Tech Tip: TechSoup.org

As the first technology-focused entry on this blog, I want to feature the first nonprofit tech resource that impressed me with how great it is: TechSoup. If you want to buy it, chances are TechSoup has it cheap, and if you want to know it, chances are TechSoup has the answer.

TechSoup is sort of a clearinghouse for nonprofit discounts. Microsoft, Intuit (Quickbooks), Symantec, Adobe and others "outsource" a portion of their charitable donation programs to them. TechSoup verifies that nonprofits meet any eligibility standards that the donor company sets, and manages the distribution of the software. For instance, Microsoft Office Professional 2007 is only $20; Windows XP Pro is only $8; Quickbooks Premier is $45; Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition (10 licenses) from $50. The prices are unbeatable.

One caveat: most donor companies put restrictions on their giving programs, and every donor has rules. Be sure to read the fine print and plan ahead.

The information is the other thing that keeps me turning to TechSoup. Their discussion forum is active, and they have a great resource of articles on all sorts of topics. Recently, I used their comparison of blog products to choose Blogger for LANO's blog. I've also referred to them in answering questions on a wide range of topics including firewalls, Exchange server, battery backups and more.

This post would be remiss if I didn't also mention NTEN as a great resource. I recently attended my first Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC), and it was by far the best conference I've ever attended. I came back with quality, useful information and was inspired by the great things other nonprofits are doing, such as website analysis, video blogging and improved internal collaboration.


So, if you're a nonprofit techie, I encourage you to join NTEN, attend their 2009 conference (in San Francisco!), and use TechSoup. Hopefully you will find new tools and information to help your organization run more smoothly and to make your professional life a little easier.