NPower Michigan to share in $5M grant from Microsoft

NPower Michigan, headquartered in Detroit’s New Center, will share in a national Microsoft challenge grant of $5 million to the NPower network. NPower Michigan’s executive director Andy Wolner says his agency will receive $50,000 towards its 2007 operating budget, with opportunities to receive future funding as well. 

NPower was founded in Seattle in 1999 with initial funding from Microsoft in the amount of $25 million. The Michigan affiliate was started up in 2002 with its basic goal being to “help other non-profits with technology,” explains Wolner.

NPower Michigan provides ongoing technical support to approximately 20 clients at a reduced rate. It also provides education services that teach non-profit staff at smaller agencies—those whose budgets fall within the $300-400,000 range annually—basic computer and software skills, knowledge on how to procure software at a discount, computer care and maintenance and one day of on-site technical support. They are currently working with 25 non-profits in this capacity in conjunction with New Detroit.

NPower Michigan also offers general classes on technical essentials, on-line resources and donor management software. Their popular technical purchasing guide is available on-line for no charge. 

The agency is currently developing a Customer Council of 12-18 representatives of larger agencies—in the $500,000-$2 million annual budget range—in order to refine the services offered to groups of that size. “Once [the organizations] get a little bigger, they really need some support. They’re not quite ready to bring in full-time staff or to completely outsource their technical support. We hope the Customer Council will guide how we meet their needs,” says Wolner.

Microsoft’s support also allows NPower Michigan to connect its clients to donated software through its intermediary, TechSoup. Furthermore, the relationship has connected NPower to Airfoil Public Relations, who now donates its services in marketing and PR to the organization.

NPower Michigan has also received support over the years from Kellogg Foundation, C.S. Mott Foundation, and Kresge Foundation. 

In January, NPower Michigan completed a formal merger with the Michigan Nonprofit Association, which streamlines administration for both organizations.

Source: Andy Wolner, NPower Michigan

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh