National Council for Voluntary Organisations
giving voice and support to civil
society |
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| ICT newsletter October 2009 |
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Welcome to the latest ICT newsletter.
In this edition there are some great opportunities for funding your ICT, useful events to help you use technology more effectively and much more. There are also offers of free equipment, help and services too.
Since the last newsletter NCVO has launched it's new website, including online communities to help you connect with people across the sector. We've created an ICT group to help you make more of the large network of people that are signed up to this newsletter. Why not sign up now and take a look at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/user/register.
As always, we
are interested to hear what you think, so please send any comments or items for inclusion in the next issue to us at:
ictresources@ncvo-vol.org.uk
Louise Brown
ICT Development Officer
If you think that someone you know might be interested in reading this newsletter then why not forward it on. Email ictresources@ncvo-vol.org.uk to add your details to the mailing list.
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| Join NCVO's ICT network online |
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| Noticeboard |
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We are Geeks Who Care
We can help you focus on your mission by looking after your IT needs
We give you a customised IT support service that provides you with:
- On-site & remote IT support >>> From £29.95 per month
- Automatic Online Backup for PCs, MACs & Servers >>> Never lose data! Get a free trial!
- Web & Email hosting >>> From £15 per month (unlimited email accounts)
- Computer recycling services >>> Arrange computer pick-up
- Network setup, monitoring & support and more
Current clients include Happy Computers, The Attlee Foundation and many others.
Find out more at www.digibridge.co.uk or you can email us at info@digibridge.co.uk or call on 0800 612 6383.
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| For a small fee you can advertise in this space, email louise.brown@ncvo-vol.org.uk for further information. |
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| Funding for ICT |
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Are you looking to fund your youth media project?
Do you work with young people on media projects? If so Mediabox has a variety of grants available for organisations like to create and distribute youth-led media projects that enable young people to get their voices heard.
Mediabox offers disadvantaged 13 - 19 year olds the opportunity to create their own media projects, from photography and design to print and video games and funds range from £1,000 to £40,000.
If you are working with young people on a media project and would like to get some free practical support from our trained mentors, get in touch and find out more about their Youth Mentoring scheme.
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BT Community Connections Awards
Is your organisation currently looking for IT equipment or wanting to get online? If so, you can apply for a BT Community Connections Award.
The scheme enables community and charitable organisations to get online - groups can apply for a laptop and a year’s free broadband connection. Award packages will be given to groups who can demonstrate how an award will benefit their work and the local community.
Visit www.btcommunityconnections.com by 7 January 2010.
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As always there will be more specific pots of money available regionally so for information on funding in your area, take a look at Funding Central, contact your local CVS or regional ICT champion.
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| News from NCVO |
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New NCVO website launched!
Our new website will continue to provide a wealth of information, advice and support for voluntary and community organisations, with a fresh new design and improved navigation. At the heart of the site will be you and your organisation. The site allows you to discuss, share and connect online with NCVO’s 7000 strong community of members. Sign up at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/user/register.
If you want to contribute or find out more, contact Stephanie Catz, web development officer at communitymanager@ncvo-vol.org.uk or www.twitter.com/sdoca08.
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Connect with others interested in ICT as part of our online network
As part of the new NCVO website you can now connect with others, share experiences, ask questions and continue to find out about the latest news, events and funding opportunities for ICT.
Come and join the ICT group at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/networking-discussions/groups/ICT, you will need to register with the site first at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/user/register.
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NCVO/ GMCVO Autumn Conference 2009
Setting the agenda: Looking to the election and beyond
13 November, The Midland, Manchester
Supported by The Co-operative Bank
www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/autumnconf09
The wide-ranging programme covers the most important issues of the day and is ideal for anyone involved in the voluntary and community sector – chief executives, managers, trustees, members of staff and volunteers alike.
Just months before an expected general election, Nick Hurd MP, Shadow Minister for Charities, Social Enterprise and Volunteering will outline the Conservative Party vision for the voluntary and community sector. You will be able to raise your questions, steer the debate, and help us to set the agenda and show what Government should be doing to support and strengthen our voluntary organisations and the people and communities we work with.
In-depth and lively workshops will incorporate both a regional and national focus. You will learn about:
- engaging with the preparation of electoral manifestos
- developing a resilient organisational strategy for the future
- avoiding and managing redundancies
- many more important topics including governance reviews; setting equality standards and outcomes based commissioning.
Book now at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/autumnconf09 or call 020 7520 3160.
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| ICT in action |
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Fundraising on Facebook
CTT has partnered with BT Agile Media to offer charities the facility to invite supporters to wear the charity’s ‘badge’ on their Facebook profile, in return for a small regular donation. Supporters can also send a badge to their Facebook friends and the application can also be used to offer participants in charity fundraising events to have a ‘finisher’s badge’ pinned to their Facebook profile, perhaps in return for a small additional payment.
The service, which has already been trialled by a number of charities, including The Dogs’ Trust and Missing People, is the latest enhancement to CTT’s range of PCI compliant payments services for charities. For more information, contact Maria Diaz at maria@ctt.org.
Sign up for CTT newsletter at www.ctt.org.
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Good.ly offers charities revenue from Twitter updates
An online service enables charities to raise money through microblogging website Twitter.
The service from URL-shortening service good.ly, allows Twitter users to post links to retail websites in their "tweets", short updates of up to 140 characters.
Charities receive a 55 per cent share of the commission from retailers when other Twitter users buy products from their sites. The other 45 per cent goes to good.ly. |
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| Events and training |
NCVO ICT Foresight Seminar
Tuesday 8 December, 2.30 - 5.00pm (followed by drinks reception), London
What's round the corner in the world of technology? Making the most of how it might develop, where might your organisation be in 5 years' time? How could it help you engage with those you support, and be as supportive as possible for them? For expert insight on these and other questions come to the next in our Leading Lights seminars.
"Excellent opportunity to step outside the day-to-day and have a very stimulating discussion."Jon Spiers, Cancer Campaign Manager, Cancer Research UK (attendee of Leading Lights seminar)
You're already engaging with information and communication technology, by receiving this bulletin. If you're looking to find out more about what's coming next and it's implications for your organisation, or want to dig into the nitty gritty future of topics such as online revenue, cloud computing, social media or ubiquitous connectivity this event is for you.
Take time out to think through how you could use these developments to strengthen the sector and those you support. Swap ideas on this with your peers and come away feeling comfortable that you can make the most of new technology.
Find out more about the seminar and book online at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/training-events/information-communication-technology-ict/foresight-leading-lights-changing-ict
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NCVO BWB/OnBoard Trustee Conference 2009
Governing with confidence: Leading the way
Monday 12 October, London
If you work with trustee boards you shouldn’t miss our Annual Trustee Conference this year.
Find out how the growth of social media and the use of informal online networks are impacting on governance and structure in our ‘Membership Issues’ workshop.
Benefit from the latest information, advice and thinking on board effectiveness including essential legal and regulatory updates. There will also be Inspirational keynote speeches, a topical panel discussion and plenty of networking opportunities.
For further information visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/trusteeconference09.
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NCVO Membership Schemes Training
Wednesday 21 October, London
Membership and supporter schemes are vital to the survival of many voluntary organisations. In today’s climate the challenges you face and the competition for supporters is getting harder.
Come away with tools and inspiration to help you recruit, engage with and retain members and supporters. Get practical tips on marketing on a restricted budget, attracting the next generation of members, researching membership, communicating with supporters and creating an award-winning membership magazine.
Visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/membconfoct09 or call Matt on 020 7520 3160.
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Sage Software Free Seminar
Thursday 18 November, 10.00am - 1.00pm, London
This free session, held by CentrePoint Software and Sage PLC will look at how your organisation can benefit from using Sage 50 Accounts, Sage Payroll and new Sage HR software.
Learn how to use the latest features of v2010 and create charity management reports quickly and accur.
For more information email lauren.baker@ncvo-vol.org.uk. |
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| Offers and services |
Products and services for the voluntary and community sector
If you need to find a reliable supplier for software, hardware, a web designer or an ICT consultant then visit the ICT Suppliers Directory at www.suppliersdirectory.org.uk. The directory, produced by Lasa, offers a comprehensive, easy to search national listing of suppliers with a proven track record of working with the voluntary sector. |
Do you need help managing donors, volunteers, fundraising programs or organisational processes?
7 October 10.00am - 12.00pm, NCVO Conference Suite, London
You could be entitled to free Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for your organisation from the Salesforce.Com Foundation.
This 2-hour interactive seminar is hosted by Sho-net Systems, an NCVO recommended supplier providing fundraising consultancy and training services. Sho-net will help you discover an application which can transform your organisation and outline how to make the most of the donated software licenses which are worth up to £10,000 per organisation.
" This offer seemed too good to be true when I first heard about it… we had wanted a customer relationship management system, but just couldn’t afford the initial outlay. Working with Sho-net has been fantastic – they have bent over backwards to ensure the system does exactly what we want it to do.”
Pat Fitzsimons, CEO, Community Network
The workshop is limited to 12 people, reserve your free place now and don’t miss out!
To book contact Clyde Williams at: clyde@sho-net.co.uk or call 0772 089 1535.
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| Free System Audits!
Co-operative Systems are offering half day system audits for NCVO members. They are providing expert assessment and summary for free; including assessment of Equipment and Software, IT Security, vulnerabilities and recommendations.
Co-operative Systems are Microsoft Gold Partners and Dell Certified Partners, who have vast experience and are uniquely placed to give you a thorough appraisal.
For more details call Co-Operative Systems on 020 7793 0295 or email team@coopsys.net.
Visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/free-IT-audit for further information.
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Discounted ICT software and hardware
Whatever your ICT requirements, NCVO member organisations can save money on a range of market-leading products and licensing options through our recommended suppliers.
Find out more about the discounted products and services available. |
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| About this email |
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You are receiving this email briefing because you are a member of the NCVO ICT mailing list and this is our main method of updating you. If you have any questions or comments or would like to unsubscribe to this email, please let us know by emailing louise.brown@ncvo-vol.org.uk.
Visit our website at www.icthub.org.uk or call the free NCVO HelpDesk 0800 2 798 798.
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National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Regent's Wharf, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL.
Charity Registration No: 225922. |
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