Dream with me for a moment about a world where nonprofits have all the technological tools they need. That dream is a reality thanks to TechSoup. Founded in 1987 as CompuMentor, TechSoup has grown into an international network. It supports non-governmental organizations with technology.
Daniel Ben-Horin founded TechSoup, then CompuMentor. He envisioned tech experts volunteering to help nonprofits with their IT challenges. Apple Computer praised CompuMentor as a perfect marriage of technology and volunteerism.
TechSoup began collecting donated tech products. Magazines often had excess software from companies seeking reviews. TechSoup sold these to nonprofits for a small fee, originally just $5.
In 1997, TechSoup’s donations tied it as the largest Nonprofit Technology Assistance Provider in the U.S. The TechSoup website, www.techsoup.org, launched on May 9, 2000. In 2008, the organization became TechSoup Global.
As of 2016, TechSoup reported $30.8 million in revenue. It partners with companies like Microsoft and Adobe to provide tech assistance and NGO validation services. Together with Microsoft, TechSoup formed the TechSoup Global Network. This network expands service distribution to nonprofits.
One notable program is TechSoup.org. Launched in 2002, it offers training webinars and community forums. Nonprofits can learn about technology use. TechSoup partners with Microsoft to distribute product donations. It connects nonprofits with corporate donors like Cisco and Intuit. TechSoup.org also verifies nonprofit status. This ensures organizations get the technology they need.
GuideStar International is another key service. It provides open access to accurate NGO data. TechSoup Global and GuideStar International combined operations in 2010. NGOsource is a project of the Council on Foundations and TechSoup Global. It helps U.S. grantmakers streamline their global philanthropy.
NetSquared organized local groups for open innovation challenges. It also held monthly meetups. TechSoup Connect became NetSquared’s successor in 2021. Each chapter is led by a volunteer who organizes local events.
In February 2022, TechSoup launched Quad, a subscription service. Quad is TechSoup’s peer-to-peer community. Nonprofits connect with tech experts and each other. TechSoup helps them achieve great things together.
TechSoup’s story is one of continuous growth and adaptation. From its humble beginnings as CompuMentor to its current status as a global network, it remains dedicated. It is committed to empowering nonprofits with the technology they need to make a difference. TechSoup continues to bridge the gap. It connects the social sector with essential resources.