Overview

Helping Nonprofits Do Good, Better

The NonProfit HelpDesk firmly believes that technology is a vital element of a nonprofits success. Our advocacy efforts include petitioning city government to increase technology spending and projects in our communities, partnering with foundations to provide technology services at reduced costs, working with technology corporations to create nonprofit relevant technology and collaborating with member organizations to provide customized technology solutions for their organizations.

In addition to its vocal and assertive advocacy, testifying at city council and petitioning funding sources to support nonprofit technology, the NonProfit HelpDesk remains New York City’s nonprofit organizations staunchest advocate by conducting market research and developing new responsive initiatives. Market research ensures that the most pertinent issues, identified on a grass roots level, are being addressed. New initiatives use information garnered from research to create one of a kind technology solutions.

Our advocacy efforts fall into several categories. The highest profile issues are related to Digital Divide and its impact on the nonprofit sector - and, of course, the communities we serve. However, our other areas of concern are no less important. A major issue that we have been advocating about is related to the implementation of a variety of technologies by government agencies, to improve over-all effectiveness, rather than imposing further burdens. Another serious concern has been appropriate and realistic funding for and assistance with technology purchases, maintenance and management.

Digital Divide - In many ways, digital divide issues have changed dramatically over the last few years. The cost of technology has plummeted, and, although Community Technology Centers are not as ubiquitous as one would have wished, there are far more ways for even low income New Yorkers to access technology, and especially the internet. This is a very welcome development. However, there are still some major issues, and the development of technology, and its relative ubiquity has made the issue more pressing, rather than less.

Two example of such issues that we have, and will continue, to testify about, are the widespread availability of robust, reliable, and economical broadband access to the internet, and access to reasonably priced, truly mobile access. The availability of such services can be of enormous benefit to nonprofits, as well as many disadvantaged populations (eg people with mobility issue, single parents, people who do not have easy access to public transportation). With our testimonies, we remind lawmakers and regulators to encourage the development of such services, and not insure that new laws and regulations do not impair the ability of people and organizations to access these services.