Guidestar International joins forces with TechSoup Global

IT | Gareth Jones | 19 Apr 2010

Guidestar International is to combine its operations with US non-profit technology organisation TechSoup Global, though the two have stopped short of a full merger.

In a statement, the organisations share the mission to help global civil society through the provision of technology, information and resources, and that Guidestar’s expertise in making civil society organisations more visible and accountable would help TechSoup identify and reach them.

“Today’s announcement reflects our mutual conviction about the central importance of information and technology for the future of a robust global civil society — and it also promises an exciting future for our international network of GuideStars,” said Buzz Schmidt (pictured), founder and head of GuideStar International.

“With the capabilities, resources, and reach of TechSoup Global, the GuideStar International network has far greater sustainability and opportunity than ever before.”

Rebecca Masisak, co-CEO of TechSoup Global, added: “Both GuideStar International and TechSoup Global have created contribution economies — networks of far-reaching partnerships with foundations and corporations, governments, and NGOs — and over the years we have developed a deep respect for one another’s work.

“As our paths crossed and our approach naturally converged, it became clear that by formally combining our operations, we can work together more efficiently and powerfully for global good.”

More Guidestar websites “in active development”

Registered as a charity in the UK, Guidestar International works to encourage the creation of Guidestar websites across the world, providing detailed reports on those countries’ civil society organisations.

GuideStar International supports a network of GuideStars in six countries, and has several more in active development.

TechSoup Global provides technology resources and knowledge to NGOs around the world.

The news comes six weeks after it was revealed that the Directory of Social Change had assumed control of Guidestar UK, the organisation which operates the UK’s Guidestar website, and Guidestar Data Services, which sells information about charities to third parties.

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