One of the biggest challenges in starting or operating a nonprofit is funding. There are endless blogs, articles, and resources regarding funding and grants. But how do you stretch your shoestring budget to its maximum capacity? Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources for nonprofits to assist you optimize your budget.

Free Resources Available

1. TechSoup – TechSoup is a nonprofit that increases collaboration between the technology and nonprofit organizations, increasing their capacity to serve the community. Through TechSoup, your nonprofit has access to training such as webinars, articles, blogs, and more.  You can also receive Microsoft products at a discount.
2. Google for Nonprofits – Have you maxed out your free storage on DropBox? Worse yet, are you not backing up your files at all? Google G Suite for nonprofit organization management provides 30GB of storage in a safe and secure server with 24/7 support. You have access to your files anywhere, anytime. Google Ad Grants is a monthly grant that assists in driving new visitors to your website. Looking for donors or volunteers? This is especially a no brainer. Google’s YouTube Nonprofit Program allows your organization to not only share your content, but to compel your audience to donate directly while watching one of your videos. These are just a few of the free resources for nonprofits that Google provides.
3. Salesforce – Salesforce is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management” tool which assists your nonprofit in tracking and measuring data within your sphere of influence (donors, volunteers, clients). It consolidates all of your nonprofit’s data in one place providing a holistic snapshot of your organization. The Starter Pack is free and provides 10 free licenses to 501(c)3s.
4. Eventbrite – Planning an event? Eventbrite is an online registration and ticketing platform that allows your nonprofit to plan and promote upcoming events. It offers free registration for free events. Nonprofits receive a discount on pricing for paid events, and GuideStar participants receive an even greater discount. Eventbrite also allows you to capture data for those that register for your event. It further integrates with Salesforce , Facebook, MailChimp and many other tools that nonprofits use.
5. SurveyMonkey – What better way to collect data about your donors than to ask them yourself! SurveyMonkey provides you that opportunity. While SurveyMonkey does not specifically offer a nonprofit discount, their basic (and FREE) pricing plan offers unlimited surveys up to 10 questions, up to 100 responses per survey. They even offer nonprofit survey templates. Need feedback on your last fundraising event? Want to know what motivates your donors to give? Looking to increase volunteer retention? Maybe SurveyMonkey is right for you!
6. Hootsuite – Haven’t had a chance or the budget to hire that social media marketer? Are you a DIYer? Hootsuite offers your nonprofit the chance to schedule social media posts across different networks. They offer nonprofits a discount of up to 50% on social media management. However, Hootsuite’s free plan allows you to manage and schedule content for 3 social profiles. Post across Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram, WordPress and YouTube. Additionally, they offer free social media courses to help you develop skills to build a compelling social media presence. Hootsuite also integrates with Salesforce.
7. Canva.com – Need a little help creating your blog banner? Looking for templates and inspiration for a marketing campaign? Seeking to update your Facebook Cover photo? Canva has your back. It has a large library of professionally- designed layouts with a wide array of free stock photos available for your use. It assists the most creatively impaired users create show stopping designs and brilliant documents. Canva is widely used by bloggers, marketers, and small business owners.

In conclusion, there are many free resources available to your nonprofit. Check these out, and they may lead to more.

Are you interested in learning more about nonprofit insurance ? Contact local insurance agent, Sandi Purinton with The Insurance Connection. Contact her at 678-439-8757 or sandi@insconnectga.com to get a free insurance quote and review.

Disclaimer: This material is for information only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. You are encouraged to consult with your own attorney or other expert consultants for a professional opinion specific to your situation. The Insurance Connection welcomes all applications, without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or familial status.