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Navigating the nonprofit world can be tricky, but with the right tools in our kit, we're not just prepared – we're inspired to go further. Thanks to the generous shares of my Nonprofit Maven followers, I’ve created a list of the top trusty tools that are daily “go-tos” to get the job done. Here's a closer look, sprinkled with a few personal picks for good measure. Best of all, most of these tools are low-cost and/or have a free option!
The Mobile Marvel: Cell Phones
Before the ink dries on that thank you letter, picking up your phone and making a quick call to express gratitude makes all the difference. It's an ultimate personal touch to remind donors of their impact while taking a moment to connect on a human level. It’s about making connections count and planting seeds for a lasting relationship.
The Meeting Master: Zoom AI
Gone are the days of frantic note-taking and missed “a-ha” moments. Zoom's newer AI technology offers a lifeline for those juggling active participation and thorough record-keeping. The feature captures the essence of meetings, providing a solid foundation to build upon, tweak, and refine.
The Creative Canvas: Canva
Probably the single most important introduction for nonprofits in the last decade, Canva Pro elevates your graphics and messaging to the next level. From resizing graphics for every platform imaginable to millions of templates to get you started to scheduling your social media posts (and so much more!), Canva is an easy-to-use, versatile, and powerful tool. Best of all, it’s FREE for most nonprofits. Check out your eligibility at https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/
The Big Brain: Evernote
So much more than a note-taking app, Evernote acts as your second brain, capturing sparks of sudden inspiration or detailed nuances of a client call and ensuring no idea is left behind. From meeting prep to to-do lists to goalkeeping, Evernote is the ultimate organizer for your work life. And you can access Evernote anywhere – on your desktop, phone, or tablet – so you’re always ready to find what you need when you need it.
The Power of Precision: Grammarly
In the world of written communication, Grammarly is your personal, meticulous editor. Beyond spelling and grammar checks, Grammarly offers rephrasing suggestions and has a new AI tool to assist with rewrites. It’s a great option for polishing and perfecting your messaging and ensuring your words mirror the passion and professionalism of your work.
The Helping Hand: Fiverr and Upwork
In the hustle and bustle of project management, Fiverr and Upwork emerge as the go-to directories for skilled freelancers. From graphic design to grant writing, these platforms connect you with the talent needed to turn visions into reality, one project at a time. The platforms are easy to use, and most freelancers offer quick turnaround at a very reasonable cost.
The Tech Team: TurboScan and TechSoup
TurboScan transforms that mountain of paper into digital archives, making document management a breeze. The app turns your cell phone into a scanner so you can quickly scan multipage documents, receipts, and more into high-quality PDFs or JPEGs, then name, organize, and send them anywhere.
Meanwhile, TechSoup bridges the gap between nonprofits and cutting-edge technology, offering digital tools at a fraction of the cost. You can choose from a wide variety of products, including software from Microsoft, Adobe, and more, as well as hardware, including servers and networking gear. Together, this team can streamline your operations, letting you focus on what matters most: your mission.
The Hybrid Hero: Loom
As organizations continue to navigate the nuances of hybrid work, Loom offers a solution for sharing insights and instructions. Regardless of where your desk resides, Loom allows you to capture your screen — and you! — on camera to record a quick video to provide instructions, feedback, and more. Once you’re done recording, Loom will provide a link ready to share. No buffering, processing, or rendering. Just copy the link to your clipboard to embed or share videos anywhere — instantly. It’s a great tool for keeping connections clear and personal, regardless of distance.
The Conversational Companion: ChatGPT
Over the last few years, ChatGPT has emerged as the most well-known AI ally. It's like having a brainstorming partner available 24/7, from drafting compelling content to creating innovative ideas. The world is just beginning to discover all the uses of the tool, though do proceed with caution and be sure to fact-check. Best of all, there is a free version available!
And finally...
The Brew That Binds: Coffee
If we’re being honest, amid all the tech and tools listed above, the simple pleasure of a good cup of joe often gets us through the day. It’s a warm embrace in a mug that says, “Take a moment, you’re doing great — and here’s a little boost to get you going!”
There you have it – a short list of the “can’t live withouts” from The Nonprofit Maven community! So, here’s to our gadgets, gizmos, and glorious cups of coffee — may they continue to inspire and sustain us! Feel free to share this list with your team, board, or on your next coffee date. Who knows? Your next workday wonder might be a click (or a sip) away.
Need help with your fundraising beyond what these tools can provide? Feel free to reach out to me at Julie@TheNonprofitMaven.co or book a free discovery call at https://www.thenonprofitmaven.co/contact - I'd love to talk!
NOTE: This list was curated from the suggestions of members of my email community. Neither the Nonprofit Maven, Julie Edwards, nor my followers have received any compensation for promoting, mentioning, or using any of the suggestions on this list.
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