup.org/
Brief Description: In my opinion, this Web site is by far one of the greatest resources for nonprofit organizations because it offers advice on how to make the most of a budget and how to effectively utilize communication technology. The “How-To” function is especially useful for information about Web building, training, funding, organizing volunteers and creating databases.

Title: Charity Focus
Web Address: http://my.charityfocus.org/my/login/
Brief Description: Charity Focus is comprised of a group of volunteers who give back to the community by offering their knowledge and services to small nonprofit organizations in hopes of building a stronger network of activists. With the slogan, “Helping Others Help Others,” the group provides free technical assistance and helps nonprofit organizations to build and design their own Web sites.

Title: Nancy Schwartz & Company – “Should Your Nonprofit Launch a Blog?”
Web Address: http://nancyschwartz.com/nonprofit_blog.html
Brief Description: As the editor and publisher of a successful monthly e-newsletter, Nancy E. Schwartz offers great insight and advice about effective communication. This article discusses the positive effects of adapting blogs as a communication tool and explores the various ways blogs can become a great asset to nonprofit organizations. It gives information about the structure of blogs, provides examples of successful nonprofit blogs and discusses tailoring messages.

Title: Bridges – Spanning the International Digital Divide
Web Address: http://www.bridges.org/
Brief Description: Bridges is an organization, founded by members of the technology community, which works with other leading international organizations in order to help shape policy, promotes the widespread use and access of communication technologies and helps to educate communities about the advantages and convenience of such technology.

Title: “Internet savvy nonprofits: Dot-orging your way to success”
Web Address: http://www.lib.unc.edu/ (Requires article database access)
Nonprofit World. Madison: Jan/Feb 2002. Vol. 20, Iss. 1; pg. 25, 2 pgs
Brief Description: This article investigates why nonprofit organizations have been slower to adapt new communication technologies in comparison to for-profit organizations. It outlines how many small organizations fail to see the benefits of such technology and rarely have enough time/money to engage in such endeavors. The article goes on to list potential benefits and offers resources to help initiate organizations in the step toward global communication.