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In 2005, I naively accepted an offer to run operations for a new nonprofit. I was always comfortable in technology, I was comfortable working with nonprofits. What else did I need to know? Ha. I didn’t have a clue.

Now, nearly 5 years later I am confident in my ability to help C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition achieve its mission with the aid of technology. I’m proud every time someone marvels at how much we’ve been able to accomplish despite the fact that our budget is still under $1 million. I owe most of that confidence to my association with NTEN over the years. I’m forever grateful for the friends I’ve made and the technologies I’ve been exposed to. I love that I’m at the point in my career where I can pay it forward and help other nonprofit techies.

You can get a lot out of NTEN without attending their annual conference, the NTC. Attend webinars, get to know the movers & shakers through Facebook and Twitter. Participate in an affinity group. But the NTC is different. It’s really like no other conference. The collaboration and camaraderie is on a whole new level. 

Last year, I received a Convio/NTEN scholarship to attend NTC in San Francisco. This year, I consciously decided not to apply for the Atlanta NTC. I want to make sure other folks have their chance to attend when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. I got an e-certificate from United so my flight to Atlanta cost under $100 round trip. That balances out in my mind. The money I spend on NTC pays itself back for C3. I couldn’t imagine not going at this point.

I just made a small personal donation to the fund, and I’d like to urge you to do the same. It adds up. Think of all the good that small nonprofits are doing and could be doing if they had the right tools and connections. The NTC is their chance. Help them get there.