Sponsored by IBM

Program Overview

The distribution of computer hardware on behalf of IBM was one of the main reasons for creation of Teaming for Technology programs across the country. IBM had been giving computers to nonprofits for years, but found that, in many cases, these computers were being underutilized due to a lack of training and support. This grant was reformatted into the T4T TechLaunch Program to not only give computers to nonprofits, but also to ensure that the proper training and support are given to the agency to best employ the donated technology.

Teaming for Technology Colorado is given approximately $45,000 worth of new hardware each year to be distributed amongst the chosen 501(c)3 nonprofit agencies. The hardware available consists of desktop computers, laptop computers and printers. This is all IBM/Lenovo equipment and is obtained at cost. No software is given in this grant beyond the operating system (Windows) preloaded on each machine. Typically, T4T is able to enroll 6-10 agencies each year into the TechLaunch Program. A list of previous participants in the TechLaunch Program can be found on the T4T website. Agencies are chosen for the program based on need, and are selected by a committee comprised of members of the nonprofit technology community, former recipients, and other stakeholders.

The T4T TechLaunch Program gives selected agencies computing hardware to fill gaps in their technology needs, but more importantly, gives them the tools to build their organization’s technological capacity. The program is not meant to completely meet the technology needs an agency may have, but rather serves as a “jumpstart” for the agency to apply the skills acquired in the program to better utilize the technology equipment they already possess. The program also imparts agencies with the skills necessary to obtain technology grants from other funders.

Agency Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order to be considered for the program:

1. Must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit within Colorado
2. Agency must not be in violation of any of the IBM Grant Application guidelines.

In addition to the above requirements, Teaming for Technology’s preference in working with agencies for the TechLaunch Program is that the agencies have one or more of the following traits:

1. Work primarily with underserved populations as defined by the Federal Government’s Poverty Guidelines: http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/02poverty.htm
2. Will use the donated computers for direct service (a community lab, for example)*
3. Have a K-12 educational focus
4. Plan innovative ways of incorporating granted computers into the organization’s programming.

Failure to meet the above four criteria does not, however, eliminate agencies from consideration. Agencies who have applied previously but have been denied are eligible to apply again in the following year. Agencies who have been accepted into the program may not reapply for three years following the completion of the program.

2007 TechLaunch Timeline

• April 30: Application deadline
• May: Site visits to TechLaunch finalists
• August – November: TechLaunch classes
• Fourth Quarter: Hardware delivery

*Agencies seeking to use the computers for direct service have priority for consideration. Direct services are services that directly involve agency participants. Computers used mainly by staff for accounting, fundraising, human resources, and facilities management are not considered as being used for direct service. Donated computers may be used by staff for multiple purposes including direct service and general operating activities, but agencies who successfully apply to receive IBM computers use the equipment for a majority of time to benefit their agency participants.