Microsoft NGO Connection – Online Resource for Nonprofit Groups

Microsoft Corp. announced the global availability of NGO Connection, a new online resource for nonprofit groups around the world.

The online resource is designed to assist NGOs to more efficiently use technology to achieve their goals as well as to encourage networking and coordination of NGO resources across the world. The primary goal of the online resource is to provide a convenient and easy one-stop shop for technology resources, knowledge sharing, community building and real-life examples for nonprofit organizations. NGO Connection provides a virtual workspace that is rich in technology resources for NGOs to inform, engage and collaborate with other NGOs. The online tool provides a one-stop portal that meets all their technology and networking needs.

NGO Connection also makes it easy for NGOs to share best practices and case studies, giving them the option of participating in an online forum where they can engage in dialogues about using technology effectively and share solutions to some of their common challenges.

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Microsoft offers two primary ways for NGOs to acquire the Microsoft technology they need – either use Windows Live or Microsoft Office Live services and other online applications to access free software through the Internet or apply for a software grant through the Microsoft Software Donation program.

The Community Technology Skills program is a localized grant program that focuses on educating underserved communities to use basic software skills to help advance their economic well-being. The program is delivered through NGOs that operate Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs). Microsoft provides strategic cash donations as part of the CTS program

Microsoft also provides software grants through the worldwide TechSoup Global program and its local Community Affairs managers.

The Microsoft Software Donation program provides all eligible organizations up to 6 software titles and up to 50 user licenses per title within a two-year period.

Microsoft has partnered with NASSCOM Foundation in India to enable and empower underserved communities through the use of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD). NASSCOM Foundation works in partnership with TechSoup Global to make technology solutions widely available to NGOs in India. You may contact the local Community Affairs in India at [email protected] for further guidance.