Technology companies Microsoft, Cisco and Symantec have come together to provide up to €25 million of new technology each year to Irish non-profit organisations.

Children's cancer charity Barretstown Gang Camp is the first organisation to benefit from the scheme.

It will use the donated technology to communicate more effectively with some 110 partner hospitals scattered around Europe.

As a result Barretstown will save €150,000 a year, enabling it to work with an additional 60-70 children per year, according to Paul Rellis, managing director of Microsoft Ireland.

Mr Rellis said it was hoped that up to 1,000 charities and other not-for-profit organisations would apply for support in the first year.

"The worst thing that could happen with this is that the not-for-profits wouldn't engage," said Mr Rellis.

The organisers estimate that some 5,000 Irish organisations would be eligible to apply through the EncludeIT programme.

The programme will be run by charity Enclude which will verify which organisations are eligible and provide them with consultancy on what products are best suited for their needs.

Qualifying organisations can buy products for 5 per cent of their list cost, which will cover Enclude's costs. Products purchased through the scheme will be supported through the vendor's normal channels.

Mr Rellis also pointed out that applicant organisations do not need to have the latest technology to participate.

Microsoft, for example, is providing its older Office 2003 suite through the scheme.

Organisations wishing to participate can find more information at  www.encludeit.org