Many of the tools we are integrating into the Grassroots.org Toolbox are open source, and thus have been freely downloadable for years. However, “Free” though they may be, these tools cost thousands of dollars to install, learn, configure and support. In short, these tools may have no list price, but they are far from free to implement. The result? They're not empowering as many nonprofits as they could be.

The Toolbox will automatically:
• provision and install these technology tools,
• configure them correctly for immediate use,
• host them permanently,
• -provide comprehensive training and support resources (both in traditional text and in new media, such as screencasts and training videos)

All for free.

To achieve this, we'll build an integrated user interface to manage Toolbox applications and services, under which we'll develop a flexible and scalable automatic provisioning system. We are assigning multiple staff members to develop exhaustive training and support materials in response to the needs of incoming clients and creating a publicly-available end-user guide for each of the tools we offer. The goal is the technological empowerment of nonprofit organizations everywhere.

The goal of FamilyFarmed.org is to fully develop the site into an interactive web community. Content expansion will include improved farmer bios and product descriptions, a photo “album” or video tour of the farm instead of a single photo, and an “Ask a Farmer” column. Producers will also be given the oppportunity to manage the content on their site. More advanced changes will focus on building community by creating an environment where visitors can not only find information, but also share it. This could include the opportunity for consumers to rate and give feedback on the farms and artisinal food producers in our network.We will also develop blogs for farmers, users, and familyfarmed.org staff and may add regular news feeds and other means to keep site content fresh in order to encourage more traffic and participation.