This resource provides a list of organisations offering pro-bono advice and hands-on support for charities and community groups in London (and often UK).

It also includes information on where to access donated or discounted hardware and software.

 

Pro bono advice and support

In addition to accessing support from Superhighways under our current funded programmes there are a number of other opportunities to access pro bono or skilled volunteering support. 

 

CITA charity support

Charity IT Association (CITA) matches charities with highly qualified technology volunteers to offer independent advice and hands-on help. 

Following a one-off diagnostic session offering independent advice on effective IT, a CITA volunteer will help you to define, plan and manage an identified IT project from scoping to completion.

 

Digital Candle

Digital Candle is a free service for charities who want a one hour call with a volunteer digital expert from an agency. 

Charities can get advice on any aspect of digital or digital marketing, from digital strategy to Google Ads and from remote service delivery to social media.

 

Media Trust volunteer platform

Media Trust can connect you with a skilled and experienced volunteer from the media and creative sector to offer guidance for your communications challenges and create campaigns.

 

WCIT pro bono support

Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT) Charity is a national charity with a City of London home, helping organisations use tech for digital inclusion, education, charitable, and public engagement initiatives.

Members use their skills and expertise in providing pro bono support to charities seeking IT-related assistance. You will need to set up an account and submit your request for support.

 

DataKind UK advice and analysis

DataKindUK can match you with expert data professionals for guidance or extra help with specific tasks (e.g. creating a dashboard). Your support match will last one month, and you’ll have up to three sessions with your volunteer data experts. The project should take about 10 hours of volunteer time in total.

You can also work with DataKind UK staff and volunteers for four to six months to deeply explore and issue and tackly tough data analysis challenges.

 

PBE Data first aid programme

PBE (formally ProBono Economics) offers free support from a dedicated volunteer economist who can help your charity with data analysis or visualisation, spreadsheets or short pieces of research.

 

RSS Statisticians for society programme

Statisticians for Society links charitable organisations to volunteer statisticians at no cost. They support organisations wanting to use data and evidence for decision making.

 

 

Discounted & donated hardware and software

Refurbished and discounted devices such as laptops and software such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace can save your organisation money. Recycled equipment is also helpful to reduce landfill.

 

Charity Digital Exchange

Charity Digital’s Exchange platform offers registered charities access to discounted and donated software. Register to gain access to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, Adobe Express, anti-virus software and more.

  • First register with Charity Digital, providing some basic information about your charity.
  • Verify your charity status by uploading a copy of your registration document.
  • Once registered, you can browse the catalogue of software products and apply for the ones that suit your needs.

 

Computers for Charity

Computers for Charity provide low cost refurbished devices such as laptops, tablets monitors and PCs.

It also supports people and causes in the UK with free devices, specifically hospices, homeless and unemployed young people, young carers, veterans and schools.

 

Charity Excellence Help Finder
The Charity Excellence Help Finder has searches for Laptops and Hardware, as well as IT Support, Websites, Apps and Social Media. Collectively, the three searches have 200+ providers.
 
Get Online @ Home

Run by Computer Recyclers UK to help close the digital divide by making technology affordable and accessible for all. As a charity or community group, you can access affordable tech devices via this scheme. 

 

Computer Aid

Provides computers, mobile phones and tablets to non-profit organisations, NGOs and schools globally.

 

Dons Local Action Group (South West London)

Primarily supporting young people and families with refurbished technology and internet access.

 

Help for individuals

 

Looking for funding for tech?

See our other resource: Funding your tech and digital infrastructure .

You may also find our resource Creating a digital and tech budget helpful.

Please let us know if we are missing an important resource from this list.