From the start, giving has been central to who we are and what we do. And we’ve done quite a bit of it.
In the last three years alone, Software for Good has donated over $900,000 in development to mission-based organizations whose values align with our own: Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, No Time for Poverty, Twin Cities Pride, American Refugee Committee, iMatter Youth, Instruments in the Cloud, the LEAD Project, and more.
We’ve also spent significant time and money supporting local tech organizations and events like Girls in Tech, Ruby.mn, Open Source North, FTC Rubies, Clojure.mn, and Minne✱.
As a Benefit Corporation (and as decent humans) we feel a strong sense of responsibility to both the for-good and software development communities. The success of these groups is imperative to our growth and sustainability.
However, the need is great. There are many cool organizations out there with big, world-changing ideas and no budget. And just as many talented students and recent grads looking for their first chance to build something meaningful. Sometimes we can help them. Sometimes we can’t.
But we believe there is an opportunity for them to help each other. That’s why we created the SfG Intern Cohort—our brand-new giving program, which pairs for-good organizations with up-and-coming software engineers to create lasting change.
Beginning in January 2017, Software for Good will offer pro-bono mentorship, training, and hands-on experience to a semester-long cohort of students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a technology or software development career. Under our guidance, this cohort will build software for a nonprofit, startup, or other mission-driven organization. Together, our combined teams will use technology to achieve positive social and environmental change. You can learn more by visiting the new Giving section of our website.
We’re super excited about this program, and the chance to bring people together to build something meaningful with long-term impact.
We hope you’ll help us spread the word! If you know a student or recent grad who’d love to be part of the cohort, send them here. If you are part of or have connections to an organization that could use some development help, point them here. Applications for next semester are due by December 16.
Cheers to a new year, and new opportunities for giving back!