Nonprofits are often faced with the challenge of having adequate resources to fulfill their dreams and accomplish their mission. A great cause and a passion to serve is just the beginning; we must also have a strategy and resources to complete the task.
Resources come in many different forms. Relationships, of course, are the most important. Bringing the right people on board to share your vision is key to success. Technology also provides tools that can help you accomplish your mission and run your organization more efficiently. However, it also costs money.
Whether you are struggling to make ends meet, or just looking for ways to effectively lower your costs, here are several simple tips to help nonprofits save money on technology.
TechSoup
TechSoup is a great resource for everything nonprofit tech. Their e-learning courses, tech help desk, managed IT, and networking opportunities are a tremendous source of wisdom and knowledge. One of their most beneficial offerings is the vast catalog of tech discounts—everything from Microsoft Office, Asana, and Intuit Quickbooks, to laptops and hardware! My rule of thumb is don’t buy anything tech without checking TechSoup. You must signup for a free membership to receive their discounts, but it is well worth it!
Google for Nonprofits
Once you are registered with TechSoup, check out the Google for Nonprofit options. The popular Google Workspace is available to nonprofits free of charge. You can also reach donors online with Google Ad Grants and enhanced YouTube Giving features. The YouTube Nonprofit program also offers charities access to special features such as Link Anywhere cards which link to an external URL, and additional YouTube Giving features.
Canva for Nonprofits
Canva is an incredible tool for creating quick graphics for social media, print, and web. Its user interface and templates make it easy for beginners as well as advanced designers to dream and create. Their branding options simplify uploading your brand’s logo, setting brand colors, and keeping all of your designs on brand! Fortunately, they also offer a nonprofit program free of charge.
Processing Fee Discounts
As online giving has increased, so have nonprofits’ payment processing fees. Fortunately, several processing companies offer nonprofit discounts. These savings may seem small at first but it really adds up!
Stripe is easily one of my favorite payment processors with no monthly fee. They also make it very easy to apply for a nonprofit discount. Our nonprofit received a response within a matter of hours!
PayPal also offers nonprofit pricing as well as the ability to set up giving funds and accept grants with a confirmed charity status.
Your mission is great and your cause is worthy. Utilizing the right technology and implementing these money-saving tips will increase your impact and bring transformation!
