Software donation program, DonorTec, to provide Australian nonprofit organisations with technology to reduce overhead and increase outreach.
Sydney, Australia 31 July, 2007 - Microsoft Australia and Community Information Strategies Australia (CISA) today announced the launch of a program that enables companies to donate technology to nonprofit organisations. The program, DonorTec, will provide charities and nonprofit organisations with technology so that core funds can be used for community outreach, training and support of the arts. At the current rate, Microsoft alone will donate more than $20 million in software in 2007 through this program.
Mr Paul Clark, Community Affairs Manager, Microsoft Australia, said, "Microsoft wants to help Australian nonprofits get the technological resources they need to run their businesses efficiently without having to pay a huge price. The money they save on purchasing software can go a long way in making a difference to the communities they serve."
The Australian nonprofit sector employs 600,000 people, contributes 3 per cent to GDP and has an income of over AUD$33 billion, which is larger than the communications industry and about equal to that of the agricultural sector. As such its contribution to Australian society as well as economy is vast.
Since 1st March 2007, 1,200 organisations have registered with DonorTec, 700 of which have placed orders for software. At the current rate, 1,000 non profits will save around AUD$22 million in 2007, freeing up resources to fund community and charity work, directly benefiting those who need it most.
Microsoft Australia is working with Community Information Strategies Australia (CISA), which manages Donortec in partnership with US nonprofit TechSoup.
"This is just the start of a truly transformational program for the Australian nonprofit sector," said CISA Chairman Mr Bruce Linn. "There is an opportunity for more IT vendors to get on board right now.
"Being a nonprofit organisation ourselves we can relate to the need for affordable technology. Every dollar donated in IT products and services, not only saves money for the participating nonprofit organisation, but also increases the quality of its communications and business transactions."
Mr Clark said, "All donations big and small make a difference. Imagine the money that has been freed up as a result of software donations being used to provide essential services for homeless people or to offer support to families in crises."
Yothu Yindi Foundation is one charity that has already benefited from the DonorTec program. Yothu Yindi Foundation is a nonprofit Aboriginal charitable corporation working to encourage and develop economic opportunities for Yolngu (Aboriginal people) through education, training, employment and enterprise development. Microsoft-donated technology allows it to operate programs and projects, such as the Garma festival, one of Australia's most significant cultural exchange events, which directly employs and trains more than 130 Yolngu each year.
Through the DonorTec program, Microsoft has also donated AUD$65K worth of technology to Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ), freeing up vital funds to purchase mobility tools to empower blind and vision impaired Queenslanders to achieve mobility, independence and freedom.
"Most of Australia's nonprofits are too small to invest heavily in their IT infrastructure, which makes the help offered by the DonorTec program so important," said Gina Anderson, CEO of Philanthropy Australia. "DonorTec has enabled Philanthropy Australia to make huge productivity gains and to run much more efficiently - and it's also a great opportunity for IT vendors to join Microsoft in making a real difference for community organisations."
Small organisations benefit from the program as well. The Hahndorf Academy Foundation maintains and operates a regional centre for the arts and heritage for the benefit of the community and visitors. It requested AUD$1,700 worth of Microsoft technology to help the academy showcase the work of local talent and host touring exhibitions which bring art to the local community.
Other donor recipients to date include United Way, Centacare, Meals on Wheels, Youth off the Streets, Lifeline Australia, Variety Club, Make A Wish Foundation, St Vincent de Paul, Vietnam Veterans Foundation, Convoy for Kids, the Fatherhood Foundation, Legacy, Kokoda Challenge and Philanthropy Australia.
"This program can help take community funds further," said Mr Linn. "The technology will help nonprofits better service their people and the money freed will enable them to widen and increase their reach."
Donor partners such as Cisco are also working with Microsoft in the DonorTec program. Microsoft invites IT vendors to join the program by providing nonprofit organisations the technology they need so that they can focus their fundraising on outreach, not overhead. If you are a nonprofit organisation and wish to apply for donated software, go to www.donortec.com.au for more information.
Microsoft's participation has been made possible through Microsoft's Unlimited Potential community program, which was launched by Microsoft Chairman Mr Bill Gates during a visit to Australia in 2004. The progam aims to improve computer literacy and foster digital inclusion in disadvantaged communities through funding, resources and software donations.
About CISA
Community Information Strategies Australia (CISA) is a government-backed nonprofit organisation that exists to make ICT infrastructure available and affordable for the nonprofit sector.
Its aim is to help increase productivity in nonprofits across the nation by helping them keep pace with vital information and communication technology on very limited budgets and with scarce in-house IT skills.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
For more information please contact:
DonorTec
www.donortec.com.au
Phone
Queensland: 07 3107 1903
NSW/ACT: 02 9008 5260
Victoria/Tasmania: 03 9912 2869
South Australia/Northern Territory: 08 8122 2701
Western Australia: 08 6267 6006
For media enquiries please contact:
Sarah Treharne
Howorth Communications
Tel: 02 8281 3855 or 0430 016 901
Email: saraht@howorth.com.au