In the past year, and especially the past month, Google has made great progress developing and expanding its suite of online software and tailoring these tools for IRS registered 501c3 Non-Profits.
Google for Non-Profits: www.google.com/nonprofits/
Google Aps: This is Google's full software suite, simplifying complex administrative tasks like creating or disabling users that previously required either an in-house computer guru or a full Microsoft deployment (for larger organizations). This suite comes complete with email (6 gb), online document storage and editing, and messaging tools. Once properly configured this is a very user friendly intranet. You can expand this functionality by expanding this intranet using Google Site. To learn more about Google Aps, click here. To learn about Google Sites, click here.
Google Doc's Spreadsheets/Forms: Although these have been free and available for a while, a few weeks ago Google added a couple new features:
- Freezing Columns: This may seem pretty simple but while working with CyberMill I found that it was really important when using a spreadsheet as a simple database.
- Forms: Instead of only inviting users to have full administrative or view-only control, now you can create a spreadsheet and share it as a form that only accepts data.
- Notifications: A pretty important tool when collaborating with multiple people on a single spreadsheet that sends a user an email whenever anyone changes a spreadsheet.
- Charts and Reporting: I have not yet had an opportunity to play with Google's reporting tools but they appear to range from standard graphs to Key Performance Indicator gadgets that can be added to your intranet.
To sign up for Google Docs, click here.
Google Checkout: Stop paying PayPal any money to profess donations online. Sign up for Google Checkout, verify your 501c3 status, and copy and paste their button to accept online donations free of charge. Click here to Apply.
Google Grants: This program permits Non-Profits, excluding religious or political organizations, to post free ads online using AdWords (Google's commercial ad program). Click here to Apply.