New England GiveCamp – Three Ways to Help!

As many of you know, along with Kelley Muir of Float Left Labs, I’ve been a co-organizer of New England GiveCamp since its inception in 2010.  New England GiveCamp is about “geeks giving back”: roughly 120 technologists from across New England will convene at NERD from April 26-28th for an around-the-clock hackathon benefitting two dozen or more area non-profit organizations.

It’s an amazing event filled with amazing people doing amazing things… well, it’s shall we say amazing! But it doesn’t just happen, and we need your help in three areas:

Non-profit Organizations – do you volunteer for or know of an organization that could use a website refresh (or just a website to begin with!), some automation of donor activities, a new logo, or you-name-it? Let them know about the opportunity, and encourage them to submit an on-line application by March 15th.

Sponsors – Microsoft generously provides the venue for our event, but feeding upwards of 150 people for six meals supplemented by sugar and carb-laden treats and energy drinks doesn’t come cheap! Food is by far the primary cost driver for the event (along with our signature t-shirt!) and we are actively seeking financial sponsorship and sponsorships-in-kind to cover the event.

It’s a great way for your company to show support of the numerous non-profit organizations in the area as well as have your name and logo featured in an event drawing the area’s brightest and most socially-conscious professionals.  Sponsorship details are on the site, but we are happy to discuss all sorts of support options.

Volunteers – this is the fun part! Set aside the weekend of April 26-28th and contribute your expertise to a non-profit organization. Projects are vetted and determined ahead of time. You’ll know who you’re working with before you get there Friday night – so you’re able to get right down to business! We’ll be opening registration for volunteers in about two weeks, so pencil in the event date and keep your schedule clear. To provide the optimal environment for successful outcomes, do note that GiveCamp is a full-weekend commitment for both the volunteers on-site and the non-profit representatives you’ll be working with.