HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS RAISED TO SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT FOR CHARLOTTE-AREA NONPROFITS
Microsoft presents Apparo’s 8th annual Digital Ball
APRIL 1, 2014—On April 26, 2014, Apparo’s primary fundraiser, The Digital Ball, will be presented by Microsoft. A 2012 Cloud Computing Survey of NGOS, nonprofits, and charities around the world found that 90 percent of those surveyed were using some form of cloud technology. However, lack of knowledge was the biggest barrier. Apparo and Microsoft understand that eliminating that barrier to technology can be a powerful force that enables nonprofits to achieve their missions.
“Microsoft is honored to partner with Apparo, one of the key industry leaders providing technology resources and solutions for nonprofits in the Charlotte Region,” says Jack Braman, Regional Vice President, U.S. East Region Enterprise & Partner Group, Microsoft. “As a software, services and devices company Microsoft focuses our resources around the world to create opportunities in the communities where we do business, fulfilling our commitment to make a positive impact on the world through innovative technologies, partnerships, giving programs and community outreach.”
Through The Digital Ball and with support of the corporate community, Apparo, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a community of technology-enabled nonprofits, provides programs, forums, collaboration groups and other services to nonprofits in the Charlotte area who lack the funds, knowledge, and other technological resources to achieve their missions.
“Our mission is to empower nonprofits through business and technology solutions,” says Kim Lanphear, Executive Director, Apparo. “Nonprofits are passionate about their causes, but most lack the resources to efficiently achieve their missions. That’s why Apparo is here—to connect these nonprofits with our corporate volunteers who provide sustainable solutions that will help nonprofits succeed in building a better Charlotte. Microsoft gets this, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them as our Digital Ball 2014 presenting sponsor.”
Microsoft has a long history of commitment to the nonprofit community and Apparo. In 1999, they recognized a significant need in the nonprofit community for technology resources and started the NPower affiliation, from which Apparo emerged. Microsoft has worked with over 50,000 nonprofits globally every year to provide them affordable access to technology. They offer Office365 free to nonprofits globally. Locally, Microsoft hosted Apparo’s sold out, Nonprofit Insights Forum on cloud computing in January 2014.
“Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations such as Apparo, government, and businesses, we aim to empower communities to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater opportunities for technology, education, employment, and entrepreneurship,” says Braman.
About Apparo
Apparo, formerly NPower Charlotte Region, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that moves Charlotte-area nonprofits forward through technology and business services that help them achieve their missions. As a trusted partner and hub for information technology needs, Apparo works to create a vibrant community of technology enabled nonprofits.
Apparo’s mission is to transform local nonprofits through technology and services that enhance their missions. We are the go-to provider of technology strategy, implementation, consulting and support services for nonprofits in the Charlotte area. Apparo connects the nonprofit and corporate technology sectors, delivering solutions that multiply nonprofit effectiveness for a better Charlotte.
