What is The ITEM?
 
We are The ITEM, which stands for “The Inclusive Technology + Entrepreneurship Movement”. The ITEM is a non profit designed to help more people of color access the tech sector. 

Hmmmm. What. Do You. Do?

We offer flexible, low cost training and resources to new techies, career professionals and entrepreneurs in the areas of cloud and devops. 

Why?

The ITEM’s central mission is to ensure everyone can participate in the emerging tech sector. The career and entrepreneurship opportunities in tech are growing faster than any other sectors. 

Ok, making sense.  How will my donation will help?

Since February 17, 2015, we have been largely self funded by our founder. That means our meetup space , our online instruction platform , our Uber rides, our marketing campaigns, our stipends, our AWS platform .... you get it.

In order to scale, i.e., to expand the amount of people we serve, we need a little more fuel in our engine....

Who benefits from your generosity?

People of Color looking to get into the tech sector. To be clear, we do not discriminate. But we all know about the narrative about lack of diversity in tech. The ITEM is merely one attempt at leveling the playing field. 

I am totally in! Wait, wait, where's my hard earned money going?

To help us cover expenses:

- Meetup  - 89.95 x 2 = 180
- Go To Meeting (4 lines) = 220 x 12 = $2,640
- Virtual Assistant (PT) = $5,200
- Director, Membership experience (PT) = $10,400
- Website  = $20 x 12 = $240
- Meetup Space (Philly, DC) = $500 x 12 = $6,000
- Askmentor Series: Career Development  = $111 x 25 = $2,775
- Askmentor Series: Tech Entrepreneurship  = $222 x 25 = $5,550
- Instructors for 3 Intro Courses per quarter = $50 X 60 hours x 3 instructors x 4 quarters = $36,000

And how soon do you need the funds?

Is it ok if we said now? It is?  Ok. Now please.

Seriously, though the sooner the better but by December 31, 2018 would be perfect.

Do I get a tax exemption for my donation?

Yes.

The ITEM  is a program partner of Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC), a 45 year old 501(c)(3) non profit corporation. UAC provides The ITEM fiscal sponsorship, which means all donations to The ITEM are tax exempt.

Also, UAC handles all financial and tax matters of The ITEM. We just focus on what we do best = provides career and business pathways for POC.