Civic Engagement and Social Justice cohort

This Nonprofit Tech Readiness cohort, limited to 20 people, gives participants an opportunity to ramp up their technology leadership and planning skills.

Generously funded by the Ford Foundation.

About the cohort

Even before COVID–19, technology was changing the way that every nonprofit pursued its mission. The global pandemic has forced many to accelerate those changes.

NTEN and the Ford Foundation have seen the immediate impact of COVID–19 on the sector, with organizations making technology decisions amidst significant uncertainty. That's why we've partnered on Nonprofit Tech Readiness cohorts to help the foundation's Civic Engagement and Government program grantees become more effective technology leaders and planners.

This six-month cohort program is a unique opportunity for grantees looking to integrate disparate systems, increase security, or create an inclusive IT roadmap. Cohort participants will emerge fully prepared to implement technology solutions that will bring about meaningful change in their organizations and in their communities. Previous Nonprofit Tech Readiness participants have had a diversity of technology projects, from developing their organization’s IT roadmap to securing internal systems, migrating databases to identifying new client management systems, and more.

Community call

Watch the video for an overview of the NTR program, participant expectations and time commitment, and additional resources available to participants who complete the program. You can also download the slides.

Schedule

Plan for a six-month time commitment, with 8–10 hours per month for program work.

Conference
March 13–15, 2024
Attend the 2024 Nonprofit Technology Conference virtually or in Portland, Oregon, for free.

Orientation
April 2024
Ask questions and explore the online learning and community space.

Sessions
April 2024–September 2024
Take part in educational and mentorship activities.

Celebration
September 2024
Celebrate achievements and hear from inspiring guest speakers.

Sessions

You'll be supported as you move your customized technology project from the idea stage to a full-blown action plan and get the guidance you need to implement the project. You do not need to have a project decided or in mind when you start.

Technology projects
Advice and mentorship, including help with successful planning, culture change, and implementation.

Open office hours
Drop-in opportunities to get direct support.

Live educational series
Training sessions that cover the core competencies of technology planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation.

Self-paced educational series
Sessions that cover other competencies and best practices.

Leadership development
Facilitated process for discussing feedback and practicing and modeling experiences you can replicate at your organization.

Interactive workshops
Working sessions to build your project planning skills and develop connections with your peers.

Topics

The curriculum is tailored to the cohort's needs, and new courses are added as available. Topics include:

  • Technology assessments.
  • Technology roadmaps.
  • Project management.
  • Equitable program design.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Racial equity and tech planning.
  • Streamlining operations.
  • Change management.
  • Digital Accessibility.
  • Tool Selection.

Additional benefits

You'll get free enrollment in NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Professional Certificate. After the cohort ends, you'll also continue to have access to the materials and online community space.

Thanks to the Ford Foundation, participants who complete the cohort are eligible for additional cash awards to advance their technology projects.

Apply for the cohort

Who should apply

Nonprofit staff at grantees of the Ford Foundation's Civic Engagement and Government program in the following groups are eligible to apply:

  • Civic Engagement and Government.
  • Gender Racial Ethnic Justice.
  • Tech and Society.
  • Future of Workers.

Applicants should be staff interested in practical, tangible technology training and in any role responsible for advancing and implementing a technology project at their organization. Board members and volunteers are not eligible. If you have any questions about your eligibility, email us.

Application

Applications closed on February 15, 2024.

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