Nonprofit Tools & Resources – Over
TechSoup
TechSoup equips churches and nonprofits with transformative technology solutions and skills they need to improve lives globally and locally. Yes, they offer discounts on hardware (think computers, routers etc), they also work with generous donor partners to build a technology product philanthropy program that truly serves nonprofits, libraries, and foundations across the country, and around the world.
Not only does registering with TechSoup give you access to Google for Nonprofits, it also provides you with exclusive discounts from TechSoup partners like Microsoft, Adobe, Dell, Cisco, Zoom and more. Checkout their full partner product catalog to learn more. Registering with TechSoup is the first step to getting enrolled with Google for nonprofits, or Microsoft for nonprofits. Once your registration is confirmed you can use a TechSoup validation token to access MS or Google for nonprofits. Future articles will dive into more details of the Google and Microsoft for nonprofits offerings.
Important!
- You will need proof of your 501(c)3 status. Specifically, you’ll need a PDF copy of your IRS Determination Letter and your EIN. If your church does not have this, please contact the District Office.
- Your church must have a registered domain name, and a website to utilize domain based email like Google for Nonprofits, or Microsoft for Nonprofits
Google for Nonprofits (G Suite)
As outlined above there is no charge to apply for Google for Nonprofits, which provides premium services for free. You apply and, if approved, get access to services specific to your church’s needs. Those may include some of the following:
This is one of the biggest draws of the program. Nonprofits may qualify for a grant of up to $10,000 a month to spend on text-based ads. You’ll also get access to tools to help you create your ads
This program includes link anywhere cards that make it easy for your viewers to click over to your website. There are also fundraising support features and support for creating videos.
You may be already familiar with G Suite, previously known as Google Apps. You’ll get free access to email, word processing, and spreadsheet solutions, but that’s available to everyone. As a qualified nonprofits you also get free unlimited email accounts ending in your nonprofit’s domain, double the storage space and 24/7 human support!
Microsoft for Nonprofits
Our district churches can receive donated and discounted Office 365 Enterprise and Small Business licensing via the Microsoft for Nonprofits program. Microsoft currently offers two fully donated plans and three deeply discounted plans.
The two free donated plans are:
- Office 365 Nonprofit Business Essentials
- Office 365 Nonprofit E1
These free plans do not include the full installed version of Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Access to these programs is performed via cloud / app based connectivity. In order to have both the full installed version of Office, as well as the cloud-based versions, we would recommend the discounted Office 365 Business Premium or E3 licenses. Both versions come with the ability to use five devices per license — allowing you to access your software from your phone, computer, or tablet.
One of the main benefits of Office 365 is the integrated OneDrive software. OneDrive can be configured to seamlessly backup all of your important documents, and files — saving money on costly 3rd party software solutions. Backing up your files to OneDrive also enables you to access them on any internet enabled device.
*Note: The Pittsburgh District Office uses a combination of Google, and MS’s nonprofit offerings to offer a custom solution that works best for the needs of our staff, and ministry leaders. To learn more, or to
Canva
As a church, you’ve got to steward your budget well, ensuring your dollars are going as far as possible. Social Media marketing has become a necessity in our culture. Canva can be a useful tool for in house graphic design, and ministry communications as well.
Canva for Nonprofits empowers your church to create high-impact social media graphics, designs, and marketing materials. You can even leverage Canva to design print materials and save as a pdf file! Canva offers its premium version free to registered nonprofits.
Easily design high quality graphics for print and social media, using their collection of free and paid templates and imagery. Have a brand style guide that you want your graphic design team to leverage? They provide a customizable brand kit so your design team can easily use your logo and colors, as they create custom imagery for social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more.
Here’s what the application process looks like:
- Check if you are eligible. Read the eligibility requirements.
- Submit application form. Fill out and submit the application form with all necessary information and the required documentation that verifies your organization’s eligibility.
- Wait for feedback. The team will review the application and reach out via the email provided in the form with feedback and status of the application.
- Enjoy Canva for Work, free! Eligible nonprofit organizations are approved and granted nonprofit status that will let you utilize Canva for Work features free for up to 10 members.