When the internet was still young, and web hosting was expensive, a group of Toronto tech enthusiasts had a simple but powerful idea: help nonprofits get online for free. That’s how iComm started, and it really changed things for hundreds of organizations that couldn’t afford fancy websites or email services.
iComm’s mission was straightforward – provide free, reliable internet services to organizations doing good work in their communities. While they closed their doors in 2005, their impact on the nonprofit sector was lasting and meaningful, helping shape how many Canadian charities approach digital communication today. Their efforts also show how the nonprofit sector can collaborate with modern industries, such as online gambling, to drive innovation and support social causes.
Nonprofit Partnerships in Online Gambling
As iComm demonstrated the importance of nonprofits having access to online tools, the online gambling industry today also offers unique opportunities for nonprofit partnerships. Many online casinos now integrate corporate social responsibility initiatives, collaborating with charitable organizations to raise funds or promote social causes. These partnerships often include charity-focused campaigns, where a percentage of gambling revenue is directed to nonprofit projects, or even hosting tournaments where winnings go directly to charitable programs.
Such efforts not only support nonprofits financially but also help raise awareness of their missions among a global audience. With the rise of online platforms, partnerships between nonprofits and industries like online gambling continue to show how digital spaces can be used for meaningful impact.
Next, let’s take a closer look at how iComm’s own services helped nonprofits harness the power of the internet to achieve their goals.
What Was iComm?
iComm wasn’t just another hosting service – it was a nonprofit itself, run entirely by volunteers who believed in helping others. Founded in the mid-1990s, they supported about 200 organizations across Canada, the U.S., and beyond, from food banks to dance companies to human rights groups.
“We’re volunteers helping other volunteers,” was their motto, and they meant it. Every service they offered was completely free for nonprofits. They were one of the first organizations to recognize that nonprofits needed a strong online presence to succeed in the digital age.
iComm Account Services: What They Offered Nonprofits
Here’s what nonprofits got with iComm:
- Free web hosting with 10MB of space (quite decent for those days!)
- Custom web addresses like yourgroup.icomm.ca
- Email accounts with their organization’s name
- Mailing lists for staying in touch with supporters
- Tech support from real people who knew their stuff
- Domain name redirection services for groups with their own domains
- CGI scripting and database access
- Multiple email addresses per organization
The best part? No hidden fees or complicated contracts. If you were doing good work in your community, iComm wanted to help you succeed online.
Community Accounts and the iComm Network
The variety of groups using iComm showed just how diverse Canada’s nonprofit sector was. Here’s a detailed look at the organizations they supported:
Sector | Organizations | Service Focus & Key Projects |
Healthcare & Support | CCVT, Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, GAPS, Vulvarpain, Anxiety-l, Consumer/Survivor Info Centre, Homeward Mental Health, Canadian Mental Health Association, Cannabis As Legitimate Medicine, help! A Consumer’s Guide | Medical research, drug info, genetic disorders, mental health advocacy, support networks, vulvodynia and women’s health research, patient education |
Arts & Culture | Dance Ontario, MACOS, Harbourfront Reading Series, Canadian Folk Music Mailing List, Intl. Festival of Authors, Native Earth Performing Arts, Kinesis Dance, Jazz Society, Integrated Arts | Performing arts promotion, music sampling advocacy, literary events, cultural preservation, digital rights activism, free culture movement, arts education |
Cultural Education | An American’s Guide to Canada, TPUG, Hungarian House, Canadian Herp Links | Canadianisms glossary, cultural differences guide, heritage documentation, technical preservation |
Social Services | Canadian Association of Food Banks, Daily Bread Food Bank, Daycare Providers, Mothers Against Poverty, Christie-Ossington Centre, Options for Homes, Interval House, The 519, Seeds of Hope | Food security (e.g., HungerCountsurvey), childcare resources, poverty reduction, housing support, community initiatives |
Emergency Resources | Survival Bible 2001, Natural Disasters and Environmental Hazards | 40,000+ pages of survival guides, disaster response, climate-specific survival info, health threat monitoring |
Human Rights & Advocacy | CARECEN, Amnesty International Groups, East Timor Scholarship Foundation, Legal Group for the Internet, LGBTQ+ Youthline, Leave Out Violence, Parkdale Workers Without Wages | Refugee support, human rights documentation, legal advocacy, LGBTQ+ support, youth violence prevention |
Education & Tech | 2001: A Book Odyssey, Association for Bright Children, Arcade Emulation Repository, TPUG, Green Teacher, PAL-Reading Services | Computer literacy, environmental education, historical computing, literacy support |
Environmental | Banff Environmental Action Society, Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society, Earth Embassy, Wildlife Rescue, Natural Disasters, Water Dragons | Conservation, environmental advocacy, wildlife protection, disaster response |
Religious & Cultural | Armenian Evangelical Church, Canadian Muslim Forum, Hungarian House, St. Stanislaus Alumni, Temple Emanu-El, Mizrachi Organization | Religious community support, cultural preservation, heritage maintenance, cross-cultural dialogue |
Special Interest | Toronto Trek, Webgrrls, Washington Alpine Club, Georgetown Baseball, Ontario Cheerleading Federation | Hobby communities, sports organizations, recreational activities, online communities |
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT)
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) supports survivors of torture and war. They offer counselling, advocacy, and settlement services to help people rebuild their lives in Canada. CCVT also works with community organizations to raise awareness about human rights issues and the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. Their goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for healing and recovery.
Genetic Information and Patient Services, Inc. (GAPS)
GAPS provided valuable resources about genetic disorders, including conditions like cephalic disorders and prenatal diagnosis. Their work involved educating families and healthcare providers about medical procedures such as amniocentesis and ultrasonography. They focused on helping people understand congenital disorders and provided guidance for managing these conditions. GAPS played an important role in raising awareness and offering support to those affected.
An American’s Guide to Canada
Created by Emily Way in 1994, An American’s Guide to Canada started as a personal project to explain the differences between living in Canada and the U.S. The site became popular for its insights into “Canadianisms” and unique features of Canadian life, like butter tarts and poutine. Over the years, it received recognition from platforms like Yahoo! Canada and was even featured on CTV Newsnet, making it a go-to resource for curious readers.
The Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB)
The CAFB, now known as Food Banks Canada focused on reducing hunger across the country. Their annual report, HungerCount 2000: A Surplus of Hunger, highlighted the efforts of volunteers and staff in addressing food insecurity. Carly Steinman’s hard work and dedication were especially recognized for her contributions to the study. The organization’s collaborative approach brought communities together to fight hunger and provide essential food resources.
Survival Bible 2001
Survival Bible 2001 was a practical guide offering community-based resources for navigating everyday challenges. It provided useful information about health, housing, and access to services, making it a valuable tool for individuals in need. The guide emphasized self-reliance and empowerment, helping people take control of their circumstances.
Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN-N.Y.)
CARECEN-N.Y. supports Central American refugees and immigrants in the United States. They provide legal assistance, advocacy, and resources to help refugees rebuild their lives. CARECEN also sheds light on important historical and human rights issues, such as U.S. policies in Central America (1898–1970) and the cover-up of the murder of four churchwomen in El Salvador. Their work is critical in promoting justice and awareness for immigrant communities.
Musicians Against Copyrighting of Samples (MACOS)
MACOS is a nonprofit organization advocating for fair use of music samples. They encourage creative freedom by allowing musicians to sample their material without legal restrictions. MACOS also connects artists worldwide and challenges outdated copyright practices. By promoting innovation in music, they empower musicians to collaborate freely.
Water Dragon
Part of the Canadian Herp Links network, Water Dragon connects reptile enthusiasts and provides resources on reptile care and conservation. The organization highlights Canadian reptiles and amphibians, offering education and support to hobbyists and researchers. Water Dragon’s focus on wildlife awareness helps promote the care and preservation of these unique species.
Dance Ontario
Dance Ontario supports and connects dancers, choreographers, and dance companies across the province. They offer professional development opportunities, workshops, and performances to promote artistic growth. Dance Ontario also plays a vital role in celebrating and preserving the diverse dance culture in Ontario, bringing communities together through art.
Vulvarpain
Vulvarpain is a resource hub for individuals experiencing chronic vulvar pain, including conditions like vulvodynia. Drawing on research like Sarah Brenner and Yael Politi’s study on dermatologic diseases, they provide valuable information on diagnosis and treatment. Vulvarpain also offers support to patients and raises awareness about this often misunderstood condition.
Toronto PET User’s Group (TPUG)
Founded in 1979, the Toronto PET User’s Group (TPUG) is one of the oldest Commodore computer clubs in the world. They support Commodore computer enthusiasts through events like The World of Commodore, a gathering that celebrates these classic machines. TPUG’s dedication to preserving computing history has made it a cornerstone of the tech community in Canada.
Daycare Providers
The Daycare Providers Network connects childcare professionals and offers resources to enhance early childhood education. Through workshops and information-sharing, they support providers in delivering high-quality care to children. Their focus on professional development and collaboration helps improve childcare services in local communities.
The iComm Account Agreement: How It Worked
Want to join iComm? Here’s how it worked:
- Fill out their Account Agreement
- Show proof you’re a nonprofit (like registration documents)
- Explain your mission and goals
- Provide a cover letter describing your organization’s purpose
- Wait for approval from the volunteer team
Even if you weren’t officially registered as a nonprofit but were doing good work in your community, iComm would still consider helping you out. They understood that not all valuable community work happens through official channels.
Volunteers: The People Behind iComm
iComm ran on volunteer power. Their tech professionals would:
- Help design websites
- Solve technical problems
- Answer questions
- Train nonprofit staff
- Manage server infrastructure
- Handle email systems
- Create documentation
Many volunteers were IT professionals who worked full-time jobs but still made time to help others. They joined through a simple mailing list system and pitched in where they could. Their expertise was crucial in keeping services running smoothly and helping organizations make the most of their online presence.
Donors and Supporters: iComm’s Foundation
iComm operated successfully because of the generosity of various contributors. Tech companies donated hardware, while internet providers like Infopreneur offered free bandwidth to keep services running. Individual donors provided financial support, and corporate partners extended their assistance in multiple ways. Local ISPs even donated dial-up accounts for nonprofits that lacked internet access.
In-kind services from skilled tech professionals also played a crucial role. Companies like Vex.net joined forces to ensure reliable internet connectivity. This collaborative network of support allowed iComm to provide all its services completely free of charge, empowering countless organizations worldwide.
How People Could Help iComm
Supporting iComm was pretty straightforward:
- Spreading the word about iComm’s services helped connect nonprofits in need with valuable resources.
- Adding links to iComm on websites boosted their online visibility and reached a wider audience.
- Donating money or equipment like computers and networking tools provided essential resources for their operations.
- Volunteering skills such as web design or technical support directly helped nonprofits improve their online presence.
- Sharing information with media contacts generated publicity and inspired others to support iComm.
- Assisting with fundraising events helped secure funds to sustain and expand their free services.
- Offering technical expertise ensured iComm’s platform remained reliable and efficient.
- Helping with documentation, like writing guides or maintaining records, improved processes for iComm and its clients.
They encouraged supporters to be creative in finding ways to help, understanding that different people had different resources to offer.
The End of an Era
By 2005, iComm was facing challenges. Their main bandwidth provider stopped donating services, and they struggled to find new volunteers. But their legacy lives on in the hundreds of organizations they helped get online during the crucial early days of the internet.
The world of web hosting has changed a lot since iComm started. Today, there are many affordable options for nonprofits to create websites. But iComm showed us something important: when people come together to help others, really amazing things can happen.
Looking back, iComm wasn’t just about free web hosting – it was about building a community where people helped each other succeed. They proved that the internet could be a force for good when put in the hands of people who care about making the world better.
In the end, iComm’s story reminds us that sometimes the simplest ideas – like helping nonprofits get online for free – can have impacts that last way longer than we expect. Their work helped shape how many Canadian nonprofits use the internet today.