> Hi Jonathan,

> I am not working for any charity and I don't know what kind of
> problems do they have to deal with.
> Here are couple of quick thoughts from an outside perspective.

> Charities need better transparency.
> How can I find out what do they spend donated money on? How effective
> are they? What percentage of money goes to cover the management
> overhead and what serves the proclaimed purpose? What do they actually
> do to make their work more effective? There are so many types of
> charities, some of them do their work fine, some not. How to figure
> out who is who?

> Collecting money from public could be improved. I do not think that
> sending volunteers to streets is the most effective way.
> Examples: http://www.freerice.com

> Helping people by simply giving money away may not necessarily be a
> good thing and may achieve completely the opposite result. What
> charities do about that?
> Examples: http://www.kiva.org/

> Regards,
> Dmitri.

> On Jul 1, 12:12 pm, Jonathan Clarke <clarke.jonat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> So I'm into my final year of my Masters in Software Development and
>> one of the stages I need to complete is a thesis which will last  
>> about
>> 1 year.  I've been thinking quite a lot about developing software for
>> charities and NGOs as part of this module and I'd just like to get
>> some of your initial thoughts on possible projects you would like to
>> see undertaken.

>> After 6 years of University I have yet to see many projects developed
>> by students specifically aimed towards NGOs which is an incredible
>> shame.  Much of the work completed by Undergraduates/Postgraduates
>> never seem to see the light of day.

>> Anyhow, I just want to get a feeling for what your thoughts are on
>> what I am undertaking.  I'm more than happy to hear from any charity
>> or NGO about any project they have on their wish lists, the module
>> does not start until September however I want to have a clear idea of
>> the project before then.

>> The aim would be to find a common theme amongst them all and open
>> source the final solution at the end.  This would of course only be
>> possible through working with potential stakeholders every step of  
>> the
>> way.  Comments are very welcome

>> Thanks and kind regards,

>> Jonathan Clarke