NetCommunity: An Investment in the Future
By Kim Hendler
Executive Director, Princeton Project 55
May 18, 2007
This spring, Princeton Project 55’s Board of Directors voted to invest in a comprehensive online program, NetCommunity, which will be the foundation for PP55’s communications and community, both now and in the future.
An anonymous donor felt so strongly about the potential of NetCommunity to “revolutionize our outreach and operational capability” that the donor created a challenge grant of $22,500 to match all contributions beyond a donor’s typical annual gift for this project.
NetCommunity will allow PP55 to better accomplish its mission of building civic leadership by facilitating interaction and support among alumni; making resources and information more accessible to donors, volunteers, and program participants; and increasing staff efficiency.
Maximizing access to PP55’s network is key to the organization’s future success as, Melissa Wu ’99, PP55 Board member, stated, “PP55’s network is a core strategic asset and a competitive advantage.”
NetCommunity will integrate PP55’s website with internal data management, allowing users to view information and update records directly, and for fellowship applicants to submit applications online.
It will also handle online newsletters, donations, calendars, and shared documents, saving volunteers from logging into multiple sites, reducing staff time on data entry, and improving overall technology infrastructure and effectiveness.
While this software requires a major investment of $60,000-65,000 over two years, since the announcement of the $22,500 challenge in April, $14,000 has been raised in gifts and pledges to match it.
Princeton Project 55 is thrilled about this gift and those who have pledged to support NetCommunity.
However, significant funds remain to be raised in order to guarantee the ongoing success of this initiative.
This program will be integrated into PP55’s website— which is currently in the process of being redesigned—and should be launched by early June.
NetCommunity’s launch will follow shortly thereafter, set to be available in September.
If you would like to support this program, please contact Martha Davidson.