Learn More

Latest News

Nonprofits Discover New Technology in Challenging Times

Jul 15, 2008

Nonprofits Discover New Technology in Challenging Times

Austin, TX, July 15, 2008 (http://apricot.info ) — Big changes are occurring in the current economic environment that are significantly impacting the nonprofit sector and how organizations effectively serve their communities. As a result of the shrinking dollar, sky-rocketing gas prices and rising unemployment, nonprofits must now cope with increased workloads while facing upcoming federal funding cuts.

In order to adapt to these changes, many nonprofits are gravitating to new, more sophisticated business strategies that help them report measureable performance results to their funders. As part of the new approach, these organizations are transitioning from a non-integrated client management process to a centralized database to efficiently facilitate technology-based record keeping. Due to the high cost of most case management software systems, large nonprofits have had an advantage over their smaller counterparts that simply lack the money to buy these systems—until now.

An Austin-based software company, Community TechKnowledge, created an affordable online software product (called “Apricot”) that they hope will bridge the resource gap between small, community-based and the larger nonprofits. “Apricot” is a web-based, client case management database system that tracks services and provides performance measurement reporting.

According to Kathryn Engelhardt-Cronk, CEO and founder of Community TechKnowledge, “Our goal with Apricot is to help community-based nonprofits by providing them with the necessary tools that they can use to demonstrate accountability to their constituents. By using Apricot, these organizations will be empowered to verify the accuracy of their performance; this will help ensure continued funding, while at the same time, enable them to spend more time to do what they do best—improving lives in the community.”

About Community TechKnowledge

Established in 1999, Community TechKnowledge (CTK) provides a suite of web-based software applications, reporting tools, and supporting services to over 3,500 nonprofit, government and United Way organizations serving the human services sector. By offering completely secure database solutions that manage and report all types of client activity, CTK helps nonprofits to efficiently track program outcomes and the impact of human services and funding on communities.

Back to the News Room


Press / Media Contact:
Elizabeth Kennedy
ekennedy@communitytech.net
1.877.441.2111 [toll-free]
512-345-9090

CTK is frequently recognized for our endeavors to increase the capacity and impact of service providers and funders in the community. Check out the latest News, Events and Awards of CTK.

About CTK
Apricot Fact Sheet


Nonprofits Discover New Technology in Challenging Times

Jul 15, 2008

Big changes are occurring in the nonprofit sector that could significantly affect the way certain organizations serve their communities. Local nonprofits are facing increased workloads as the current economic situation contributes to a decline in funding.


Hurricane Season Preparation: Nonprofits Gear-up With Technology

Jun 11, 2008

As hurricane season arrives, Emergency Management Centers and Agencies across the country have issued warnings for residents to prepare themselves for potential crises. Residents, however, are not the only community members who should gear up for the upcoming months. Local nonprofit organizations need to prepare and organize for a potential disaster in order to better serve the community.

Hurricane Season Preparation: Nonprofits Gear-up With Technology

Austin, TX, June 02, 2008 (www.communitytech.net )— As hurricane season arrives, Emergency Management Centers and Agencies across the country have issued warnings for residents to prepare themselves for potential crises. Residents, however, are not the only community members who should gear up for the upcoming months. Local nonprofit organizations need to prepare and organize for a potential disaster in order to better serve the community.

In 2005, when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, community members were unable to receive aid by local nonprofits because many of them were also affected by the storm. According to the Urban Institute, many charities were physically destroyed while others lost all of their data; only 19% of nonprofits remained fully operational in the New Orleans metropolitan area 6 months after the hurricane.

To avoid the possibility of losing client information, many nonprofits are moving to technologically sophisticated online data management software. The big reason for this move is that the most secure data is web-based. With remote storage and backup, online data management applications can be securely accessed simply by going on the web from any location that has an Internet connection.

Community TechKnowledge created an online data management product called “Apricot” specifically for smaller nonprofits (those with annual budgets of $750,000 or less). In addition to the disaster recovery aspect of the software, Apricot offers highly secure data collection and client tracking and reporting capabilities.

Every community depends upon their local charities — especially in times of crisis. Online software tools, like Apricot, have arrived to help them protect their sensitive data and provide security when disaster strikes. For more information on safeguarding nonprofits, visit: www.apricot.info .

About Community TechKnowledge

Established in 1999, Community TechKnowledge (CTK) provides a suite of web-based software applications, reporting tools, and supporting services to over 3,500 nonprofit, government and United Way organizations serving the human services sector. By offering completely secure database solutions that manage and report all types of client activity, CTK helps nonprofits to efficiently track program outcomes and the impact of human services and funding on communities.

Back to the News Room