Everyone always asks us—where can we find funding to help with our technology? Coming up with the answer, unfortunately, is rarely easy.

Many foundations still do not fund technology—they view it as an “equipment” request or simply don’t know how to evaluate the merit of the request. Others have funded technology once or twice and not seen the “return on investment” that was promised precisely because the money was spent only on equipment and not planning, training, support and equipment.

We usually advise nonprofits to look to their existing funding base as the first source for support. Your existing donors and funders already know you—they “get” what your organization does and obviously trust your organization’s abilities.

Technology (the whole thing—planning, training, support, software, hardware, etc.) is a program cost, and should be built directly into your funding requests to support your programs. Requests to donors and funders will regularly include costs for rent, phone charges, office supplies—why not computers and consultants? Could you run your programs without your office computer, your email and connection to the internet?

One growing area of funding among private and public foundations falls under the label of “capacity-building” support. Since the use of technology can certainly help improve efficiency and increase effectiveness within an organization, many foundations are willing to receive requests for “capacity-building” that incorporate technology.

Other foundations will offer “technical assistance” support. Traditionally, this has meant support with Board development, fundraising, leadership development, recruitment, etc. but many foundations have broadened this funding area to include “technology assistance” and will often help support the costs of technology consultants for planning, training, support and other services.

Finally, some foundations are focusing a program area or their entire giving around the strategic application of technology for nonprofits. Others limit their scope to a specific geography or issue in their technology giving. Corporate foundations coming out of the technology and communications industries are also more willing to look at technology requests, but often have even more restrictive guidelines regarding geography or issue areas.

Support for technology doesn’t always have to equal money. There are terrific resources out there for donated or low cost computer hardware and software. Click on the following link to see a list of companies that donate their products and find out how to request a donation:

• Click here to find out more about software and hardware donations to nonprofits.

netCorps has a great deal of experience in helping nonprofits fund their technology needs and initiatives. We regularly work with our nonprofit clients to identify financial and in-kind support for technology. If your organization is interested in our assistance with your technology needs, we will certainly help you in looking for funding when appropriate. If you think we could help, please let us know. Click on the "Sign Up" link at the top of the page or contact one of our offices listed just below.