Non Profit Software: Why You Should Use Technology To Kick Your Nonprofit Into Overdrive

If you plan on starting a nonprofit, or have recently started a nonprofit organization, you probably realize that technology is your greatest asset. Of course, beginning a nonprofit normally means you have a minimal budget and may be beginning the organization with an old computer. Non profit software is widely available for a price, but you can discover many open source programs to take your nonprofit to the next level that are completely free.

Free Software

Right away you will need is an office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office. Many for-profit businesses have turned to Open Office, because it is completely free and includes powerful spreadsheet, word processor, presentation, and drawing programs. You will depend on these sort of programs daily. Open Office works with 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 files with others in your organization so everyone can see them and easily collaborate when necessary.

In addition, you will need a solid email program. There are several free open source options including Thunderbird. Thunderbird has many available add ons such as a full-featured calendar with a reminder, which allows you to schedule activities and events. It also includes email with substantial organization capabilities.

Your Website

You should have a website, but obviously as a new nonprofit, you cannot afford 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 web hosting. It is a business that has been running for some time and is very respected.

Some Other Technologies

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 in actual donor database software.

Backing up your Data

You should have your data backed up and you can do this very cheaply via 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 lost your data, your nonprofit could die. You definitely should consider how to back it up.

Last Thoughts

To make an impact with your 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.

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Joe Adams is a guru in the area of nonprofit development. Read more about him at his website http://starting-a-nonprofit.com/

Article Source: http://articlebarracks.com

If you are in the process of beginning a nonprofit, have started a nonprofit, or simply want to understand more more related to non profit software, make sure you research as much as possible. Feel free to check out starting-a-nonprofit.com/ for more information on starting a nonprofit.

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