T4T TechLaunch Program 2009

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Sponsored by IBM

Program Overview

Teaming for Technology Colorado has given approximately $75,000 worth of new hardware each year to Colorado 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. The hardware available in past years consisted of desktop computers, laptop computers and printers. This year's TechLaunch offerings will include printers, servers, and Young Explorers. This is all IBM equipment and is obtained at no cost. Typically, T4T is able to enroll 6-10 organizations each year into the TechLaunch grant program. A list of previous participants in the TechLaunch Program can be found on the T4T website. Organizations are chosen for the program based on need.

The T4T TechLaunch program provides selected organizations computer hardware to fill gaps in their technology needs, but more importantly, it gives them the tools to build their organization’s technological capacity. TechLaunch grant recipients will also attend two training sessions covering Nonprofit Technology Planning.

Organization 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. Organization must not be in violation of any of the IBM Grant Application guidelines

In addition to the above requirements, Teaming for Technology’s preference is work with organizations that have one or more of the following traits:

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

Failure to meet the above four criteria does not, however, eliminate organizations from consideration. Organizations that have applied previously, but were not chosen, are eligible to apply again this year. Organizations who have received a TechLaunch grant may not reapply for three years following the receipt of new hardware.

2009 TechLaunch Timeline

  • June 9: Applications available
  • June 26: Application deadline (noon)
  • Late June/Early July: Site visits to TechLaunch finalists
  • August: TechLaunch 2009 recipients announced
  • Early fall: Hardware delivery

*Organizations seeking to use the computers for direct service have priority for consideration. Direct services are services that directly involve an organization's participants. Computers used mainly by staff for accounting, fundraising, human resources, and facilities management are not considered as being used for direct service. Donated hardware may be used by staff for multiple purposes including direct service and general operating activities; however, organizations that successfully apply to receive IBM hardware usually use the equipment for a majority of time to benefit their organization's clients/participants.