Tech Support for Charities: The Free Resource You Can’t Afford to Ignore
In the digital age, being tech-savvy isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a survival requirement. Martin Francis Campbell, chair of the Digital Collective, put it bluntly in a recent Civil Society article:
"Digital is essential for charities to be relevant and to fulfil their purpose in the digital age. Those organisations which don’t embrace digital, and soon, will quickly go the way of Woolworths and Borders."
It’s a stark warning. But here’s the reality: almost half of UK charities simply can’t afford the technology they need.
According to the 2023 Charity Digital Skills Report, 49% of UK charities lack the financial resources to keep pace with digital transformation. And while big brands and well-funded organisations race ahead, smaller charities risk being left behind—unable to modernise, streamline operations, or engage effectively with supporters.
But there’s some good news. A global initiative is tackling this issue head-on, connecting charities with free digital support—and it’s something every nonprofit should know about.
Tech to the Rescue: Free Digital Support for Charities
Enter Tech to the Rescue (TTTR), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to bridging the digital divide in the third sector.
Launched in 2020 by Jacek Siadkowski and Daniel Di Giusto, TTTR matches socially minded tech companies with charities, providing pro bono digital solutions. Their mission is simple: help charities access the tech support they need without breaking the bank.
As Siadkowski put it in an interview with CEO Magazine:
*"Technology is changing the world, but the attention goes where the money is. Not-for-profits struggle to keep up because digital transformation moves fast, and they don’t have the financial resources to match.
We direct talent to the problems that don’t have a lot of commercial potential but could positively impact millions of people."*
The initiative has already connected hundreds of charities with 1,500+ tech partners worldwide—delivering free digital solutions that would otherwise be out of reach.
What Support Is Available?
Charities matched with TTTR partners can access expert digital support across a wide range of areas. Whether you need a new website, help with data security, or want to explore AI-powered tools, there’s a tech partner ready to help—for free.
Here’s just a glimpse of what’s on offer:
Website and app development
AI automation and machine learning
Data science and business intelligence
Cybersecurity support
Blockchain solutions
Infrastructure development
Social media apps and digital marketing strategy
If your charity has a tech challenge, chances are TTTR can help find a solution.
Real-World Impact: Charities Benefiting from TTTR
Since launching, TTTR has facilitated over 600 projects—helping charities across the globe boost their digital capacity and increase their impact.
For example:
✅ The Hungarian Helsinki Committee worked with Lean Convert to develop an interactive map highlighting human rights violations at the Hungarian-Serbian border.
✅ BERDSCO, a Cameroon-based NGO, partnered with creative agency Craft & Slate to build a new website that better communicates its mission of tackling poverty.
✅ Animal Ethics, an American nonprofit, collaborated with Freeport Metrics to create a chatbot that enhances its educational outreach.
These aren’t just tech upgrades—they’re game-changing innovations that improve efficiency, engagement, and service delivery.
How to Apply for Free Tech Support
If your charity is struggling with digital challenges, TTTR makes it easy to get help.
Simply register on their platform, outline your project needs, and they’ll connect you with a tech partner who can provide a pro bono solution.
They accept applications from:
Registered charities of any size, anywhere in the world
NGOs and nonprofit organisations
Nonprofit government entities (e.g., embassies, ministries, governmental agencies)
If you’re battling outdated systems, digital security concerns, or just need a more functional website, this is an opportunity you can’t afford to ignore.
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