EOTO Response #5

Nonprofit Organizations and the Digital Divide Michelle Clemens Michelle's Freedom Forum

Michelle discusses the digital divide in regard to minority entities. The emergence of new technology affects us all, but she asks, "what about small organizations that are trying to compete in the ever evolving world of communication technologies?" Michelle's concern is that nonprofit organzations are at a disadvantage for a number of reasons including limited access and resources.

I'd like to address her second biggest fear on the subject--funding. Michelle points out that many of these orgs do not have experienced or knowledgeable staff who can do online work, create web pages, etc. They don't have the money to pay professional designers and editors, so often the content and layout is lacking.

A possible solution--not necessarily for the funding but for the manpower is this: hire students who need internship or co-op credit. When I was in college trying to build a beginner resume, I needed experience. I had a number of unpaid internships including grant writing, which enabled me to gain experience and help others simultaneously. Nonprofit orgs could contact colleges and universities and ask for English or computer majors. I know there would be willing participants. Even if it is unpaid, many students receive course credit as long as they can document their work and hours via logsheets and such.

Here are some links to possible funding sources:

OSP: Finding Funding
Nonprofit Resource Guide
Nonprofit Fundraising Resources (486 listings)