Atlanta, GA. – February 5, 2007 --NPower has announced a $5 million challenge grant from Microsoft to encourage additional corporate funders to support NPower and the crucial role it plays in making nonprofits more effective in using technology to serve people and communities.

NPower is a network of twelve independent organizations with a common mission to help nonprofit organizations use technology to improve their productivity, visibility and sustainability. TechBridge has been part of the local community since 2000, and has served over 180 organizations in 2006.

Microsoft’s challenge grant to NPower marks the beginning of a campaign to encourage the corporate community to invest in appropriate technology solutions for the nonprofit sector. The grant also underscores Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to NPower as an effective way to make use of technology in the work of the nonprofit community.

“Nonprofit organizations need to have the same technology tools that are used to make businesses more successful,” said Wain Kellum, CEO of Trusted Network Technologies and TechBridge Board Chair-Elect. “In the hands of nonprofits, the results are remarkable because technology not only improves an organization’s efficiency in doing more with fewer donor dollars, but also it helps the organization have more impact on the people who rely on their services.”

In addition, the NPower campaign will increase local community service providers’ ability to use technology effectively. With the support of Microsoft and other funders, NPower will be able to increase its outreach to local organizations across the country and in the Atlanta community as they seek to meet local social needs.

“We are delighted by Microsoft’s continued generosity to our community and will be looking to our other local partners to continue and grow their support. Technology has helped improve the quality of life in our community by strengthening programs at social service agencies like the Atlanta Enterprise Center and the Whitefoord Community Program”, explains Jack McMillan, CEO of TechBridge.

Microsoft has partnered with NPower since NPower’s inception in 1999, along with local supporters such as Accenture and The Home Depot. This commitment of funds through 2010 brings Microsoft’s total funding of NPower to close to $20 million in cash and $30 million in software donations. Since its founding, NPower has provided thousands of nonprofits with appropriate technology services so that they can effectively meet their missions and serve their constituents. Sample projects include maintaining the computers and networks of important Atlanta organizations such as the Georgia Aquarium and the Gateway Center. This unique niche as a trusted technology advisor to the sector has become even more important as technology oppportunities have evolved. The community can benefit from the adoption of smart and affordable technology solutions.

About NPower
NPower is a national network of local nonprofits that help community organizations use technology to better serve their communities. NPower programs serve over 5,000 organizations nationwide by providing a range of high quality, affordable technology services including assessment, planning, implementation, support and training. The NPower Network has expanded from one to twelve local NPower offices since its inception in 1999 and now includes offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, and Washington D.C. More information is available at www.npower.org.

About TechBridge
TechBridge is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that puts technology know-how in the hands of nonprofits. Our mission is to help other nonprofits to better serve the community. TechBridge is home of NPower Atlanta and an affiliate of the NPower Network and provides professional, affordable technology consulting services, innovative technology solutions and access to the financial, technical and human resources that nonprofits need to be successful. Visit our Website at www.techbridge.org.