Indiana nonprofits tap into more than $2.5 million of donated software

NPower Indiana and Microsoft team to support nonprofits through technology.

INDIANAPOLIS - In the past six years, nearly 100 local nonprofits have received more than $2.5 million in software donations through an innovative program developed by NPower Indiana and Microsoft Corporation. Individual organizations received software donations ranging in value from several thousand dollars to more than $100,000.

For nonprofits often struggling with limited resources, the donation program creates dual benefits: in addition to gaining access to impactful productivity tools, organizations are also able to focus more of their expenditures on programs and community service. Technology solutions provider NPower Indiana facilitated these donations to its nonprofit members.

Founded in 2002 through support from Microsoft and the Central Indiana Community Foundation, NPower Indiana provides local nonprofits with discounted consulting services, training, outreach programs, technology planning and assessments. Qualifying NPower members are also eligible to receive a wide variety of donated Microsoft software, such as Microsoft Office applications, Exchange Server and SharePoint Server titles, Windows Vista
operating software, and Access database tools.

"NPower's role in the local non-profit community is critical and we, at Microsoft, continue to be excited to be part of it and look to expand this even further over the next few years. It's hard to imagine a better fit than NPower Indiana and Microsoft working together to make a lasting impact in this community," said Robert Lescano, Indianapolis-based Senior Director at Microsoft
and newly appointed NPower Indiana Board Chair. "Through this partnership, millions of dollars in software donations have had a direct and meaningful impact on local nonprofits, enabling them to increase their productivity and more effectively serve Indiana residents."

In Indianapolis, Community Addiction Services of Indiana (CASI), an outpatient drug, alcohol, and gambling treatment facility for adolescents and adults, received more than $100,000 in donated software from 2003-2007.

"NPower Indiana's technology assistance - from securing donated software and providing network support to training and education - has helped us use technology to improve our
operations and better serve our constituents," said Steven Chen, CASI's director of quality improvement. "We're very pleased with the dramatic, measurable results."

NPower Indiana's mission is to ensure that all nonprofits can use technology to better serve their communities. With the generous support of Microsoft and other funders, the organization has helped hundreds of Indiana nonprofits with their technology needs, provided value to the community in excess of $4.7 million, and saved Indiana nonprofits more than $3.7 million in software, hardware and training. Since 2002, NPower Indiana has provided more than 15,000 hours of reduced-rate or free technology consulting services; trained more than 1,200 nonprofit staff members; and engaged in more than 45 nonprofit website projects.

Microsoft's overall support has given rise to 12 NPower affiliates nationwide, including NPower Indiana. The NPower network provides technology services to more than 4,000 nonprofit organizations annually.