World Leading NFP Technology Services Join Forces

Two world leading Not for Profit technology services, TechSoup Global and GuideStar International have joined forces.

TechSoup Global, a US-based Not for Profit organisation that provides technology resources and knowledge to NGOs around the world, and GuideStar International, a UK registered charity that promotes transparency and civil society organisation reporting have joined forces in a move to strengthen their capacity building programs.

The TechSoup Global Network, which currently reaches more than 100,000 civil society organisations in 32 countries, will gain GuideStar International’s expertise in making organisations more transparent, accountable and effective.

Ebecca Masisak, the co-CEO of TechCoup Global says both organisations have created networks of far-reaching partnerships with foundations and corporations, governments and NGOs – and over the years they have developed a deep respect for one another’s work.

She says over time it became clear that by formally combing the two operations, they will be able to 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.

Buzz Schmidt, founder and head of GuideStar International says the announcement reflects their mutual conviction about the importance of information and technology for the future of a robust global civil society.

He says the capabilities, resources and reach of TechSoup Global has provided GuideStar International with far greater sustainability and opportunity than ever before.

GuideStar International supports a network of GuideStars in six countries with several more in development. GuideStar International will continue to operate as a U.K. registered charity with a focus on development and promotion of GuideStar reporting services.

TechSoup Global was founded in 1987 and works to bring technological strength and philanthropy to organisations working for social benefit.

TechSoup Global has 180 employees and an annual operating budget of $23 million. TechSoup Global programs include:

• TechSoup – provides instructional articles and worksheets for Not for Profit organisations use information technologies, as well as technology planning information for executives and decision makers,
• TechSoup Stock – a technology product philanthropy service just for Not for Profit organisations, which provides philanthropy programs in a centralised web-based platform.
• TechSoup Global Network – helps Not for Profit organisations outside the US obtain donations of essential technology products, information and services. It is projected to serve 60 countries by 2012.

GuideStar International (GSI), according to its website, aims tto highlight the work of all civil society organisations. GSI 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 civil society organisations (including NFPs) on a public website.

GuideStar USA, whilst working closely with TechSoup Global and GSI, will remain a separate, independent organisation.