About the ServInt FreeNet System

What does the ServInt FreeNet provide?

The ServInt FreeNet provides a free World Wide Web site to qualified nonprofit organizations. Along with free webhosting, qualified nonprofits can then also receive free E-mail accounts for their site. Websites will be maintained at no charge for as long as an organization wishes.

The website is fully functional and has generous disk space and usage allottments. Other services, such as additional mail accounts, autoresponder services, Microsoft FrontPage support extensions, increased disk space allottment and mail list programs can be provided through an additional application process as well. Applications are approved based on need. All of these services, if approved by the ServInt FreeNet staff, are free. To learn more about FreeNet's capabilities for such services, click here. To apply for such services, click here.

The ServInt FreeNet also provides services that assist nonprofits in both designing websites and administering them, as well as training for organization members who can help to update the site. More information can be found in sections about the ServInt FreeNet volunteer program and training opportunities.

What does the ServInt FreeNet not provide?

We cannot provide your organization with a free Internet connection. Currently, ServInt FreeNet does not have the necessary equipment to provide "dial-up" Internet access (access via modem for web browsing, etc.). If organizations need to have Internet access, they should acquire it from another ISP in their area. The ServInt FreeNet can recommend several dial-up access providers. Information can be found in our partners section.

ServInt FreeNet tries to provide a reasonable amount of time to assist an organization with developing its website, but meeting or training time may be limited. Though we make a great effort, ServInt FreeNet can make no guarantees for timely technical support.

What does my organization need to provide?

Your organization needs to provide content for the website - text, pictures, documents - whatever you wish it to contain. Your organization also needs to provide a responsible contact person (or persons) for the site: people who will answer your E-mail, help to create content and updates, et cetera. Of course, ServInt FreeNet's volunteer program can help you to achieve these goals.

The ServInt FreeNet, due to its limited staffing and largely volunteer nature, prefers that its clients receive training for an organization's contact staff so that the organization may make updates to the website, if updates and changes are regularly required. This provides more control over the site to the organization, as well as lessening the burden on ServInt FreeNet's staff.

Right now, there are no quotas set on the transfer (number of visitors) for any site. We do not foresee a change to this policy.

In return for the generous use of its Internet space, we require each ServInt FreeNet carry a small "hosted by ServInt FreeNet" logo somewhere on their initial ("home") page. Organizations must also sign a copy of the FreeNet Terms and Conditions.

Does ServInt FreeNet support Microsoft FrontPage?

ServInt FreeNet strongly discourages use of MS FrontPage on our system. We have the ability to support it, either through FrontPage extensions installed on a UNIX server, or use of our NT server. However, we do NOT offer technical support for FrontPage. Please make a note of this policy. However please visit our support page for more information.

Does joining the ServInt FreeNet cost anything?

No. The website service is free, for as long as your organization wishes to continue it. However, there are two potential costs to organizations wishing to make use of the ServInt FreeNet:

2.) ServInt FreeNet makes use of its volunteers to provide a reasonable amount of time for graphic designers and programmers to spend creating the website (currently roughly 15 hours of work). If an organization needs design or development work significantly above that time limit, the organization may contract out to a web design provider for the additional work. ServInt Internet Services keeps a list of preferred vendors and can refer your organization to a web designer that suits your needs.

What do ServInt FreeNet volunteers do, and how can I get one?

You can apply for a FreeNet volunteer by filling out the volunteer request form here. Volunteers are provided as resources and manpower become available. ServInt FreeNet cannot promise that a volunteer can be made available to you swiftly. Occasionally, you may need to be placed on a wait list. ServInt FreeNet makes every effort to place you with a quality volunteer quickly, but makes no guarantees as to their ability to do so.

FreeNet volunteers, depending on their level of technical knowledge, can help out in a variety of ways, including Web Design and Development, Unix System Administration and Account Maintenance, Administrative and Clerical Assistance, Client Skills Training and Client Technical Support. Most technical work can be done via phone contact with member organizations and does not require travel or work during times that would interfere with business.

Sounds great. How do I start?

Simply fill out the application form to register as a qualified organization. It is necessary that an organization have federal 501(c)3 tax ID status to qualify for membership in the ServInt FreeNet system. Your organization must provide a copy of your tax status letter and your federal tax ID.

ServInt FreeNet Terms & Conditions * The ServInt FreeNet's Privacy Policy