Hopeworks is setting up a fund for Camden nonprofits to up their tech abilities and services

Hopeworks, the technical training nonprofit right across the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden, announced it is setting up a fund to help local nonprofits and small businesses expand their impact with access to technical services and training.

The org is launching the Camden Capacity Fund, which will offer chosen Camden organizations some of Hopeworks’ professional services including GIS and data, website services and trauma-informed training. Hopeworks is setting up the fund with support from the Hummel Family Fund. 

“Hopeworks knows many of these organizations are unable to scale and grow due to outdated technologies and the lack of resources,” Hopeworks Executive Director Dan Rhoton said Friday in a news release. “We’ve seen first-hand the impact of investing in our talented young people and local organizations in Camden.”

Selected organizations and small businesses would receive Hopeworks’ services in GIS and data, which can aide in improving organizational efficiency, deploying resources and making data-driven decisions. They would also receive website design and development services, and youth-led, trauma-informed training.

Projects submitted to the Camden Capacity Fund will be chosen based on community impact, internal capacity, strategy, timeline and the organization’s overall commitment to investment, Hopeworks said. The application prompts folks to answer the prompt, “Please describe your technology need.”

The number of projects chosen during this round will be dependent on the scope within the application and how many services are needed, an organization spokesperson said. For example, one organization may be in need of web development and GIS work, and another may only need website help.

Applications for the fund will be open through Feb. 28., and selected organizations will be announced in early March. Organizations that apply but aren’t chosen will be given feedback for the next round of applications, Hopeworks said.