Internet & technology
Global: TechSoup Global and GuideStar International combine operations
2010-04-16, Issue 477
http://pambazuka.org/en/category/internet/63754
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TechSoup Global, the U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides technology resources and knowledge to NGOs around the world, and GuideStar International, a U.K.-registered charity that promotes transparency and civil society organization (CSO) reporting, have announced that they will combine operations in order to strengthen their respective capacity-building programs for civil society. The two organizations share a mission to benefit global civil society through the provision of technology, information, and resources.
TechSoup Global and GuideStar International Combine Operations
Move Strengthens Global Capacity-Building Programs for Civil Society
SAN FRANCISCO/LONDON—APRIL 15, 2010—TechSoup Global, the U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides technology resources and knowledge to NGOs around the world, and GuideStar International, a U.K.-registered charity that promotes transparency and civil society organization (CSO) reporting, today announced that they will combine operations in order to strengthen their respective capacity-building programs for civil society. The two organizations share a mission to benefit global civil society through the provision of technology, information, and resources.
The TechSoup Global Network, which now reaches more than 100,000 civil society organizations in 32 countries, will gain GuideStar International’s deep expertise in making civil society organizations more visible, accountable, and effective, allowing TechSoup Global and its partners to more easily identify and reach those organizations that are working to address society’s most urgent needs.
“This is an exciting time for the philanthropic sector and for our two organizations,” said Rebecca Masisak, co-CEO of TechSoup Global. “Both GuideStar International and TechSoup Global have created contribution economies — networks of far-reaching partnerships with foundations and corporations, governments, and NGOs — and over the years we have developed a deep respect for one another’s work. As our paths crossed and our approach naturally converged, it became clear that by formally combining our operations, we can work together more efficiently and powerfully for global good.”
The combined operations will focus on developing and strengthening a coordinated and sustainable global network, as well as building on-the-ground capacity in Europe. The London-based GuideStar International, along with Fundacja TechSoup, an independent foundation in Warsaw, Poland, will work closely with 14 European partners to strengthen programs and operations benefiting European civil society.
“Today’s announcement reflects our mutual conviction about the central importance of information and technology for the future of a robust global civil society — and it also promises an exciting future for our international network of GuideStars,” said Buzz Schmidt, founder and head of GuideStar International. “With the capabilities, resources, and reach of TechSoup Global, the GuideStar International network has far greater sustainability and opportunity than ever before.”
Luc Tayart de Borms, managing director of the King Baudouin Foundation and chair of GuideStar International, added, “This is an important collaboration that will increase investment in and access to critical resources for civil society. By combining the strengths of these programs, TechSoup Global and GuideStar International will be able to create synergies and to offer a common proposition to civil society in many countries.”
Today, GuideStar International supports a network of GuideStars in six countries with several more in active development. GuideStar International will continue to operate as a U.K.-registered charity with a focus on development and promotion of GuideStar reporting services. Over the next 24 months, TechSoup Global will take the lead in enterprise-level strategy, technology architecture, and integration. Buzz Schmidt, founder and chair of GuideStar International, will join TechSoup Global’s board of directors. There will be no disruption to the operation of the existing programs or commitments of either organization.
GuideStar USA, an independent US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is not a party to this combination, but will work closely with TechSoup Global and GuideStar International, particularly with respect to policies underlying the development of GuideStar services internationally.
To view an online version of this press release, please visit http://bit.ly/arsffc
About TechSoup Global
TechSoup Global, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1987 on the belief that technology is a powerful enabler for social change. Alongside its partners — including foundations and corporations, governments and NGOs, social entrepreneurs and volunteers — TechSoup Global is working towards the day when every nonprofit and social benefit organization on the planet has the technology resources and knowledge it needs to operate at its full potential. Today, TechSoup Global has 180 employees, an annual operating budget of $23 million, and operates programs in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe through a network of independent, capacity-building NGOs. With support of leading technology companies, including Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, and Symantec, TechSoup Global and its network have reached more than 100,000 organizations and distributed more than 5.8 million technology products in 32 countries. TechSoup Global also runs NetSquared, an ambitious global experiment that empowers individuals at the local level to build and share innovative technology solutions to social problems. For more information about TechSoup Global, please visit www.techsoupglobal.org
GuideStar International
GuideStar International (GSI), a U.K.-registered charity, works with civil society leaders worldwide to develop GuideStar services for their own countries. A GuideStar service provides a detailed catalogue of reports on a country’s CSOs on a powerful but easy to use public website. GSI supports this growing network through the provision of a shared Common Technology Platform as well as advice and support in each country’s development process. Today, GuideStar International works with national partners in six countries to develop and launch GuideStar services for CSOs in these countries. For more information, please visit www.guidestarinternational.org