1- Tech Tips of the Week
A. The Greatest Performance Increase For The Least Money
B. Save Energy, Loose Your Screen Saver

2- Technology Resources
A. The AOL Time Warner Foundation

3- Employment Opportunities
A. Team Tech Philadelphia is Hiring! Positions available starting this Fall

1.Tech Tips of the Week

A. The Greatest Performance Increase For The Least Money

If you look at the minimum system requirements for most software, and you have an older computer, it is very likely that you don't have enough memory. Even if you have the minimum required your programs will run faster if you have a bit more memory. Sure, you can spend thousands of dollars on a new, faster machine with a beefy processor and the latest technology. In many cases though, all you need is a little more memory - 64MB if you have 16, or even 128MB.

Memory upgrades can be purchased for about $50-$100. All you need are the make and model of your computer. Armed with this information you can go to any computer superstore, or order memory online. You should find that doubling your memory saves time and increases the reliability of your computer.

B. Save Energy, Loose Your Screen Saver

In these dark days of skyrocketing energy costs, each of us
has to do our part, financially and ecologically. On most computers if you right click on the desktop and select properties, you can set up your monitor to shut off at some interval rather than load a screen saver. Click the Screen Saver tab of the properties menu, and select settings for energy saving features. You can then set your monitor to shut off after a certain interval. Don't forget to select "none" from the screen savers pulldown menu.
There is an added benefit to having your monitor shut off instead of booting a screen saver - HEAT! Your computer monitor is the biggest source of heat in your computer setup.

Tech Tips are brought to you by the Urban Technology Project, and are written by Sam Halperin.

3- Technology Resources

A. The AOL Time Warner Foundation

The AOL Time Warner Foundation is dedicated to using the power of media, communications and information technology
to serve the public interest and strengthen society. However, rather than simply providing grant monies or funding unsolicited requests, we prefer to enter into sustainable strategic partnerships with organizations that have a demonstrated commitment to pioneering innovative ways of meeting our four priorities:
* Equipping Kids for the 21st Century;
* Extending Internet Benefits to All;
* Engaging Communities in the Arts; and
* Empowering Citizens and Civic Participation.
Guidelines
As a general rule, we do not fund unsolicited proposals except in very special circumstances. We do not accept telephone requests. Any group that is considering applying for funds should carefully review the information below before contacting the Foundation. Please allow 8 to 12 weeks for a response.
Organizations and projects that are not eligible for consideration are listed below in "Areas of Exclusion."
Call 1-800-818-1066 for answers to questions about our contributions programs.
Deadlines
There are no deadlines for funding requests. Proposals are reviewed throughout the year. Please allow 8 to 12 weeks for a response.
Screening Process
We screen applicant organizations against a number of important points. Our primary concerns are whether:
* They have a well-defined purpose which is within our scope of giving, namely our four key priorities:
* Equipping Kids for the 21st Century;
* Extending Internet Benefits to All;
* Engaging Communities in the Arts; and
* Empowering Citizens and Civic Participation.
* They have a national focus
* They will be a good strategic partner
We also ask the following questions:
* Where is the organization located?
* How does it compare with other organizations seeking funds for the same type of endeavor? Is there a real need for this program?
* Have we ever given to this organization before? If so, how much? And why did we discontinue funding?
* Is it well organized and operating efficiently with a competent staff and active Board of Directors?
* Is the organization's fundraising campaign being conducted in an ethical way? Is the amount to be raised commensurate with the needs of the program? What percentage of income is used for fundraising?
* Does the organization have an annual report that is audited by an independent accountant?
* Who has contributed to the organization in the past?
The government, corporations, foundations or individuals?
* Does the organization have a business or strategic plan?
* Does the organization carefully evaluate its work on an annual basis?
* Does the proposed project offer opportunities for involvement or volunteerism by AOL Time Warner employees?
* Can the organization or proposed project achieve positive social impact by bringing people together to strengthen community?
Areas of Exclusion
As a general rule, AOL Time Warner does not consider funding the following:
* Organizations that do not have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status.
* Individuals.
* Political, labor, religious or fraternal organizations.
* Amateur or professional sports groups.
* Publications of books or the production of films and music.
* Capital fund drives.
* Organizations whose missions fall outside our four focus areas.
to get a printable version of the grant application please visit http://www.aoltimewarnerfoundation.org/grants/grants.html

3- Employment Opportunities

A. Team Tech Philadelphia is Hiring! Positions available starting this Fall

Team Tech Philadelphia is an AmeriCorps*VISTA program that supports Philadelphia nonprofits in using technology effectively and efficiently.

We consult on technology planning, provide resource/referral services, produce an informative newsletter, allocate equipment, and coordinate training opportunities for nonprofit staff and low-income community residents.

As we finish our first year, our focus is on building strong partnerships with community entities to sustain existing projects and continue to support to Philadelphia nonprofits.

Qualifications:
Team Tech is seeking individuals who are self-motivated, community oriented, and interested in the role of technology in nonprofit agencies. Candidates should be interested in and/or have experience in:
Building partnerships with businesses and nonprofits
Making informed decisions
Budgeting and allocations
Researching resources and offering referrals
Microsoft computer applications (including Word, Excel,
Access,Outlook, FrontPage)
Applicants should also be highly organized and demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.

Check Us Out At: http://www.uwsepa.org/teamfortech/index/home.htm

Team Tech Philadelphia is housed at the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, downtown Philadelphia. As a VISTA you will receive a living allowance of approx. $9,000, health insurance, extensive job training and either an education award of $4,725 or cash stipend of $1,200. You may also be eligible to earn college credit. VISTA's must be at least 18, a US citizen or permanent resident, and willing to make a one-year commitment to the project.

Send resume & cover letter to:
Stephen Rockwell
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Phone: 215-665-2569. Email: Stephenr@uwsepa.org

Amy Oommachan
Teaming for Technology VISTA
TEAMing for TECHnology
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Seven Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: (215) 665-2514
AmyO@uwsepa.org
www.uwsepa.org/teamfortech/
www.uwsepa.org

Partnering For a Stronger Community