Top 3 Free Tools for Nonprofits

If you work for a nonprofit, your technology budget is probably limited. The good news? Some of the most powerful tools for nonprofits are available for free! From collaboration to design software and fundraising, there are incredible freebies for nonprofits. They can help your team stay organized, reach new supporters, and grow your impact.

Your organization likely wants as much funding as possible to go directly toward your mission. But having the right technology can help your team work more efficiently. Ultimately, that can help you raise more money for your cause.

Keep reading to discover the top three free tools for nonprofits that we regularly recommend to the organizations we work with.

#1: Google for Nonprofits

All nonprofits need a way to manage email, store files, collaborate with their team, and connect with supporters. Some platforms are even available at no cost for nonprofit organizations. They could even include powerful marketing tools and options for free advertising.

One of the most popular examples is Google for Nonprofits. It gives eligible organizations access to a wide range of tools that support both productivity and awareness. Of course, there's Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, Google Photos, and Calendar. But nonprofits can also unlock features designed to help them communicate and grow their audience.

It also includes:

Google Voice, a free phone number for your nonprofit.

With Google Voice, you can set up a free phone number for your nonprofit that multiple team members can access. Incoming calls and texts can be forwarded to your phone or computer. This allows staff or volunteers to respond without sharing personal phone numbers. Voicemails can also be transcribed and forwarded as an email or text so you never miss an important message.

YouTube Nonprofit Program, a way to fundraise through video.

Have you ever seen a donate button appear while watching a YouTube video? Through the YouTube Nonprofit Program, organizations can add donation features to their videos. If your nonprofit uses storytelling videos to share your mission, this can be a powerful way to connect with supporters and raise funds.

Google Ad Grants, $10,000 in free advertising for nonprofits.

One of the most valuable free marketing tools for nonprofits is the Google Ad Grants program. It provides eligible nonprofits with up to $10,000 per month in free advertising for nonprofits through search ads.

While digital advertising is typically “pay-to-play,” this program allows nonprofits to run search ads for free. Showing up on the first page of search results can dramatically increase awareness and bring new supporters to your website. This is one of the most impactful forms of free nonprofit advertising available today.

If your organization already uses Gmail for your inbox, chances are you’re already signed up for the Google suite of apps. Many of these tools are included for free.

Want to learn more about free nonprofit search advertising? Check out our blog post for the top three reasons that your nonprofit should be running Google Ads. You’ll learn how to connect more people with your cause.

#2: Canva: Free Graphic Design Tool for Nonprofits

Visual storytelling plays a big role in nonprofit marketing, but many organizations don’t have a graphic designer on staff. That’s where free marketing and graphic design tools can make a big difference.

One of the most popular tools in this category is Canva Pro for Nonprofits. Canva offers thousands of templates and millions of images and graphics. This allows nonprofit teams to create professional marketing materials quickly. As a registered nonprofit, social impact, or public health organization, you can unlock Canva’s premium features for free.

With Canva, you can “set and forget” your brand kit by uploading your fonts, logos, and color scheme. From there, your team can create social media graphics, presentations, reports, event flyers, email visuals, and more.

Features like Magic Resize allow you to turn one graphic into many different sizes. Background Remover lets you easily edit images. You can even bring your designs to life with animations and GIFs.

For nonprofits managing multiple campaigns with limited staff, tools like Canva make it much easier. You can produce consistent, professional-looking marketing materials. It’s one of the most helpful freebies for nonprofits available.

#3: Fundraise Up: Free Online Fundraising Tool

It goes without saying that your donation platform is one of the most important tools your nonprofit uses. A seamless, fast online giving experience can really improve how much your organization raises.

Data-driven tools boost fundraising for nonprofits

The online giving platform we always recommend to our nonprofit clients is Fundraise Up. Every aspect of the platform is driven by data. Even the blue color used for donate buttons was selected because testing showed it resulted in 8% more conversions.

Many nonprofits raise up to twice as much money after switching to a data-driven donation platform like Fundraise Up. This is especially true when it comes to monthly giving. Throughout the donation process, supporters are encouraged to consider becoming monthly donors. Many choose to do so.

A frictionless donor experience

The donation process is designed to be smooth and intuitive. For example, donors aren’t asked for their full address until after their donation goes through. This helps reduce abandoned checkouts.

One of our clients transitioned to Fundraise Up right before the busy holiday season. They shared that the switch was the “best present to the organization” they had ever received. It was their strongest year-end fundraising season in 15 years.

A free fundraising tool that integrates with major databases

Another reason Fundraise Up stands out is that it doesn't cost anything for nonprofits to start using. The platform integrates with major databases. Plus, it does not require a contract, so organizations can try it without long-term commitments. A well-designed donation platform keeps on giving, making it one of the most valuable free tools that nonprofits can access.

P.S. At the Purpose Collective, we love Fundraise Up so much that we became a Certified Fundraise Up Partner. Check out our Getting Started with Fundraise Up package to start transforming your donor experience today.

We use these tools and recommend them to our clients

Now go forth and give these free tools for nonprofits a try! We hope they make your life (and your job) a little bit easier.

Let us know how it goes. Fill out this form to tell us more about your organization and share what you think of these tools. We’d love to hear from you.