Non Profit Software: What You Need, Why You Need It, And How Much?
If you plan on starting a nonprofit, or recently started one, you likely know that technology is your greatest asset. Typically, beginning a nonprofit normally means you have a zero budget and may be starting your 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 that can take your nonprofit to the next level that are completely free.
Free Software
The first thing you will need is an office suite that can work with Microsoft Office. Many for-profit businesses are using Open Office, because it is completely free and includes 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 choice for an office program that allows sharing is Google Docs. Google Docs includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and form. The nice aspect to Google Docs is you can share documents with others in your organization so everyone can see them and easily collaborate when necessary.
In addition, you will need a powerful email program. There are definitely free options including Thunderbird. Thunderbird has many available add ons such as a fully-featured calendar with a reminder, which allows you to schedule activities and events. It also includes email with substantial organization capabilities.
Website Resources
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 take you through the process of setting up a blog and also offers inexpensive hosting. It is a business that has been running for some time and is very respected.
Other Technology
One type of nonprofit software that may cost a bit of money is donor database software. Controlling your costs as a nonprofit will always be something you will need to stay on top of, but in the beginning it is especially important. You might want to start with these options: 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.
Data Backup
You will need to have your data backed up and you can do this very inexpensively with an online program like 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 Considerations
To make an impact with your nonprofit organization, you will need to use technology and today there are many inexpensive or totally free options so that you can take your nonprofit to the next level.