We are experiencing a new Los Angeles, one defined by extraordinary growth and a record number of start-up technology companies. The Annenberg Foundation is partnering with this growing tech sector to bring technology capacity-building to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Los Angeles Region through Alchemy Tech.
Since 2006, the Annenberg Foundation has provided capacity building and leadership training programs for nonprofit leaders from small to midsize nonprofit organizations through its Alchemy program. Over the past16 years, Annenberg Alchemy has evolved to meet the needs of the nonprofit sector. Today, technology is transforming how we all live and work, and nonprofit leaders must understand how to effectively use technology to advance their mission. In realizing the size and scope of technology challenges facing nonprofit organizations, the Annenberg Foundation in partnership with NTEN offers this program focused exclusively on technology capacity building for nonprofits in the Greater Los Angeles Region.
Annenberg Alchemy Tech is a six-month, virtual-based program for Alchemy Alumni in the Greater LA Region, who wish to strengthen their knowledge of technology best practices and move forward on a specific technology project that they identify through guidance and strategic feedback during the program. The program is divided into two terms, with a mix of structured curriculum delivered by faculty, participant-driven content and workshops. Annenberg Alchemy Tech will be both online and in-person. The majority of the activity happens via regular online training sessions.
* Applications close Friday, September 9, 2022.
To be eligible for Alchemy Tech, your 501(c)(3) organization must meet the following criteria:
Annenberg Alchemy alumni based in the Greater Los Angeles Region who are interested in practical and tangible technology training are good candidates. Participants should be staff responsible for advancement and implementation of a technology project at their organization. This may include an Executive Director, manager (IT, marketing, operations) or even a board member.
Technology projects should not be designed around specific software. Projects should have a strategic and practical impact across the entire organization, and can include (but are not limited to): Leadership: Culture and Change Management, Digital Strategy, Social Media, IT Planning, Data Management, Metrics and Evaluation, Fundraising Campaigns. If you have questions about a project you’d like to focus on during an Annenberg Alchemy Tech cohort, please contact NTEN’s Education Director, Ash Shepherd, at [email protected].
Annenberg Alchemy Tech is provided to participants free of charge.
No. Annenberg Alchemy Tech is open to organizations that are Annenberg Alchemy program alumni based in the Greater Los Angeles Region.
Alchemy Tech kicks-off October 3 with applications going live Monday, August 8, 2022.
Annenberg Alchemy Tech is delivered through a mix of on- and offline educational programs, trainings and workshops by NTEN faculty and tech partners in L.A. As a cohort, participants have a private online group for discussions and file sharing. Regular webinars, expert feedback sessions and regular group discussions will take place mostly online and by phone. In-person workshops will be planned to enhance and support learning.
Annenberg Alchemy Tech is a six-month program. During Term I (the first 10 weeks), participants can expect to spend 3-4 hours each week with educational programs online and homework materials. The remainder of the cohort period, Term II, is spent incubating, supporting and advancing projects, so much of the time commitment depends on the type of and depth of your project. We recommend expecting anywhere from 3-4 hours per month.
Yes. In order to ensure all participants and their organizations benefit from the program and are positioned for success, all participants are required to commit to the full six months. We recognize that there are naturally times during which participation may be limited by other priorities for your organization. The cohort is designed to accommodate for times when participants may be more or less available.
We encourage Annenberg Alchemy Tech “graduates” to share experiences, feedback and lessons learned with participants in future cohorts. We will also create opportunities for Annenberg Alchemy Tech graduates to have access to events, workshops, trainings and other opportunities to continue learning into the future.
Participating in Annenberg Alchemy Tech provides technology capacity building with the inclusion of the 10-week technology management course, as well as access to technology experts and service providers in L.A. and beyond. Annenberg Alchemy Tech connects participants with a rich network of peers, faculty members and potential collaborators. Completing Annenberg Alchemy Tech qualifies participants for discounted registration rates for future NTEN conferences.
Annenberg Alchemy Tech is designed so that participants can bring a technology challenge, project idea or need from their organization to the cohort and benefit from six months of support, feedback and training towards a solution.
No. Annenberg Alchemy Tech is not associated with the Annenberg Foundation’s grantmaking in any way. The goal is that your participation in Annenberg Alchemy Tech training will improve the ability of your organization to compete for resources from many funding sources.
