Starting and running a nonprofit is hard work. There's managing, marketing, and policies. Not to mention the all-important task of fundraising. Take some of the guesswork out of the process with these five resources, all designed to help nonprofits do what they're meant to do: help people.
Copyright (c) 2009 Chuck W
Top 5 Resources for Nonprofits
Starting and running a nonprofit is hard work. There's managing volunteers, marketing, planning events and developing policies and procedures. Not to mention the all-important task of fundraising. Take some of the guesswork out of the process with these five resources, all designed to help nonprofits do what they're meant to do as part of their mission.
1. Idealist.org
Perhaps the best place to start research on nonprofit organizations. Idealist.org compiles the best resources on the web for nonprofits from starting, managing, funding and everything in between. Learn about topics like diversity in the workplace, management and recruitment. You can also read their blog, listen to podcasts, network and post additional resources you've found helpful.
2. Grants.gov
To get off the ground, a nonprofit needs funds. If the idea of writing grants is overwhelming, check out Grants.gov. The site is designed to guide nonprofits through the federal grant process by helping them find and apply for grants. It has a searchable database of over 1,000 grant programs from the 26 federal grant-making agencies. Suddenly, $500 billion in annual awards is at your fingertips.
3. TechSoup.org
As the founder of a nonprofit, you want to make a difference, not wrestle with your PC and worry about things like networking and security. TechSoup.org takes the stress out of technology with information, support, and access to donated and discounted technology.
4. CraigslistFoundation.org
Designed to support nonprofits through education, resources and increased visibility, the Craigslist Foundation strives to "help people help." Through the foundation, you can access a selection of presentations, handouts, podcasts and session notes at Craigslist Foundation's Nonprofit Boot camp. Topics range from tax-exempt status and lobbying to the basics of starting a nonprofit.
5. JustGive.org
Help individuals contribute to your organization through JustGive.org. It's a website that exists to make it easier to donate to charity and track contributions. Couples can even create a charity wedding registry. JustGive has a database of 1.5 million charities, is your nonprofit one of them?
The internet is fast growing as the starting place for volunteers and not for profit staff to do research, seek best practices and find solutions to their everyday needs. These sites are only a small sample of what is out there. In many cases they offer free or near free programs which help the charity organization focus on its core mission rather than its computer systems or researching information. Other resources offer a way to get the word out and provide volunteer matching to charitable causes.
TomTom 740 a CES 2009 sneak Peak
Have you ever got lost on the road and promised yourself 'I will definitely buy a satellite navigation system the next time I visit an electronics shop'. Well guess what? The time has come. The all new TomTom Go 740 SatNav is here and is getting all the attention it needs. Another addition to the already famous 'GO' range of satellite navigation systems from TomTom, the GO 740 creates absolute magic when it comes to guiding your location.Sony's new P-series a CES review
Are you looking for a laptop that is small enough to fit in your pocket and is still useable enough for casual surfing and business presentations? Sony P-series Lifestyle PC might just be something that you are looking for.Social Media For charity
Social media networks are shaping a new era in the online community. The number of visitors and subscribers are increasing tremendously as we speak. A perfect example of the success of the social networks was Facebook's increase in the number of visits by 50% during the last year.