Do you consider yourself a techie environmentalist? Perhaps a social movement nerd? Maybe a naturalistic business guru? Then you’ll love Singlebrook Technology’s pro bono proposal to create an iPhone app for an organization that strives to meet the comprehensive needs of the community. A small custom web development firm located in Ithaca, NY, Singlebrook is now accepting applications from not-for-profit, social, or sustainable mission-driven organizations, or B-Corporations for its Singlebrook Sustainable iPhone App Program. Technology and activism unite.

Singlebrook, which has joined the forces of over 300 progressive companies striving for more than the bottom line, is itself a certified B Corporation. Developed by B Lab, a non-profit that establishes the legal and performance standards for organizations seeking certification, B Corporation certification communicates to the public and consumers that business is not business as usual. In a time of industrial uncertainty and corporate distrust, B Corporations let the world know that they care about the environment, social justice, and doing the right thing. Sure, they still have salaries to pay and investors to keep happy, but they’ve made it their mission to be sustainable and support their local communities. Thanks to B Lab, our communities  can start weeding out the greenwashers and show our own support of the companies that have our backs, many of which we already know and love, such as Seventh Generation, Numi Organic Tea, and Dansko.

So where exactly does the iPhone fit into this dreamy marriage of business and responsibility? For one thing, people love the technology and the access it provides. If a phone can be more than a phone and act as a technological agent for justice and progress, why not utilize its power to spread the good word? According to Elisa Miller-Out, Singlebrook CEO, “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.” For a technology company, it is the most practical medium. For a B Corporation determined to provide the highest quality products to its clients while preserving the environment and enhancing society, it is an enlightened business move; one that people are sure to notice.

Non-profits, B Corporations, low-profit limited liability corporations (L3C), and mission-driven organizations are encouraged to apply for the Singlebrook Sustainable iPhone App Program by August 15, 2010. Applications must include company information and an idea for the iPhone app that will be developed by Singlebrook. Only iPhone apps intended to have a positive social or environmental impact will be considered, such as carbon footprint calculators, shopping guides, tips for healthy living, and FAQs about protecting water and air. Singlebrook Technology will announce the winning entry on October 1, 2010 and begin development of the iPhone app in the fall. The web development company, in very B Corp fashion, will donate the time invested in the iPhone app, expecting to provide its client with up to 50 hours or $10,000 of free labor. The chosen organization will own the completed iPhone app, and likely the buzz and good press surrounding such an evolved partnership.

So if you belong to an organization with a mission, have an idea that could change the world, or just love your iPhone, more information about the Singlebrook Sustainable iPhone App Program can be found on the company’s website, www.singlebrook.com. To learn more about B Corporation certification, visit B Lab’s website, http://www.bcorporation.net/. The iPhone and existing apps can be checked out on Apple’s website, http://www.apple.com/iphone/. Singlebrook just might be changing the face of technology and business, all while putting a smile on the face of ethical stewardship.

TAGGED WITH: app, B Corp, iPhone, Singlebrook, sustainability, technology