Singlebrook looking for non-profits seeking mobile app development

Article appeared in Ithaca Times on August 6, 2010.

Rob Montana
Managing Editor

If you are a non-profit, social or social or sustainable mission-driven organization, or certified B-Corporation - Singlebrook Technology wants you.

The technology company, an Ithaca-based web, and mobile technology development firm specializing in the creation of custom code and database software created in 2006, is seeking proposals to create a free, custom iPhone application. Singlebrook will donate up to 50 hours of development time to create the app, as part of Singlebrook's Sustainable iPhone App Program. The iPhone app must enhance or increase the organization or Corporation's sustainable efforts.

Proposals for contest should be submitted via the Singlebrook Technology Web site, www.singlebrook.com, by Aug. 15. Additional information about the program is also available on the Web site. Organizations that submit proposals are encouraged to be include as many details as they like, and may also include additional specification documents.

"It started out as a community service project," said Singlebrook Chief Executive Office Elisa Miller-Out. "We wanted to do something that would have a positive social or environmental impact. Rather than going out and doing some project someplace, we wanted to do something a little more innovative and this is something we do.

"We see technology as a real tool for good," she added. "Our goal is to use it for things that make a positive difference in the world, and this seemed like an innovative way to do that."

Certified not-for-profit, social or sustainable mission-driven organizations, and B-Corporations are encouraged to submit. Examples of custom applications include, but are not limited to, carbon footprint calculators, a collection of interesting and useful health tips, or questions and answers about protecting the water or air. Proposals should demonstrate how the custom iPhone application will enhance or increase the organization's sustainable efforts, and do not need to be limited to the examples above.

The Singlebrook Sustainable iPhone App Program was introduced in May, and followsSinglebrook's recent certification as a B-Corporation. Miller-Out said it's also part of the company's growth as a web and mobile technology development firm.

"The iPhone is a game-changer that's in a class by itself. People can use it to access applications that were previously available only on their computers," she said. "It gives them access to those same apps while they're on the go or in the field, and even when they aren't working.

"As a certified B-Corporation whose mission now incorporates a commitment to a sustainable environment, donating our time to create a custom iPhone app for another social or sustainable mission-driven organization allows us to use technology as a force for positive change," Miller-Out added.

Certified B-Corporations are required to legally amend their governing documents to incorporate the interests of employees, suppliers, community, and the environment into their business efforts, while also working to address and solve social and environmental issues. The certification is offer by B-Lab, a non-profit organization that has established legal and performance standards for organizations desiring the certification. Singlebrook Technology, Inc. is one of 276 companies in the United States to hold the B-Corporation certification.

Sustainable iPhone App Program updates will be available on the company's Web site, www.singlebrook.com, and through Twitter at www.twitter.com/singlebrook. Singlebrook will announce the name of the organization chosen to receive the custom iPhone app on Oct. 1.