Bucher Technologies (BucherTech) is now accepting applications for their annual grant program. This year’s application is open to all Northwest Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and foundations. The grant offers a total of $7,500 in goods and services split between the winning applicants, which is up to a total of $2,500 per winner.
The application is simple, requiring nonprofits to detail their mission, their current IT situation, and what goods or services they would like BucherTech to provide. Everything from increased security, new networking tools like more access points, Xerox printers, and VoIP phone systems is on the table.
“We thought that rather than simply handing over a check, offering our services and expertise would be a more personal way to give back to these nonprofits,” said Tim Bucher, founder and president of BucherTech. “We know that there are many nonprofits in need out there, but you can’t really drive by their building and see that they need IT help. Our grant application is just one page, and all you really need to do is tell us what you need and why.”
Past grant recipients represent a wide variety of missions, all serving unique roles within the Northwest Indiana community. Last year’s recipients included Family & Youth Services Bureau of Porter County (FYSB), Home Team Valpo, The Caring Place, and St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center. Each organization works toward a different goal and successfully earned the grant by explaining how BucherTech’s IT aide would help them accomplish it.
“Our mantra when we started this company was to help people stop living as ‘IT paupers,’” Bucher said. “These are essential tools for nonprofits to get their work done. Imagine not having a car to help you get to work; you’d be spending so much more time each day just on traveling. IT tools like scheduled mailing lists, for example, are like that car – they’ll save you time and help you stay in touch with donors.”
Last year’s recipients received items such as Chromebooks, computer monitors, laptops, and a projector.
“FYSB received a laptop and projector,” Bucher said. “They wanted a package that they could take with them and enhance their presentations to people.”
Winning applicants are also receiving complete security audits at no charge to ensure that the networks and data in their organization are protected. To apply, simply find the form on buchertech.com/grant-applicationbetween now and September 15.
