When I reflect on my work life, it's clear to me that I spend a lot of my time fielding questions from nonprofit professionals. The two most frequently asked questions are not really technical at all. They are:
- "You do what for a living?"
- "Where can I get money for information and communication technology?"
The conventional wisdom on finding money for nonprofit technology is that most funders support missions and programs that align with their interests. Very few grantmakers and donors go looking for ways to buy technology for their grantees, although they will often support technology line items in a programmatic proposal that makes a strong case. As far as I can tell, even Bill Gates doesn't wake up in the morning thinking about how he can give money to buy technology for nonprofits. He thinks about giving money for initiatives that will end poverty and eradicate diseases that devastate the people in developing countries. So if the geekiest geek of them all won't write you a check to create a great social media initiative for your nonprofit, what are you going to do?
The long term answer is to heed the conventional wisdom, and develop a great mission, great programs to fulfill it, and great ways to demonstrate that you can offer your financial supporters a fantastic social return on investment. With all that established, you can then show them a budget that takes into account the cost of the information and communication technology that will support your operations and ensure the desired outcomes.
Meanwhile, C3 Conferencing has a very appealing short term answer for a nonprofit. This organization, which provides audio, video, and web conferencing services for nonprofits, has just announced a program that combines $2,500 in cash with $2,500 in in-kind donations for enhancing communications.
(In the interest of full disclosure, I should explain that some years ago, I was employed by C3's precursor, the Telecommunications Cooperative Network. To this day, Kathleen Sherwin, C3's COO and managing director, is a good buddy of mine. So you may want to factor in my bias.)
As for what is meant by enhancing communications - well, of course you need to read C3's announcement and submission form in full. However, here's a sneak peek: "C3 is looking to hear examples of how an organization can increase internal communication, communication between donors, clients and communities and/or effective communication strategies in times of crisis or other large scale campaigns."
To me, that spells an online engagement and collaboration strategy. Or, if you prefer, a "social media" strategy. A nonprofit's communication strategy can no longer be unilateral - it has to be dialogical, multilateral. As more and more of a nonprofit's stakeholders are going online to connect with people, organizations, and causes that they care about, it behooves nonprofits to have a great online communication strategy. If you receive a C3 grant, and make use of some free and inexpensive online tools that are out there, there's a lot you can do.
So let's all take a moment to savor and appreciate a grant program that is willing to give you gifts in kind and money that you can use for electronic communications.
And now without further ado, I bring you C3's official announcment, which I am posting here with Kathleen Sherwin's encouragement.
C3 Conferencing Announces Cash Grant and
In-Kind Donation Giveaway for Nonprofits
In-Kind Donation Giveaway for Nonprofits
Montgomery, AL – December 7, 2009 -- C3 Conferencing, a leading provider of affordable audio, video and web conferencing services for nonprofits, today announced a new program arriving in 2010 that will award one nonprofit organization a $5,000 grant. The grant is comprised of a $2,500 in-kind donation and a $2,500 cash grant to be given to the organization that best exemplifies progress and future progress in enhancing communication within their nonprofit and constituencies.
C3 is looking to gather insight into how affordable conferencing services help nonprofits enhance communication and service delivery. The company hopes to gather case studies depicting how nonprofits can increase communication between their organizations and their members, donors, clients and communities. C3 looks to develop additional, enhanced, communication strategies for nonprofits in times of crisis, large scale campaigns and online conferences/webinars based on the submissions submitted.
The nonprofit grant recipient will be given a $2500 gift card for discounted audio, video and web conferencing services to be used with one-year. C3 will also provide the winner with complimentary training for these services. In addition to the $2500 in-kind donation for conferencing services, C3 is giving away an additional $2500 cash grant for the purposes of enhancing the organization’s internal communications and increased communication capacity with clients and external communities.
This donation is available to nonprofits with 501c(3) designation and will be distributed to qualifying organizations only, not individuals. Those nonprofits who wish to enter submissions must do so by February 1, 2010. The grant recipient will be announced on March 1, 2010 via the C3 website. The winner will be selected at the sole discretion of an independent team of nonprofit professionals, foundation leaders and individual community members. Organizations must submit their entries through C3’s online submission form only at http://www.c3conferencing.com/
About C3
ConferencingC3 Conferencing delivers cost effective audio, video, and web conferencing services, helping organizations increase their capacity for providing outreach and support to their staff, clients, and communities. C3 Conferencing provides custom solutions, competitive pricing, and high touch service to meet the specialized needs of nonprofit organizations. To find out more about C3 Conferencing services, call 1-800-403-3303, email them at info@c3conferencing.com or http://www.c3conferencing.com .
$5000 Enhanced Communication Grant
$2500 cash & $2500 in C3 conferencing services
Grant Submission Deadline: Feb 1, 2010
Grant Selection Announcement: March 1, 2010
Summary of In-Kind Donation:
C3 will provide a $2500 gift card for discounted audio, video and web conferencing services to the grant recipient to be used with a one year period. C3 will provide complimentary training as needed. For more details on C3’s conferencing services, please visit www.c3conferencing.com
Summary of Grant:
C3 will provide in addition to the $2500 in-kind donation of conferencing services, an additional $2500 cash grant to be used for the purposes of enhancing communication. C3 is looking to hear examples of how an organization can increase internal communication, communication between donors, clients and communities and/or effective communication strategies in times of crisis or other large scale campaigns.
The Fine Print-Requirements:
- Donated product and cash will be distributed under this program to qualifying organizations only, not to individuals.
- This donation is available to nonprofits with 501©(3) designation.
- Organizations must represent and warrant that they are willing to provide information to C3 for the purposes of creating a case study or testimonial of this donation.
- C3 services may not be transferred or resold.
Submission Guidelines:
- Proposals will only be accepted if submitted thru the online form submission.
- No physical mail, attachments or other materials will be considered or accepted.
C3 Nonprofit Discounted Audio, Video & Web Conferencing Rates:
Upon submitting a proposal; you will be emailed by C3’s nonprofit manager with an opt-in opportunity to receive discounted audio, video & web conferencing services.
There is no commitment to use these services and has no bearing on the grant submission/selection process.
Grant Selection Team:
C3 has elected to have all grant submissions reviewed by third-parties; a team of nonprofit professionals, foundation professionals and individual community members.
This team will determine (at their sole discretion) the recipient of the grant & donation.