Community Insights

Documenting our journey to serve communities through technology.

January 23, 2024 • Maryanne Chiriboga

The Smartest Investment: Why Refurbished Tech is a Game-Changer

For nonprofits, every dollar counts. When it comes to technology, there’s a powerful way to maximize your budget and your impact that many organizations overlook: embracing professionally refurbished hardware. Let’s debunk a common myth: “refurbished” does not mean “unreliable.” In fact, high-quality, business-grade refurbished computers are often more durable and powerful than brand-new, consumer-grade machines […]

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November 21, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

Beyond the Spreadsheet: Why a Real CRM is a Nonprofit’s Best Friend

Many nonprofits start out managing their donors and volunteers in a collection of spreadsheets. It’s simple and free, but as you grow, it quickly becomes a liability. Data gets duplicated, history gets lost, and collaboration becomes a nightmare. It’s time to move beyond the spreadsheet. What is a CRM (and Why Does it Matter)? A […]

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"Serving Communities
Through Technology"

September 19, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

What is an ERP? And Does Your Small Nonprofit Actually Need One?

In the world of business technology, you may hear the acronym “ERP” thrown around. It stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, and vendors will tell you it’s the ultimate solution for integrating all your operations. But what is it, and is it right for your nonprofit? ERP: The All-in-One (and All-the-Cost) Solution An ERP system is […]

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August 28, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

Your Most Valuable Asset: Why Your Donor List is a Database

What is your nonprofit’s most valuable asset? Is it your building? Your computers? We’d argue it’s something you might be storing in a simple spreadsheet: your list of donors, volunteers, and supporters. When you hear the word “database,” you might picture complex code and servers. But in reality, a database is just an organized collection […]

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August 16, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS? Choosing the Right OS for Your Nonprofit

The Operating System (OS) is the soul of your computer, the foundation upon which everything else runs. But which is the right choice for your nonprofit’s unique needs and budget? Let’s break down the main contenders. Windows: The Ubiquitous Workhorse Pros: It’s the most common OS in the world, meaning it’s compatible with the widest […]

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"Serving Communities
Through Technology"

July 20, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

Your Digital Foundation: A Simple Guide to a Reliable Office Network

Slow internet? Unreliable Wi-Fi? These aren’t just minor annoyances; they are cracks in your nonprofit’s digital foundation. All the cloud services and online tools in the world are useless without a stable, secure network. Let’s demystify the key components. Meet the Team: Modem, Router, and Switch Think of your network like a delivery system. Two […]

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June 12, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

Beyond the Firewall: 5 Real-World Security Steps for Nonprofits

When nonprofits think about cybersecurity, they often picture complex firewalls and expensive antivirus software. While those are important, some of the most effective security measures have nothing to do with high-tech software and everything to do with practical, human-centered habits. True community defense starts with basic data hygiene. Here are five real-world security steps every […]

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May 22, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

Why We’re a 501(c)(3): Putting Mission Before Margins

One of the first questions people ask us is, “Why are you a 501(c)(3) nonprofit? You’re a tech company.” The answer is simple: our legal structure is a direct reflection of our values. We chose to be a nonprofit because it legally binds us to put our mission before profit margins. It’s a promise to […]

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April 13, 2023 • Maryanne Chiriboga

Cloud Migration: The Stress-Reducing Power of Getting Off-Premise

Is there a dusty, whirring computer server sitting in your office closet? If so, you’re not just dealing with an outdated piece of hardware; you’re sitting on a source of constant, low-grade stress. You worry about it crashing, about the data being backed up, about what would happen in a power outage or a flood. […]

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