6th February 2013
Grow Your Charity Online launch at Google HQ
Yesterday, Go ON UK was invited to the launch of the Grow Your Charity Online, at Google's London HQ.
Media Trust, Charity Technology Trust (CTT), and Google themselves have come together to launch the initiative to help 30,000 of Britain's charities improve their online presence. The 'Grow Your Charity Online' campaign will provide free online training and tools for smaller charities across the country.
Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd opened proceedings, saying that: "Charities are massively important to the fabric of society, and we've got to help them get online. Technology is an absolute game-changer for charities."
After hearing from Caroline Diehl (@carolinediehl) and Richard Craig (@richardacraig), CEOs of Media Trust and CTT respectively, we were given a run through of the brand new Grow Your Charity Online website, by Google's David Black (@davidblack). The new site is home to an array of useful tools and tips, including a 'Digital Health Check' to find out how best the web can help you. There’s also a charity events calendar, and a host of case studies, if you needed any more inspiration.
Matt Brittin (@mattbrittin), Google's VP for Northen and Central Europe was keen to stress though that the focus remain on the charities. He said: "This isn't about Google, it's about helping the people and charities of the UK."
At Go ON UK, we think this is a fantastic initiative, and one that will improve the digital skills of thousands of small charities across the UK. A recent study by Lloyds Banking Group, one of the founder partners of Go ON UK, found that more than half (56%) of charities needed help with web design and management, and nearly 60% need help with social media. The Grow Your Charity Online initiative is a great example of just what's needed to address these kind of issues.
Charities can sign up to Grow Your Charity Online at www.growyourcharityonline.com