Many people are eager to find new charities to support, whether through volunteering or donations. The nonprofit landscape is transforming thanks to technology, making it easier for various organizations to provide accessible and affordable services. Here are eight standout nonprofits that are harnessing tech for social good.
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NPower
NPower focuses on helping underserved groups like young adults and military veterans gain skills in the tech industry. They offer free courses in cybersecurity, coding, and cloud computing, partnering with other organizations to create more opportunities.
Mission: Empower military-connected individuals and underresourced young adults to start careers in tech.
Location: New York City
Founded: 1999
Services: Training, job placement assistance, and support. -
Center for Democracy and Technology
This nonprofit fights to maintain the internet’s user-controlled nature and protect freedom of expression. They promote privacy, ensure government accountability in surveillance, and advocate for a free and innovative internet through research, policy work, and collaboration.
Mission: Support policies that guarantee privacy and an open internet.
Locations: Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Europe
Founded: 1994
Services: Research papers, events, and advocacy. -
Child’s Play
Child’s Play brings joy to children in hospitals by supplying video games and consoles. They collaborate with over 190 hospitals, allowing anyone to donate games from their Amazon wishlist.
Mission: Enhance the lives of children in hospitals and shelters through entertainment.
Location: Redmond, WA, with global donations
Founded: 2003
Services: Video games and consoles for kids. -
Code.org
Dedicated to boosting computer science education, Code.org aims to integrate coding into U.S. schools and increase participation, especially among underrepresented groups. Their “Hour of Code” initiative helps students get introduced to coding through one-hour activities.
Mission: Make computer science accessible in schools for everyone.
Location: Seattle, WA
Founded: 2013
Services: Free coding resources and educator workshops. -
KoBo
KoBo maintains KoboToolbox, a free platform for data collection during humanitarian crises. They support various sectors like global development and human rights with tools that help track essential data. Their partnerships with organizations like the UN enhance their reach.
Mission: Improve data collection in crisis settings.
Location: Cambridge, MA, with a global focus
Founded: 2005
Services: Open-source data collection tools. -
The Guardian Project
The Guardian Project creates open-source apps and tools for secure online communication, aimed at citizens, journalists, and humanitarian workers. Their work helps safeguard sensitive data from monitoring and censorship.
Mission: Develop secure communication tools, especially in oppressive environments.
Location: New York City
Founded: 2010
Services: Open-source apps for secure communication. -
TechSoup
TechSoup addresses the tech needs of nonprofits and schools. They provide affordable software, hardware, and support, connecting tech-savvy individuals with organizations that can benefit from their skills.
Mission: Make technology products and services accessible to nonprofits and educational foundations.
Location: Worldwide
Founded: 1987
Services: Discounted software and hardware, plus tech support. - DataKind
DataKind utilizes data science and AI to tackle pressing global challenges. They connect tech experts with mission-driven organizations to analyze data and find effective solutions, like enhancing vaccine distribution or improving responses to natural disasters.
Mission: Provide data science expertise to help address global issues.
Location: Worldwide
Founded: 2012
Services: Data analysis and AI support.
