Non Profit Software: How You Should Jumpstart Your Nonprofit With Technology, For Cheap

If you are starting a nonprofit, or recently started one, you probably realize that technology is fundamentally important. Of course, beginning a nonprofit generally means you have a zero budget and may be beginning the organization with your computer that may be several years old. Non profit software is easily available, but can sometimes be costly, but you can find many open source programs to take your nonprofit to a level it’s never been before.

Open Source Software

Right away you will need is an office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office. Many mainstream businesses are using Open Office, because it is completely free and has powerful spreadsheet, word processor, presentation, and drawing programs. These will soon be something you depend on to run your daily business. Open Office runs on several different platforms including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Another free non profit software option for an office program that you can use to easily share information is Google Docs. Google Docs includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and form. The cool think about Google Docs is you can share documents with others in your organization easily.

In addition, you will need a powerful email program. There are several free options including Thunderbird. Thunderbird has many possible add ons such as a full-featured calendar with task reminder, which allows you to schedule activities and events. It also includes email with powerful rules and folders so you can keep everything organized.

Building a Website

You should have a website, but obviously as a new nonprofit, you shouldn’t hire a professional web designer. Investigate programs such as WordPress, because this will walk you through setting up a blog and also offers inexpensive web hosting. It is a company that has been running for some time and is quite respected.

Other Technology

Donor database software, which you will probably need, may cost a bit of money. Controlling your costs as a nonprofit will always be an important task, but in the beginning it is crucially important. Some options for under $500 are Donation Solutions, DonorAccess, Donor Records, and Easy Gift, though there are many others. In the very beginning you may be able to manage with a spreadsheet for your donor donations, but eventually, you will need to invest in actual donor database software.

Data Backup

You will need to have your data backed up and you can do this very inexpensively with an online program such as MozyPro, Carbonite, and iDrive. These services begin at just $3.95 each month, but it is a vital investment. If you were to lose all your data, your entire organization could be wiped out. You must have it safely backed up so you can retrieve it at anytime.

Final Thoughts

To make an effective nonprofit organization, technology is necessary. There are many free and inexpensive options so you can have your small nonprofit functioning like a giant in no time.