“Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” – Elizabeth Harrison
This quote fits the nonprofit community so well. In fact, many nonprofits begin as a result of a strong passion to bring about change, a.k.a. a Mission. However, once this passion results in the creation of an organization, reality often sets in soon after that – “OMG, I’m actually running a business!” In fact, many startup nonprofit founders aren’t the most business savvy folks; they typically just have a BIG heart and lots of compassion for those in need. This isn’t criticism by the way, but it is reality…and that’s OK; the world needs more of this. Of course, this is where a strong board of advisors helps!
As such, I’ve created a categorized list of small business solutions and online resources that is designed to help these big-hearted folks start off on the right foot with affordable, viable business software systems. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list, but for the most part these references represent many of the systems that I either see nonprofits using or know that they should at least be considering.
Office Suite
- Open Office
- Google Docs, Gmail
- iWork by Apple
Website/Blog
Data Backup, Storage
Donor Database
- GiftWorks
- Sage Fundraising Online by @SageNonprofit
- eTapestry by @Blackbaud
- DoJiggy
Resources
- TechSoup Blog, @TechSoup
- GuideStar Blogs, @GuideStar
- NTEN Blog, @NTENOrg
- IdealWare, @IdealWare
- LinkedIN Groups
- Nonprofit Professionals Forum
- Nonprofit Technology Network
- Some of my fav Twitter follows:
- @501Connect (St. Louis, MO area)
- @GreenlightsATX (Austin, Tx area)
- @daveiam, @NPFilm (Austin, Tx area)
- @fdncenter
- @npquarterly
This list is virtually endless – i.e. Collaboration, App Store tools, Accounting, Project Management, Grants Management, Webcasts, Phone systems, and so on.
What I want to leave you with is this…as you share your passion with your relevant community, and then realize that there’s a business to run too, then be sure and 1) create a plan, 2) ask for help, 3) and document your needs by priority level. You may need to invest some startup capital early on, but if you’re committed to the long-term life of the organization then this investment will return dividends many times throughout your history.
If I can help as a resource, Contact me so we can explore the possibilities. All the best in “doing good.”
Image credit: © UgputuLf FT – Fotolia.com
About Keith German