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Successful Technology Grantwriting
Free Financial Management Assistance
Nonprofit Leadership Training
CNE Solutions
Register for Upcoming Classes
Classes in our Training Lab
Online classes
How online training works
PC Tip
Answers for sale!!
Are you getting the best deals for your technology dollar?
How can Project Connect help you?
FUN FACT
Windows Vista uses 500 MB RAM. If you plan on upgrading your computers to Windows Vista, you must have AT LEAST 1 GB RAM!!
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 How do funders evaluate technology-connectivity proposals?
Nonprofit organizations can better serve their mission when they use technology and connectivity to increase efficiency and improve communications among their clients, other nonprofit agencies, and the general community. Generally, funders understand that technology and connectivity are as critical to nonprofit operations as electricity and telephones. But on the other hand, they receive hundreds of requests for computers. How do they evaluate which donations will provide the greatest impact on their community?
Requesting organizations should be able to present a technology plan which will meet the organization's short- and long-term needs. It is essential that the plan incorporate the following:
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Computers appropriate to each user's needs;
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Standardized software throughout the organization (e.g., Microsoft Office);
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Essential peripherals, such as printers, multi-function units, and scanners;
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Appropriate networking;
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Connectivity;
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A disaster-ready back-up system;
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Training for all users;
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Technical support;
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Maintenance plan;
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Policies for use;
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Budgets and timelines; and
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An on-going funding plan (incorporating software upgrades and a 3-5 year hardware replacement plan) to cover expenses as the organization's technology and connectivity needs grow.
What factors should be considered when writing proposals? The Project Connect Advisory Council suggests the following:
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The proposal must indicate a clear understanding of how the technology and connectivity will positively impact the organization’s mission. We don’t encourage funding proposals with mere equipment lists. Instead, we promote proposals which clearly identify the connection between the technology and the mission.
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There should be a strong commitment to implementing the full advantages of the technology and connectivity.
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The proposal must include training and support mechanisms for all users (at least $200-$400 per person for training).
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Proposals should minimize technological risk of obsolescence by sticking to industry norms such as Microsoft, Adobe, or Intuit software.
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Maintenance planning should include (1) preventative maintenance schedules (e.g., monthly scandisk, disk cleanup, defrag); (2) consumable items (printer cartridges, back-up media); and (3) replacement items for parts which may fail (video cards, network cards, etc.)
If you have any questions about this, or would like additional information, please contact me at 330-315-1335 or .
This is an excerpt from Technology Standards for Nonprofit Organizations; click here for the entire document ...
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CCN Offers Free QuickBooks Training for Nonprofits!
Are you tired of recording your organization’s financials by hand? Have you been thinking about upgrading to accounting software that is user-friendly and offers several levels of technical support? Then you may want to consider QuickBooks Pro! This accounting software helps small to medium-sized nonprofits better manage their financials in a highly organized fashion without being an accountant or a stellar math student.
In this QuickBooks Training Session, you will learn how to:
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Set-up a “Chart of Accounts”
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Create Invoices
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Establish a Bill Payment Schedule
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Track Volunteer Time
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Review & Reconcile your Company Checkbook
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Generate Reports: such as Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Statement and more
While QuickBooks Pro is not a substitute for having your own accountant, it can help you make their job and your life a little easier. Maybe you’re fiscally savvy and just shopping around for accounting software. Whatever your situation, we invite you to give QuickBooks a test-drive. Think you’re interested? Then sign up for a class TODAY!
Added bonus: CCN has arranged for Project Connect to provide post-training technical support at no cost to you!! So you get free training and technical support!!
Contact Donna at: 216-688-4119 or send email to .
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Nonprofit Leadership Training
The Ohio University Executive Leadership Institute (OUELI) offers programs that address the unique challenges facing executives of public and nonprofit organizations. Check out OUELI’s 2007 course offerings: “Leading with Vision, Value and Strategy,” “Aligning Performance Measures, Strategy and Politics” and “Leading Change.”
Visit http://oueli.voinovichcenter.ohio.edu. For additional information, please contact Eleni Zulia: [email protected] or 740-593-4549
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CNE Solutions
Sometimes, outside expertise is necessary. Sometimes, you need an objective diagnosis of your problem. Sometimes, you need a roadmap...a process to increase performance. Sometimes, you need a partner for solutions. CNE Solutions is an affordable option for your organization to get assistance that is customized to address your specific management challenges.
Personalized assistance is available for any of the following:
No matter what your budget size, to meet and discuss a best-practice approach to your specific management needs, call Jeff Vengrow at 330-762-9670 or e-mail .
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Register for Upcoming Classes ...
This month, we're trying something new: simulcast training!! If you want to learn how to work with websites and Photoshop, select what will work best for you: classroom training or online training!!
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Classes in our Training Lab at 703 South Main Street #211, Akron OH 44311:
click on the class name for a description
Click here to register for Training Lab classes
The Website Developers Series
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Online classes
click here for more details
click on the class name for a description
click here to register for online training classes
The Website Developers Series
The Database Developers Series
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Microsoft Access 2: Database Tables & Relationships
5/17/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon
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In the second session, we will actually set up the database planned in the previous session. Tables will be closely examined, especially field properties. We will also do quick searches, filters, and sorts. Relationships between tables will be a major focus. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Access 1 and completion of homework.
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Microsoft Access 3: Database Queries & Basic Forms
5/31/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon
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Queries are used to analyze data, combine data from different tables, and retrieve data from one or more tables using criteria you specify. Forms can be created to "pretty up" your data, make data entry easier, and combine data from different tables and queries. We will also integrate the data into Microsoft Word and Excel for file exchange and publication. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Access 2 and completion of homework.
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Microsoft Access 4: Database Forms & Reports
6/5/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon
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Microsoft Access 5: Troubleshooting the Database
6/12/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon
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How online training works ...
Learn from your office -- no travel involved!!
In response to myriad requests for training throughout Ohio, Project Connect is implementing ONLINE TRAINING!! Here's how it works:
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Visit http://projectconnect.webex.com and click on the [Registration] button for whatever class you want to register for. Enter your information into the form and click on the [Register] button again. Click [ok] and exit.
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You will get a confirming email with all the information: date, time, session number, phone number, etc. Copy this to your calendar for that date starting at 8:45 AM.
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On the day before the class, I will send you the handouts for the class. Please print them and have them with you on the day of training.
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You must have the software you are training in loaded on the computer that you use to connect to the training session.
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On the day of training at 8:45, sit comfortably at your own desk with the handouts and any necessary refreshments. Go to the email link that you pasted in your calendar. Fill in the information (the password is also in that information you pasted) and then join the session.
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Once you join, you will be given a phone number to call. Call that number and enter the codes from the screen.
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You will see my screen on your computer and be able hear me from your phone!
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We'll keep the class to three hours with a break in the middle.
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Get ready to have fun!!
Other details:
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Online training is limited to 12 students per class. Classes fill quickly, so be sure to register early.
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Cost is $60 per person. We will invoice you or you can call 330-315-1335 and pay by credit card.
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The registration deadline is 2 business days before the class. Payment must be made by the date of the class; checks, cash, and Mastercard/Visa are accepted. Cancellations must be received by 4:00 pm two days before the class in order to be eligible for a refund.
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Those who register for a class but do not attend will be charged for that class.
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If you attended a class previously in the past year, you can repeat the class at no charge.
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Ryan's PC Tip:
10 Wireless Security Tips for Public Hotspots
1. Always be aware that a public access point is just that -- PUBLIC!! Do not transfer any personal information, especially credit card numbers, over this connection.
2. Use a personal Firewall such as Norton and check the settings BEFORE you log into the internet.
3. Use anti-virus software and keep the software up to date.
4. Keep the Windows operating system updated.
5. Use a strong alpha-numeric password to protect your computer (at least 8 characters, mixture of letters and numbers).
6. If you absolutely must request and sending confidential information through the web, insure that the website's URL is using a secured server (it will read HTTPS:// instead of HTTP://).
7. Disable any guest user accounts that may be compromised.
8. Turn off file sharing on your computer when you are in public places. (Oftentimes we have shared files on our home wireless networks, and then when that computer is taken into a different wireless environment those files are still shared.)
Turning Off Simple File Sharing…
1. Double Click on 'My Computer' on the Desktop
2. On the Tools Menu click folder options
3. Click the view tab and unselect 'Use Simple File Sharing'
9. Set your Wireless adapter software to not automatically connect to the first available network This convenience can cause a major security issue because the computer may automatically connect to an unknown access point if it is closer in range ... and this can be used as a gateway to your PC.
10. Be cautious of the people around you. Be as paranoid as you are when using an ATM or buying something with your debit card.
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Answers for sale!!
You and your staff have more important things to do than fight with your technology! Instead of spending hours of frustration trying to do it yourself, let us help you!
Project Connect offers Live Help for staff of all Ohio nonprofits! If you are having problems with a Microsoft Office or Adobe product, simply go to www.pclivehelp.org and complete the form. Follow the directions, and then we'll be able to see your computer from our office. We can then walk you through the problem.
Cost is $15 per increment of 10 minutes.
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Are you getting the best deals for your technology dollar?
Don't buy anything technology-related until you've visited these three websites first!! They offer significant discounts for nonprofits with Microsoft, Dell, CDW, Adobe, and more!
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www.techsoup.org/stock/
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www.giftsinkind.org
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www.techfoundation.org
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How can Project Connect help you?
As always, we are interested in hearing from you to learn how we can best meet your technology and connectivity needs. Give us a call at 330-315-1335 or e-mail us at .
Enjoy!
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