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During this period of pandemic, organizations that rely on donations to operate and survive are seeing a shortfall. Here is a list of tech-oriented groups that need help.
Internet Archive. Also known as The Way Back Machine, the Internet Archive began in 1996 by archiving the Internet itself, a medium that was just beginning to grow in use. Like newspapers, the content published on the web was ephemeral—but unlike newspapers, no one was saving it. Today, it has 20+ years of web history accessible through the Way Back Machine and the site works with 625+ library and other partners through its Archive-It program to identify important web pages. In this period of time, more than ever, we need a fact-based source of information. And in this period the Way Back machine needs us more than ever: https://archive.org/donate/. If you'd like to contribute another way, contact them at [email protected].
Wikipedia. On January 15, 2001, Wikipedia was launched as a feature of Nupedia.com, but, following objections from the advisory board, it was relaunched as an independent website a few days later. More than 450 staff and contractors support Wikimedia projects, communities, donors, and readers. Wikipedia remains an independent and objective through the wisdom of participants. Though it's common’s images are freely available. Make a contribution here.
Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment. Also known as The MADE, the Oakland-based museum was founded 10 years ago with the goal of salvaging early video games and equipment. Eighty-five percent of its non-profit funded operations are funded by people visiting the museum. With COVID, no one is visiting. As a result, the museum has had to shut down and put its vast, irreplaceable, and priceless inventory in storage. In addition to collecting and showing original video game material, the museum conducts free classes on coding for the community, specifically how to code a game. The courses are friendly and pace driven and constantly result in kids discovering they can code. Here is a video that gives a short tour and tells the Museum’s story on its last day. Make your donation here.
Operation Spark. As all eyes turn to the US Gulf coast as it’s been battered by hurricanes this horrible year, Operation Spark is a bright spot for people for looking for job training. Operation Spark runs coding boot camps for the community. They have an intensive 60-hour class for adults and a high school program called the High School to High Wage program for high school students. The high school program teaches computer programing, front-end web development skills, and provides students with an understanding of the role computation can play in problem-solving. Operation Spark supporters include the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Entergy, Capital One, Google, and AT&T.
Organizations like these desperately need your help. Donations are tax-deductible.
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