What is Google Apps for Nonprofits?

Google Apps for Nonprofits is the free edition of the famed productivity suite from the Mountain View, CA based company. The suite gives you powerful tools that can help your organization with productivity, organization and perception. We think Google Apps combined with MoneyMinder treasury software for nonprofits would make a killer toolset sure to help any organization succeed.
Productivity – Google Drive not only allows you to share files “in the cloud”, it gives you a wealth of software (docs, spreadsheets, presentations, forms and drawings). That means you don’t have to pay for an expensive suite like Microsoft Office to be able to have the same productivity-boosting functionality. Of course Gmail is our preference for user-friendly email, and Google Calendar
Organization – Keep all of your organization’s files in one place, where you can manage sharing, keep track of changes (and who made them), and add comments. Google Calendar provides simple-to-use, color coordinated calendaring and scheduling, along with reminders. What’s more, having all of this under one umbrella helps streamline and keep things organized.
Perception – You may be a nonprofit startup of one, or a large nonprofit organization, but an onlooker won’t be able to tell. That’s because this type of access to tools that could be (and is) used by large organizations makes it so that you are playing on the same field as the big boys. For example, instead of using the email address [email protected], you can actually have it on your domain, like [email protected]. It’s much more professional that way.
What’s in Google Apps for Nonprofits?

1. Gmail
2. Google Calendar
3. Google Drive
4. Docs
5. Spreadsheets
6. Slides
7. Google Analytics
8. Google Plus
9. 30GB of Storage
10. 24/7 Support
11. Secure Data Access
12. No Hardware or Updates

It’s been about a year since Google updated its policy of supplying the app for non-profits with more than 3000 users. It’s now free for non-profit organizations of any size.
Google Apps for Nonprofits is great for non-profits looking to decrease their IT costs. Effective communication is what drives business success whether it’s for a profit or non-profit. Google makes sure that all messages are integrated and that all concerned individuals are connected through the cloud. Documents, calendars and emails can be updated from one source for all to see. It even allows access to a service team which can help with customer support in case of a technical issue.

Am I Eligible for Google Apps for Nonprofits?

At the time of this writing, all organizations who are part of Google for Nonprofits can use Google Apps for Nonprofits, with the requirements for Google for Nonprofits being:

1. Hold a current 501(c)(3)
2. In the US, England or Wales
3. NOT a government, health care, school, university or childcare facility

That means that a lot of our customers could be eligible to use Google Apps for Nonprofits: Parent Teacher Associations, Volunteer Clubs, Environmental Groups and more. Note that all applications are subject to Google’s approval. Be sure to check their website for current requirements.

What Else Does Google for Nonprofits Entail?

Google Ad Grants
This is perhaps the best of them all because not only is it free to use, you could actually receive grants to help your non-profit achieve its objectives. This is a version of Adwords for non-profits which is an online advertising tool. Google allows a general budget of $10,000 per month to help non-profits promote their efforts and showcase their initiatives.
Google Earth Outreach
Google Earth outreach provides grants to non-profits which allows them to use Google’s mapping technology. Grants can be applied for products such as Google Earth Pro, Google maps API for business, Google Maps Engine and Google Maps Coordinate. This helps organizations promote themselves and share locations on other platforms.
YouTube Nonprofit Program
Present your organization on one of the most visited websites on the web, YouTube. This account will allow you to place a call-to-action banner beside your videos, as well as the ability to customize your channel to your nonprofit’s specifications.
Google for Nonprofits Marketplace
This marketplace connects nonprofits with Google Certified partners who have provided their services for free or at a discounted rate. This includes apps to help with everything from sales and marketing to content and analytics.