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Funding options for ICT
Funding for ICT can be obtained from multiple sources and can have different requirements attached to it in terms of amount, length and delivery.
- In January 2007, ICT Hub completed their Sources of funding for ICT projects and initiatives research report which identified possible funders for ICT initiatives for voluntary and community organisations (VCOs).
Further research into ICT in the Third Sector is available on the ICT Hub Research page.
- ICT Hub have also produced the How to cost and fund ICT report aimed at VCOs to show what areas of consideration are necessary when costing ICT for funding applications.
- The Funding ICT Projects document by the Charity Technology Trust suggests a number of funders to target for ICT projects including Microsoft and the Big Lottery Fund (opens in pdf format).
- With the current limits on the availability to funds, there is a need to maximise resources to have the biggest effect. The Making More Impact with Funds guide summerises ways to achieve this and key financial issues that need consideration when planning ICT projects.
- ICT Foresight guides give an indication in future ways for the third sector to develop their ICT: the Charitable giving and fundraising in a digital world guide examines digital ways of giving, and the benefits and challenges asccoiated with this form of fundraising.
Budget Calculation
When considering new or, changes to, existing ICT systems, sustainable costing is crucial. The budget calculator gives an approximation of ICT costs based on the number of users. It also gives the costing of per user per year for particular items including hardware, software and training. The calculator is designed to be user specific so can be tailored to fit the needs or current costings of your organisation. The calculator and details of how to use it can found on the LASA website.
Partnership working
With the current decrease in financial resources, partnership working is a useful strategy for homelessness agencies. By pooling all resources (including financial and knowledge) then it is possible to maintain the development of ICT. The Guide to Collaborative Working has suggestions for ways of working together through ICT.