Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges in keeping pace with technology due to budget constraints. The Goodwill Industries of Kentucky experienced such challenges firsthand.
Posted Thursday, May 11, 2023
Introduction
Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges in keeping pace with technology due to budget constraints. The Goodwill Industries of Kentucky experienced such challenges firsthand. They were grappling with the decision to invest in a costly but efficient IT infrastructure - Cisco Meraki - or opt for more affordable alternatives. Their partnership with Telecom4Good, a provider of IT solutions for nonprofits, helped them navigate this crossroad, transforming their technology landscape.
Overview
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky serves the second-chance population through a variety of innovative programs and services. Goodwill is committed to addressing and resolving many underlying issues and helping those in need of a second chance. As a statewide leader in combatting poverty, their nonprofit utilizes their retail locations to help individuals find a pathway to prosperity.
Balancing Cost and Efficiency in IT Infrastructure
Upon becoming the Director of Information Technology at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Jimmy Stafford was faced with a dilemma. The organization had installed Cisco Meraki, a top-tier networking solution, in 55 of its 67 stores. While the system's quality and manageability were exceptional, its price tag was daunting. Jimmy was tasked with the challenge of finding a way to continue leveraging the benefits of Meraki without straining the nonprofit's budget.
Leveraging the Benefits of Meraki through Telecom4Good
In his quest for an affordable yet effective IT solution, Jimmy stumbled upon Telecom4Good. Despite initial skepticism due to the significantly lower prices offered, he decided to engage with them. This decision turned out to be transformative.
Telecom4Good provided Goodwill with access to Meraki equipment at affordable prices. More importantly, they offered comprehensive technical support, which proved to be a game-changer in optimizing Goodwill's IT operations.
Meraki's cloud-based management platform was one of its standout features that simplified Goodwill's network management. With Meraki, Jimmy and his team didn't need to track public IP addresses and credentials for each of their 67 stores. Instead, they could manage everything through a single, unified dashboard. This ease of management freed up resources, allowing the IT team to focus on more strategic tasks.
Meraki's built-in security was another significant benefit. With integrated threat protection, Goodwill could ensure the security of their network without the need for additional appliances or complex configurations. This led to an enhanced level of cybersecurity, an increasingly important aspect in today's digital age.
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has saved over $892,513 on Cisco Meraki Equipment and Licenses
Since placing their first order with Telecom4Good in late 2021, Goodwill has saved just under $900,000 on Meraki equipment, illustrating the significant cost benefits of working with Telecom4Good.
A Partnership Built on Communication, Customer Service, and Technical Support
Beyond the fiscal and operational benefits, the partnership with Telecom4Good offered exemplary customer service. Their quick responses, proactive management of order delays, and provision of alternative solutions significantly improved the efficiency and reliability of Goodwill's IT operations.
The ease of use, security, and manageability of the Meraki solution and the cost savings provided by Telecom4Good made it the clear choice over other vendors.
Spreading the Benefits of the Partnership
Jimmy's endorsement of Telecom4Good underlines the organization's mission commitment and excellent customer service. He has recommended it to other nonprofit executives, emphasizing their quick responses, excellent technical support, and cost-effective solutions.
The Mission of the Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky's mission extends beyond IT infrastructure. Their commitment to providing a "hand up" rather than a "handout" is evident in their initiatives, including adult high school education, expungement programs, housing assistance, and transportation programs like "Cars to Work."
A Strategic Partnership Driving Operational Success
The strategic partnership between Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and Telecom4Good has resulted in significant cost savings and a robust, efficient IT infrastructure powered by Cisco Meraki. The partnership has proven that with the right support and technology, nonprofits can access best-in-class IT solutions without breaking the bank.
Long-Term Impact and Future Aspirations
The substantial cost savings and operational efficiency that Goodwill Industries of Kentucky gained from this partnership enabled them to redirect resources to their core mission - providing assistance to those in need. This was particularly crucial given the global pandemic's economic impact, which increased demand for Goodwill's services.
Looking forward, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky plans to continue its successful partnership with Telecom4Good, expanding Meraki technology to other stores and facilities. They also aim to share their positive experience with other Goodwill regions and nonprofit organizations, spreading the benefits of high-quality, affordable IT solutions.
Overview of Telecom4Good
Telecom4Good is a nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits and NGOs overcome their technology challenges. It is our mission to help our clients access technology that positions them to further their mission and serve others. Collaboration is at the core of our programs. We aim to support our peers through technology so their programs, mission, and impact can flourish. All our programs and services stem from requests to meet the challenges of our clients.
