Google relaunch new suite of tools specifically for professional nonprofit fundraising

In the world of professional nonprofit fundraising equipping yourself with the best tools and support is a critical step on the path to success. Last week’s announcement by Google that they were launching a new suite of tools which have been purposely equipped with nonprofits in mind is something you should certainly explore to determine if there is value within for your organization. Chances are there will be deep value.

Only a small percentage of people use more than a handful of the dozens of tools that Google already offer, while most are aware of the search engine, Google maps and Gmail and they also offer a free range of tools including Google checkout, Google AdWords, Google docs, Google groups and Google product search to name just a few. You can read much more here if you have a Google account . They’ve now launched a brand-new site that takes many existing programs and products and tailors them to the nonprofit world as Google relaunches “Google for Nonprofits”.

The site has been improved with more themed products that were designed exclusively for nonprofits, the relaunched site offers special AdWord programs, enhanced YouTube privileges and new apps. Google also improved the registration and application process process meaning that a single form once approved will provide access to everything on offer for the nonprofit industry. The project’s product marketing manager Kirsten Cahill told Mashable last week:

“What we saw happening was non-profits were ecstatic about these offerings but just because they were a Google Grant recipient didn’t mean they knew about all the other tools that were available. We streamlined the process and reduced the time they need to wait.”

It’s certainly something I look forward to exploring in more depth but provisionally where would I stand? Let me put it this way, in just a few years Google has expanded to provide almost every online service that you might need on a daily basis and where gaps exist Google Labs (which you should also research) are always working at creating new apps or improving existing ones. I use a variety of Google tools essentially all of the time which make reporting data, tracking information and exploring trends infinitely easier than it was before Google exploded into becoming the premium search engine-based company online. The fact that they have developed a range of tools for use by the nonprofit sector promises great potential in my opinion. Now more than ever and continuing into the future understanding how your nonprofit is found and supported online and via social media is of vital importance and Google remain at the forefront of that technology whether you are a webmaster, a blogger or looking to increase online donations/enhance donor relations via your Internet marketing.

The many nonprofit fundraising tools Google will offer (click on the image to enlarge if needed)

The launch is targeted initially for the US market but is expected to soon expand beyond that, even at this early stage some tools were already available for different countries depending on location. Once a nonprofit is approved it will have full access to the Google suite of nonprofit tools plus up to $10,000 monthly in Google AdWord advertising, access to enhanced features on YouTube, plus Google apps that are either free or heavily discounted. Numerous tutorials will also be included as online videos as well as an online ‘Google for Nonprofits’ marketplace.

I’d be fascinated to learn if your nonprofit signs up and what your initial impressions of the services are. I know Google have high hopes for this new tool which I certainly share. You can find out so much more and apply by visiting the new ‘Google for Nonprofits’ website via this link

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