There’s no doubt that technology has become more than a convenience in running a nonprofit organization. Email, social networking, web sites, mobile applications…these modern advances have quickly become necessities in promoting and supporting the causes that we hold so dear. It is through innovation and forward thought that these technologies continue to change the way we do everything from register volunteers to accept donations.
The French American Charitable Trust (FACT) is doing their part to spotlight and reward this type of thinking, as well as to share great ideas with a wider audience. Last week they announced the second annual FACT Social Justice Awards, and this year’s theme is “Collaborate for Social Justice.” Much of the focus will be on how nonprofits utilize technology to collaborate and bring about even greater social change.
“The FACT Challenge seeks to surface innovative Projects that leverage web and/or mobile technologies that foster collaboration around social justice issues.
Specific technologies could include, but are by no means limited to:
- Leveraging use of wikis
- Social networking platforms
- Citizen journalism and reporting
- SMS”
Those who wish to join the challenge can submit to the FACT Social Justice Challenge Project Gallery from now until October 4th at 5 p.m. (PST). Community voting will be allowed from October 11th at noon and will close October 15th at 5 p.m. to narrow down the top 15 candidates.
The next round of voting is done by a panel of three expert judges who will base their decisions upon the projects’ potential to address social issues. (Judging criteria is available on the NetSquared site’s announcement.) The top five projects will be announced on October 20th, with a cash prize of $5,000 being awarded to each.
