1- Tech Tips of the Week
A. What Is A Video Card
B. Laptops and Overheating

2- Technology Resources/ Funding Opportunities
A. The Markle Foundation
B. i2foundation

3-Philadelphia Region CTCNet Meeting (Sept 21)

4- Employment Opportunities
A.Team Tech Philadelphia is Hiring!

1.Tech Tips of the Week

A. What Is A Video Card?
The video card is the component in your pc that is responsible for drawing things to the screen. Often, the video card is a chip right on the motherboard, but equally as often it is a card plugged into the motherboard. This latter type is easily replaceable - read upgradeable. When buying a new graphics card, or specifying what you would like to come with your new computer there are generally two decisions you have to make.

1)Which GPU for the card (Graphics processing unit) and 2) How much memory should the graphics card have. The answer to the first part is a bit subjective. Currently the most powerfull and popular graphics card for desktops is the NVidia GeForce3... remember that notebooks have graphics cards as well, and the name of the GPU is likely to be different for each brand.
The answer to the second question, how much RAM (Random Access Memory) should my graphics card have is a bit easier to answer. Standard for notebooks is 8MB, for desktops 16MB. Cards may have 32 or 64MB of memory as well.

B. Laptops and Overheating:
Many laptop computers cool with a fan on the bottom of the machine, under the keyboard. This is significant, because if you are not using your laptop on a hard surface the fan can become blocked, and your laptop can overheat. So, if you are going to be using a laptop on your bed or in your lap, sit the computer on a book so the fan can cool the unit properly.

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

2- Technology Resources/ Funding Opportunities

A.**The Markle Foundation
The Foundation reviews proposals throughout the year, on an ongoing basis. Programs sponsored include interactive media for children and programs using technology.
http://www.markle.org/index.html

B. i2 Foundation

Mission Statement
The i2 Foundation is dedicated to promoting advancements in education, technology, environmental practices, medicine and economic opportunity through programs that improve the quality of life and create a healthier society.

Strategic Priorities
One of the major priorities of the i2 Foundation is to contribute to society through the development and education of children and youth. The foundation, however, recognizes that issues are complex and interconnected and therefore is open to receiving proposals related to a wide array of
issues including: poverty, hunger, illiteracy, education, youth violence, violence against women, early child development, environmental preservation, scientific research and improved healthcare.

Level of Support
In the third grantmaking year (2001) it is expected that grants will range in size from $5,000 to $50,000 (in U.S. dollars). Grants are for one year. Currently the Foundation does not award multi-year grants.

Types of Institutions to be funded:
* Only nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations founded for
educational and charitable purposes.
* Focus will be on organizations whose mission aligns closely
with that of the i2 Foundation.
* The i2 Foundation will support programs and organizations
all over the world.
* US-based organizations must be tax-exempt
under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
* Non-USA based organizations must present proof of not-for-profit status in the country of origin.

The i2 Foundation will not fund:
* Individuals, religious institutions, political organizations
and government entities.
* Faith-based organizations.
* Organizations that make grants to others.
* Any fund-raising event including dinners and balls, galas
and gala-like events.
* Conferences or honoraria for guest speakers and panelists.
* Memorials for individuals.
* Medical treatment for individuals.
* Activities that are the responsibility of the government
including elementary and secondary schools.
* Work in the fields of art and culture.
* Loans of any type.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Grants are made only on the basis of written applications. The Board of Trustees of the i2 Foundation and the staff do not entertain oral presentations from applicants. An application form is not required. Applications should consist of a cover letter, a proposal and other supporting documents.

Proposal Content and Format:
For consideration, proposals to the i2 Foundation must include the following:

1. Cover letter: Organizations seeking a grant should submit a letter on the letterhead of the organization. The chief executive officer of the grant-seeking organization must sign this letter. The letter should include the following information:
* A brief description of the history and mission of the organization and the scope of current activities.
* The purpose and significance of the program.
* Specific amount of funding being requested from the i2 Foundation. All monetary amounts should be in U.S. dollars
(USD).

2. Proposal: The proposal should not be more than 10 pages long (8½" × 11" in 12 point type). It should include:
* The purpose statement of the organization
and the proposed program for which funds are being requested.
* A description of the program and timeline of activities.
* A statement concerning the need or rationale for the program.
* A statement on the population that will benefit from the program.
* Specific program goals and expected outcomes.
* Evaluation process.
* Program budget (in USD) - a statement
concerning the overall cost of the program for which funding is being sought including the amount that is being requested from the i2 Foundation. The statement should include how the project will be funded after the Foundation's funding ceases.
* Description of other sources of support for the proposed program, including amount (in USD) of support committed.
* Annual budget of requesting organization (in local currency of grant applicant).
* The name, title and telephone number of the person the Foundation should contact regarding the request, if other than the chief executive officer.

3. Summary Sheet and Budget Sheet: Please click here
<summarysheet.doc> for the summary sheet. The summary sheet is like a questionnaire which, when completed, would summarize the proposal. Please complete the summary sheet and submit it with the proposal. The completed summary sheet should not exceed 4-letter-size pages (8½" × 11"; Times Roman font; pt. size 12). In addition to the summary sheet, please enclose a one-page budget sheet (in USD). The budget sheet should be a breakdown of the grant being requested. Please send the completed summary sheet and budget sheet via email as well to Bindu_Nambiar@i2.com
<mailto:Bindu_Nambiar@i2.com>.
Note: An organization applying to the i2 Foundation for a
grant must submit a proposal and the completed summary sheet. The summary sheet is a stand-alone piece; it is a separate entity from the proposal. Since it summarizes the proposal, the contents will seem repetitive to the
proposal. Do not answer questions by referring to pages or sections of the proposal. Please answer every question, even if it seems repetitive.

4. Other Supporting Documents:
* Copy of the latest determination letter
issued by the Internal Revenue Service regarding the organization's current tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Non-USA based organizations must send proof of their tax-exempt status in the country they are located.
* A complete copy of the grant-seeking
organization's most recently filed IRS Form 990, including schedule A and all supporting schedules. Non-US-based organizations must send a copy of their most recently filed tax returns in the country in which they are based.
* Grant-seeking organization's most recent audited financial statements. If the financial statements are not audited,
reviewed or complied by an independent accountant, the organization should submit internally prepared financial statements, including a balance sheet and a statement of revenues and expenses, marked unaudited.
* Grant-seeking organization's most recent annual report, if available.
* Recent publicity or published materials that can help explain or contextualize the proposed program (limit 2-3
documents).
* A current list of the organization's board of directors or trustees.

Please note materials will not be returned. Only one copy of the material is needed on 8½" × 11" paper. Elaborate presentations are unnecessary and the proposal materials need not be bound or prepared in other types of notebook form.

Deadline and Decision Dates:
The i2 Foundation anticipates announcing its sixth series of grants by December 1, 2001. In order to be considered for this decision date, proposals must be received by September 10, 2001.

Submitting the Proposal:
The cover letter, proposal and related materials should be sent to:
The i2 Foundation
Attn: Ms. Bindu Nambiar
11511 Luna Road, Suite 1400
Dallas TX 75234

Questions and Requests for Additional Information:
<http://www.i2foundation.org/>
Bindu_Nambiar@i2.com <mailto:Bindu_Nambiar@i2.com>
Telephone: (469) 357-3117
Fax: Attn. Ms. Bindu Nambiar: (469) 357-7777

3-Philadelphia Region CTCNet Meeting (Sept 21)

Everyone with an interest in community-based computer learning and access centers is invited to a meeting at 9:00 AM on September 21st at the United Way, 17th and the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. The meeting will last until 1:00 PM. Please mark your calendar.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to: ntr@netreach.net

The meeting is for organizers of programs for low-income children or adults that use or are about computers.

The purpose of this meeting is to share ideas, learn about available resources and hear from people who have been successful.

This meeting is funded in part by CTCNet and the America Connects Consortium. It is one of several meetings being conducted in local regions across the country. This meeting is particularly for people from eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and southern New Jersey.

CTCNet is a national membership association of more than 500 community technology centers. See http://www.ctcnet.org for background.

The America Connects Consortium is a partnership of 8 organizations with different expertise working to help people to build and improve centers.
See http://www.americaconnects.net (especially look at the link titled "How to use this site.")

The Philadelphia meeting committee is looking for
1) speakers with resources or 2) interesting stories about their own programs. Contact Stan Pokras, 215-564-6686, if you'd like to speak at this meeting.

Mark your calendar now for Sept 21st. Additional information will be distributed as the meeting plans are developed.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to: ntr@netreach.net

Here is a partial list of committee members working on this meeting:
* Stan Pokras, Nonprofit Technology Resources
* Hillary Aisenstein, Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND)
* David Wendt and Stephen Rockwell, TEAMing for TECHnology at the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
* Lynda DeSouza, FrankfordStyle Community Arts Organization
* David S Park, Center for Community Partnerships, Univ. of Pennsylvania
* Mt. Airy Community Computer Center

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to: ntr@netreach.net

4 - Employment Opportunities
A. Team Tech Philadelphia is Hiring! Positions available starting thisFall
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