Frequently Asked Questions

What is NetHope?
NetHope is an open, collaborative working group of IT professionals from leading, international, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to delivering information and communications technology (ICT) solutions to help with emergency relief, human development and conservation programs in more than 180 countries.

What makes NetHope unique from other NGOs?
NetHope is unique because of its innovative, collaborative business model. NetHope brings IT professionals from NGOs to share their technology resources and expertise and together, create the scale needed to reach and positively impact the more than 3 billion underserved people and communities in the most remote areas of the world.

How does NetHope help NGOs?
NetHope facilitates conversations and joint projects amongst its members that focus on ways to best apply technology for connectivity in developing parts of the world. NetHope attracts additional funding, technology resources and business consulting services to support projects from corporations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Accenture, Baker & McKenzie, and Waggener Edstrom Worldwide. Lastly, NetHope shares best practices with the NGO community at large.

Which NGOs are involved with NetHope?
NetHope currently partners with 24 NGOs including:  ActionAid, CARE, Christian Aid, Christian Children's Fund, Children International, Catholic Relief Services, Concern Worldwide, Family Health International, Heifer International, International Rescue Committee, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mercy Corps, Nature Conservancy, Opportunity International, Oxfam, Path, Plan International, Relief International, Save the Children, VSO, WaterAid, Wildlife Conservation Society, Winrock International and World Vision.

Why do corporations support NetHope?
Corporations support NetHope because they see the multiplier effect; that is the ability to positively impact a large number of people and communities through a single point of contact. They see the value in NGOs working together to solve common needs through shared resources and expertise. NetHope can leverage its on-the-ground reach and experience to ensure efficient and effective deployment of resources.

Is NetHope working on disaster relief only?
No. While much of the news coverage on NGOs focuses on disaster relief, NetHope works with its member NGOs on an ongoing basis to improve the connectivity through the use of technology as demonstrated by the following projects:

  • Installing satellite communication equipment for HIV/AIDS workers carrying out public health education programs in Uganda, particularly in remote rural areas inadequately served by land-based telecommunications infrastructure
  • Installing DSL communications equipment allowing child sponsorship workers in Ethiopia to communicate with and track the progress of sponsored children
  • Setting up satellite, routing, switching and wireless equipment in eight locations in Iraq to facilitate the distribution of food and medical supplies to civilian victims of the war
  • Deploying satellite communications equipment at member field offices in Afghanistan to track refugees and provide reconstruction support
  • Deploying Internet telephone applications worldwide to allow rapid voice, data and video communications to coordinate operations of NetHope members’ field and regional offices

How is NetHope funded?
NetHope relies on funding and in kind contributions from many sources including member dues, private sector and foundations (cash and gifts in kind) as well as donated time from members and experts from the private sector, academia and industry specialists.

How did NetHope start?
NetHope started in 2001 as an informal way for IT professionals to share information. 

What are some of NetHope’s projects?

  • NetHope develops and implements a NetReliefKit (NRK) which provides data and voice connectivity in a small, transportable suitcase allowing NGOs to quickly establish a short-term communications solution in the event of a disaster or emergency.
  • NetHope tests and manages the deployment of communications infrastructure to provide member agencies with access to the Internet at remote project sites where relief and development operations are carried out. NetHope's support may include obtaining low-cost satellite, wireless and terrestrial communication facilities, and managing their deployment in developing countries where the absence or poor quality of conventional, land-based telecommunications infrastructure is an obstacle to carrying out members’ humanitarian work.
  • NetHope provides forums for member agencies to document and share their field experiences regarding the effectiveness of their telecommunication technology and to suggest ways to improve future delivery of services.
  • NetHope’s ICT Skills Building Program improves emergency response and enhances organizational effectiveness by strengthening crucial ICT skills.

 

Where does NetHope operate?
NetHope is based in McLean, Virginia and operates five regional chapters in Thailand, West Africa, East Africa, Sri Lanka and India. NetHope will be launching chapters in West Africa, South Africa, Bangladesh and Panama in 2008.

Is NetHope effective?
Yes. In addition to the examples outlined above, NetHope has, for instance, successfully:

  • Deployed 135+ PDAs in Bangladesh to track Food Distribution and other programs,
  • Installed a pilot network of 21 monitored satellite locations including an Internet Telephony trial, and
  • Created Broadband solutions for fixed and mobile relief sites in disaster-affected regions of Iraq, Iran and Liberia.

Following the December 2004 tsunami, NetHope members began to receive reports about the enormity of the disaster and the urgent need to respond quickly and effectively.  Through the teamwork of NetHope member charities operating across the globe and coordinating on the ground, the NetReliefKit trial units were hand-delivered from the U.S. to the neediest sites to support relief workers.

Is NetHope accountable? 
Yes. NetHope is a 501(c)(3) organization and files Form 990, Return of Organizations Exempt from Income Tax each year following Internal Revenue Service’s regulations. 

How can I get involved?
Please contact us at:

NetHope, Inc.
P.O. Box 6704
McLean, VA. 22106-6704 USA
Phone: (703)388-2845
Email: info@nethope.org