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5 Free Tools to Help Your Non-Profit Succeed Online and Off

While doing a bit of late night reading over at Consultant Commons, I ran across a post outlining a few pieces of online software aimed at helping npo’s do some things online - on the cheap. While cheap is good, I am of the belief that today’s open source tools provide an excellent opportunity for non-profits to do business as well as any for-profit or national charity. If inexpensive is good, then inexpensive, flexible, brandable, and open must be great, right? I think so. Here are my top picks for open source tools to help your non-profit succeed both online and off.

Before we get started, if you aren’t sure what I’m referring to when I say “open source,” take a look at the wikipedia entry on the subject before reading futher. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

1. Open Office - You just don’t need the Microsoft Office Suite, and you certainly don’t need to use an unlicensed version of it. While MS Office is a great piece of software, it is pricey - even with a non-profit discount. When I recommend open office, the first question I always get is, “Is it compatible?” The answer is a resounding YES. It is compatible with other word processing systems, including MS Word, Word Perfect, and most (if not all) other word processors out there. On top of that, Open Office is not just a word processor. It’s comes with presentation software (like MS Powerpoint), and spreadsheet software (like Excel). Drawing, database, and an equation writing software are all included as well. Consider OpenOffice.org for its: cost ($free), flexibility, easily upgradable, secure
2. ActiveCollab Online Project Management - While ActiveCollab is based strongly on the foundation and ideas of the popular Basecamp from 37 Signals, it does present a few advantages for non-profits. The open source nature of the software increases the flexibility of the software enabling non-profits to extend the usability to meet their unique needs. Before I get attacked by all the Basecamp fans out there, please know that I like Basecamp, and I realize that it’s API provides for a great deal of flexibilty. I also know that open source projects like ActiveCollab are swarming with capable programmers who, in many cases, are willing to work for very small fees (as in free). Consider ActiveCollab for its: cost ($free), flexibility, developer community support ($also free)
3. CiviCRM - Constituent Relationship Management. As their website says, “CiviCRM is the first open source and freely downloadable constituent relationship management solution. CiviCRM is web-based, open source, internationalized, and designed specifically to meet the needs of advocacy, non-profit and non-governmental groups.” From what I’ve seen it’s a fantastic piece of software, especially for a small to medium sized organization. Like many open source projects, CiviCRM has spawned the development of components (sometimes called modules, add-ons, or plugins) to make the software even more useful. Speficically, CiviCRM has three robust (optional) components
   1. CiviMail - Personalized email blasts and newsletters.
   2. CiviMember - Online signup and membership management.
   3. CiviContribute - Online fundraising and donor management.

   Consider CiviCRM for its: developer community, extreme customization opportunities, and er, cost ($free).

4. Wordpress - Blog/CMS solution. If you don’t have a website yet, you should. And I don’t mean you should have a site that never changes. Your site should be a destination for people who want to learn more about your organization and a place to reach out to perspective volunteers, donors, and clients. Blogs are perfect for this and with WordPress you can have one set up and running within 10 minutes. An internet savvy (think teenager) volunteer could turn your existing materials into a website within a couple of hours with WordPress and you can bet s/he would pass the site on to her/his friends to show off her/his fine work! After the initial setup and static content loading, it’s up to you to continue to fill the site. Even a once weekly update of about 200 words could provide the boost your organization needs. Here are a few things you could write for your non-profit.
   • A case study
   • Donor story - i.e. “Why I Give”
   • Reprint a press release
   • 5 Volunteer photos and descriptions
   • A short video clip of volunteers doing work for your organization

   Consider WordPress for its: HUGE community, reputation, speed, support, longevity, cost ($free).

5. Dreamhost - Free webhosting fro non-profits. If you’re a 501(c)3 it really doesn’t get much better than this. Dreamhost has an incredible discount for non-profits and by incredible I mean they’re giving it to them completely free. Dreamhost is a fantastic and reliable host that is employee owned and forthcoming at all times. I’ve used them for a little over a year and can’t imagine going anywhere else. They are truly top-notch. Consider Dreamhost for their: reliability, service, and generous offer to host non-profit sites for free

I could easily add 10 more items to this list, and will certainly do so after I get a bit of sleep. I’d like to hear from you though. What types of software is your non-profit looking for? Chances are you aren’t alone. Post your requests in the comments and I’ll address them in the near future.