When comparing philosophy of competition between capitalistic/for profit business and the nonprofit sector, collaboration is a defining element. Rarely does there exist small businesses and corporations (within the same respective space) sharing trade secrets and other resources.  On the other hand, nonprofits and social enterprises alike are flourishing with a new found capacity to conspire for good.

MAP TechWorks is a new Web tool — created by nonprofit catalyst MAP for Nonprofits — through which nonprofit practitioners can tell their technology stories and share tips and advice. It’s but one example of how the Minnesota nonprofit community has torn down the barriers of information transfer and begun to create a new trend of coming together for the bigger picture. “We can give a voice to organizations who are experts at what they do, and through those voices others are able to learn and make expedited progress for the causes that they’re dedicated to.” says MAP for Nonprofits IT Manager,  Rick Birmingham.

Stories are told via one-on-one videos recorded at conferences and offices by MAP Video Production Coordinator, Ben Hanson. “I’m amazed by the generosity and hospitality of the contributors,” Hanson explained. “It shows me that they are eager for an outlet.”

Interviewees are typically asked these five questions:

• What’s working?
• What’s been a challenge?
• How did you address any issues?
• What were the associated costs?
• What would you recommend?

With a total of over 240 videos from nonprofit leaders across the state, advice ranges from social networking to hiring a developer to donor management systems and beyond. Video submissions are not limited to Minnesota-based organizations and anyone can submit their technology learnings for consideration, or ask to be interviewed.

As MAP TechWorks grows, so does the community of organizational and individual changemakers addressing the need for more collaboration. In the years to come, sharing of best practices will be all the more necessary to stay up-to-date with the everchanging technology environment. To learn more visit MAPTechWorks.org or join the Nonprofit Tech Talk email discussion.

This post was originally published by Tristan Pollock on TECHdotMN.