How Autodesk benefits charities

There are a variety of reasons why graphic design tools are important for charities. From theatres to museums to food distribution centres, software has enabled teams to visualise and map out important features of their buildings and spaces.

 

One tool in particular has been rising in popularity. Autodesk AutoCAD is an US multi-national software company founded in 1982. Autodesk provides software products for many industries such as architecture, engineering, entertainment, and construction.

 

They are leaders in 3D design with a broad portfolio of products available for global markets. Autodesk’s products, such as Autodesk AutoCAD, are currently available on the Charity Digital Exchange for a discounted price, so that charities are not excluded from using top of the range software.

 

Autodesk AutoCAD is a computer-aided design software that helps users to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. Tasks such as creating schedules and comparing drawings can be automated and the software is customisable with add-on apps.

 

e spoke to some of the charity customers who have purchased the discounted Autodesk AutoCAD to get an understanding of how it has enabled their charity to thrive.

 

We found three common themes of how purchasing Autodesk AutoCAD through the Charity Digital Exchange has benefited their charity:

• The software enabled charities to do work they couldn’t have done as well otherwise
• The software is usable through proper training
• The savings from the purchase have been directed towards other important tasks

 

Working with industry level software

 

Several theatres spoke to us about their use of Autodesk AutoCAD. Yvonne Arnaud are preparing to launch shows and live productions once again. They have been using the software to create stage plans and to view plans sent from external companies. Similarly, Hackney Associate have used the software for plot sets, lighting, and other stage technology in communication with technical teams and designers.

 

The software has also been used for larger spaces. For example, stage layouts and site drawings have been created for Henley Festival Trust and Newbury Spring Festival. At Feed the Hungry, a large food distribution centre and training facility is being developed. The Operations Director has been using Autodesk AutoCAD to ensure that this development runs as planned through the creation of new and future designs for the centre.

 

Autodesk AutoCAD has also been used to assist the repairs and updates for physical sites at Longshop Museum. The team used their existing internal expertise, with the IT systems administrator stating, “as it happens, we have a retired architect as a trustee and he used to use the product professionally before he retired, so was familiar with it”.

 

 

Saving money for charities

 

All charities that we spoke to felt the discount had been important in their decision to purchase Autodesk AutoCAD. It allowed them to re-direct money towards other parts of their charity.

 

The impact of COVID-19 on finances seems clear, as the Digital Associate from Hackney Associate stated: “It’s been an incredibly difficult time. We would not have survived without discount rates such as this and other forms of financial assistance.”

 

The IT Systems Administrator at Longshop Museum reflected the sentiments of many small charities: “As a small museum we are always near the red line financially, so this product has been very useful and simply allows us to do more with the money we have”.

 

The money saved on buying this discounted product is being used to invest in further digital tools for projects at Feed the Hungry, which reaffirms that the extra savings can be used for more important work.

 

Charities should not have to struggle when it comes to purchasing and working with high quality design tools. If you’d like to find out more about the discounted Autodesk AutoCAD product and any other discounted tools, please visit the Charity Digital Exchange site.