Are environmental nonprofits technologically-challenged? Probably not if the term means the staff of environmental organizations can't figure out how to use the latest electronic gizmos. But if it means that most nonprofits don't have access to the gizmos and the related software that would help them do what they do more effectively, it is almost a universal truism. TechSoup Global and its Canadian partner TechSoup Canada, the subject of this issue's Capacity Corner, address that deficit by providing the nonprofit world with assistance in obtaining, using, and sustaining technology.

TechSoup Canada's Coordinator, Jane Zhang, talked about the organization at the recent Alberta Ecotrust River Rally, and it quickly became apparent that TechSoup has a lot to offer for registered Canadian nonprofits and charities. Aside from great deals (like a fully licensed version of Microsoft Office 2007 for $18.00) on some types of hardware and a wide range of software from companies like Cisco, Symantec, Adobe and Microsoft, the organization offers well-grounded advice on developing information technology strategies and suggestions as to what hardware and applications will work best for your organization's specific needs. At River Rally, Jane discussed all of the above, delved into the pros and cons of using social media, and even took the time to fix participants' ailing laptops and failing cell phones.

TechSoup Canada is a collaborative effort by the Centre for Social Innovation, TechSoup Global and the Information Technology Association of Canada, and is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. You can check out it out online at TechSoupCanada.ca.