Framework
“Platformation Program” Grant
2011-2013
Framework received a three-year grant in March, 2011 to develop its Platformation program. Framework, a registered non-profit since 2003 headquartered in Toronto, focuses on delivering high quality volunteer engagement events while innovating in other areas relating to non-profit capacity-building. Timeraiser, the organization’s signature program launched in 2003, has helped thousands of people volunteer their time to hundreds of causes while also supporting emerging artists. Platformation was launched in 2009 to prototype “new platforms for information sharing (platform + information = Platformation), which means it tests technological approaches that will enable nonprofits to operate like the open web.” The aim of this initiative was producing an online resource for members of the charitable sector interested in implementing free and low-cost online and mobile technology into their IT infrastructure. The Framework team ultimately tested 150 software applications, engaging with 100+ technologists and supporting the adoption of $200,000 in cloud software. Framework’s work on the Platformation project led it to realize that organization’s needed a more hands on approach to answering their questions about how to use technology to share information in a timely manner to the right stakeholders. Furthermore, the organization recognized it was uniquely positioned in Canada to provide recommendations to non-profits looking not only to prototype solutions to specific problems but to facilitate the conversation about the sector-wide challenges facing organizations looking to adopt cloud-based technologies. Framework resultantly built the Timeraiser Plus program as a result of these learnings. Timeraiser Plus provides non-profit organizations with audits of their digital presence, facilitates digital skills workshops and conducts digital makeovers. The Platformation project also contributed to the launch of GrantBook, a social purpose business specializing in the procurement, implementation and management of cloud-based tools that help grantmakers and their networks maintain a digital workplace
For more information about Framework visit http://www.frameworkorg.org/ and to find out how GrantBook supports grantmakers and their networks identify cloud-based tools to support their work visit http://www.grantbook.org/