Cloud Computing for Nonprofits in 2014

By Krishna Vinjamoori

Many nonprofit organizations don’t even realize that they’re already using computing tools in “the cloud.” They buy and store software, hardware, email and other application essentials via the Internet rather than on a central office server. Common examples of cloud computing are online applications such as email, Skype, Facebook and Twitter. Essentially, it’s a service offered rather than a product that is bought outright. Advantages to nonprofits that use cloud-based donor management tools include the following:

1. Monetary savings. Free and reasonably priced pay-as-you-go service options, known as Software as a Service (SaaS), are available to nonprofits. The huge benefit to nonprofits is that they don’t have to purchase an expensive in-house server for a large starting fee. There’s also less IT staff required, less network setup and ongoing maintenance, and no software installation.


2. Mobile, remote use and flexible programs. Staff and volunteers are allowed access anywhere, anytime that there is a secure internet connection available, including from a mobile device or tablet. There’s no longer a need for VPNs and systems that allow remote access to the internal server. Cloud-based donor management tools allow nonprofits to expand their operations easily for free or for a reasonable cost.


3. Program security. All nonprofit’s data is stored with companies that use data centers protected with firewalls. In addition, the staff employed at the central server location has been background checked. Professional servers are protecting the input data rather than a nonprofit’s internal system, which is frequently outdated or nonexistent.


4. Green IT. Use of the virtual world and shared resources helps to reduce hardware needed and energy expended. Computer waste is decreased and less energy is consumed as fewer servers are built and kept up and running. And then there are the indirect results of using cloud-based computing: employees and volunteers are encouraged to work remotely, so there’s the indirect result of less automobile emissions and fuel consumed; and, less correspondence is required to be printed, thereby resulting in less trees being cut down and processed! 

Most nonprofits are already using cloud-based applications. As long as there’s an Internet connection available, then cloud-based computing is an effortless way of using technology. It helps nonprofits improve efficiency of their organization while reducing their document costs. This ultimately allows the user to spend his or her time on the important mission work of the organization!

Tips for Nonprofits in Economic Uncertainty

By Ryan Heinrich

Nonprofit organizations should be prepared to scale back services and programs when times are financially uncertain. They can refer to the outlook and results of years prior for guidance in creating a new budget, and be prepared to adjust their programs and services as needed throughout the year. Even during times of undesirable economic conditions, such as increased tax rates and unemployment, nonprofits should continue to encourage both modest and larger donations.

The following are some tips to help nonprofits stay strong in difficult economic times:

1. Make donors aware. The public should be aware of your nonprofit’s needs so they can make a donation. Nonprofits should use the many free online tools to promote their charity, including social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter. If your community has a newspaper or newsletter, ask to be included in a column that showcases your programs and services. Looking to the local news channels is another good option, as they may have segments featuring local charities.  
2. Reduce costs. One sure way to reduce costs is to transition your organization’s monthly newsletter from paper to email. This not only will save on mailing costs, but will help the environment too! Another way to reduce costs is to transition to an online donor management tool, called Software as a Service (SaaS). The SaaS technology will easily allow your organization to go paperless in tracking donations, further reducing costs in auditing and reporting.
3. Facilitate volunteerism. Many individuals think that they if they cannot contribute monetarily to a nonprofit, then they cannot help out at all. Nonprofits should encourage individuals and groups that aren’t able to donate funds to become actively involved instead. Provide plenty of opportunities, like helping out with the day-to-day operations or running charity events and galas. Encourage families to volunteer as well, as this helps to instill a sense of charity to children.

When economic conditions are less than ideal, nonprofits will find that the need for monetary donations, and also of goods and services, is increased. The above tips can be useful in adjusting to the tough economic times. Your organization’s commitment to providing quality programs and services should remain strong in order to carry out the mission statement.