Starting a nonprofit is both rewarding and challenging, and one of the first steps after receiving your 501(c)(3) approval is setting up essential tools and platforms. Below is a list of must-have resources for new nonprofits to help you hit the ground running.
Essential Platforms for Nonprofits
As a newly approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit, these are the first platforms you should register with to maximize your outreach, streamline operations, and leverage key resources:
Google for Nonprofits provides a powerful suite of tools to help nonprofits boost their online presence, streamline communication, and effectively share their message. This program includes access to Google Workspace, YouTube Nonprofit Program, and Google Ad Grants, all tailored to support nonprofit growth and outreach. Here’s a breakdown of what each component offers:
Google Workspace for Nonprofits (Formerly G Suite)
Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, offers nonprofits access to productivity and collaboration tools at no cost. This includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Meet, all in a secure, cloud-based environment. Here’s how each tool can help nonprofits:
Gmail: Access to a professional, ad-free email system. You can use a custom email domain (e.g., yourname@yournonprofit.org), which reinforces credibility and professionalism in communications.
Google Drive: Securely store, share, and access documents from anywhere. Drive’s cloud storage allows nonprofits to manage large amounts of data and documents without the need for physical storage.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides: These tools enable teams to collaborate in real time on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, improving workflow and productivity, especially for remote teams.
Google Meet: Host virtual meetings with donors, volunteers, and board members, making it easier to connect without travel. Nonprofits get access to features like extended meeting times and recording, which are often restricted to paid plans.
By providing a comprehensive suite of communication and productivity tools, Google Workspace helps nonprofits operate efficiently and focus on their mission.
YouTube Nonprofit Program
The YouTube Nonprofit Program is a valuable resource that gives nonprofits special features to increase visibility and engage with supporters:
Link to Donation Pages: Nonprofits can add a donation link directly on their YouTube videos, making it easier for viewers to support the cause.
Call-to-Action Overlays: These customizable overlays can direct viewers to specific actions, like visiting a website, signing up for a newsletter, or donating.
YouTube Giving: Eligible nonprofits can use the YouTube Giving feature, allowing viewers to donate directly on the video page, which can increase contributions from engaged audiences.
Dedicated Support: Nonprofits have access to resources and best practices tailored specifically to organizations seeking to maximize video content.
YouTube is a powerful platform for storytelling and connecting with supporters on an emotional level. For nonprofits, the ability to easily share impactful videos, testimonials, and mission-driven content makes YouTube essential for expanding reach.
Google Ad Grants
Google Ad Grants provides nonprofits with up to $10,000 per month in Google Ads credit, which can be used to increase online visibility through search ads. With Google Ads, nonprofits can target specific keywords related to their cause, ensuring that their message reaches people who are searching for related information.
This grant helps drive more traffic to your nonprofit’s website, boost online donations, and reach new supporters. For many organizations, Google Ad Grants is instrumental in expanding reach without incurring additional marketing costs.
Google Voice for Nonprofits
Google Voice offers nonprofits an affordable and flexible phone solution, allowing organizations to set up a dedicated business number that can be managed across devices. Here’s how Google Voice benefits nonprofits:
Unified Communications: Google Voice allows nonprofits to have a dedicated number that forwards calls to personal devices, making it easy to manage communications without the need for an office landline.
Voicemail Transcriptions: With voicemail transcription, staff and volunteers can quickly read messages and respond effectively, enhancing productivity and response times.
Cost Savings: Google Voice offers affordable calling plans, which helps nonprofits reduce expenses associated with phone services while still maintaining professional contact with donors, volunteers, and partners.
Google Voice is particularly helpful for nonprofits that operate remotely or with limited office resources, as it allows flexibility in managing calls and communication without needing a physical office phone system.
GoodStack (formerly known as Percent)
is a fantastic resource for website and digital fundraising needs, particularly for smaller nonprofits. They offer tools to help you design a professional website, manage online donations, and create effective fundraising campaigns.
Candid (formerly known as GuideStar)
is an essential hub for transparency and networking in the nonprofit sector. Registering with Candid increases your visibility with potential donors and funders, who often reference this platform to vet organizations.
Facebook offers nonprofits a powerful platform to engage supporters and raise funds directly through social media. By signing up, you can create donation buttons on your Facebook page and posts, making it easier for supporters to contribute directly through the platform.
With PayPal Giving Fund, you can accept donations through the PayPal platform without any fees. This is a great way to simplify your donation process and reach PayPal’s broad user base.
provides discounted software and hardware exclusively for nonprofits. However, be aware that some resources come with additional fees. Despite this, TechSoup offers discounts on software like Adobe, Microsoft, and Zoom that can be indispensable.
Canva for Nonprofits offers free access to their premium design tools, making it easy to create professional-looking graphics for social media, newsletters, and other marketing materials. This is a must-have for nonprofit branding.
Additional Resources Worth Considering
Once you’ve set up the essentials, here are more tools that can add value to your nonprofit operations:
Taproot Plus for Skilled VolunteersTaproot Plus connects nonprofits with skilled professionals who volunteer their expertise in areas like marketing, design, HR, and more. A great resource if you need expert help but lack the budget to hire.
Calendly for SchedulingSimplify your scheduling process with Calendly, a user-friendly tool for booking meetings. Calendly’s free version offers core features that help you save time on coordinating appointments.
FollowUpThen for Email Follow-UpsThis tool allows you to automate reminders and follow-up emails, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. It’s an efficient way to manage ongoing communications with donors, volunteers, and partners.
Microsoft 365 provides access to essential productivity tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook. Nonprofits can access free and discounted plans, giving you everything you need for smooth operations.
Monday.com for Project Management Monday.com offers a free plan for nonprofits that allows you to organize tasks, manage projects, and track progress across your team. It’s a great way to keep everyone on the same page.
Reflections on the Nonprofit Resource Landscape
Starting a nonprofit has taught me that while many resources are available, they are often consolidated by a few “gatekeeper” platforms. For example, TechSoup provides fantastic discounts but sometimes charges significant fees for coupon codes that cost the company nothing to generate. As a nonprofit, I understand that they need revenue, but it sometimes feels like a hurdle rather than a helping hand.
Similarly, Candid requires detailed demographic information about your board members, including criteria like sexual orientation, to progress through their platform and unlock certain benefits. While they aim for inclusivity and diversity, this requirement feels irrelevant to some nonprofits’ missions and goals.
In a perfect world, every platform would have a nonprofit portal that provides easy access to resources without excessive fees or unnecessary data collection. The more we support nonprofits in an accessible, streamlined way, the better equipped we’ll be to make a positive impact.
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