NPC offers the following partial list of resources as a starting point to assist nonprofits. NPC does not endorse or recommend them. To inform us of additional free or low-cost resources for nonprofits that you've found helpful, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Technology Resources.”

Grassroots.org is a marketplace of technology for nonprofits. Members receive discounts on cloud technology from third-party providers. Grassroots membership is free to nonprofits within certain parameters. They work in partnership with GlobalGiving, a CSR/crowdfunding nonprofit, and GuideStar, which gathers and disseminates information about nonprofits nationwide and works towards transparency for informed giving.

Idealware: A nonprofit  that provides thoroughly researched, impartial and accessible resources about software to help nonprofits make smart software decisions. Also provides online training. 

Nonprofit Recycling and Reuse Network: An excellent platform to donate and request an array of used technological devices. 

Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN): The membership organization of nonprofit professionals who use technology for their causes. Their goal is to help nonprofits use all aspects of technology more effectively. NTEN educates, facilitates communication and exchange of information, convenes communities, and advocates for issues affecting the whole nonprofit sector. See NPC’s partnership with NTEN for added member benefits. 

Techimpact: Helps to insure all nonprofits can use technology to better serve the world. They provide hands-on technical support (e.g., software implementation, tech troubleshooting, etc.) 

TechSoup: Offers free nonprofit learning resources, including articles, blogs, webinars, and forums led by expert hosts. Once registered, nonprofits can access donated and discounted products & services (refurbished hardware & software from large carriers). 

For DIY nonprofits who choose to build their own website, there are many options. Wix and Weebly are included on both of the following lists. See also the open-source website options below.

Blog Post: Top 10 Best Website Builders
Blog Post: Best Free and Paid Website Builders

Open Source Software can be a good fit for nonprofits because it’s free to download, but it’s important to understand all the pros and cons. It’s not free. You will need a tech expert who knows the software you choose to install, manage, maintain and upgrade it. You may also need customization and/or training.

Blog Post: Is Your Organization Ready for Open Source Software?
Blog Post: Open Source vs. Proprietary Software: There’s No Clear Winner

Open-source website options: With an array of free content management systems (CMS) available, it is necessary to recognize your own nonprofit needs. With open-source, the software is continuously being improved to support new internet technologies. Drupal (www.drupal.org), Joomla (www.joomla.org), and WordPress (www.wordpress.org) are three to compare. For an overall review, see CMS Comparison: Drupal, Joomla and WordPress 

Open-source CRM options: Constituent relationship management (CRM) software is key to fundraising, membership, advocacy, community organizing, social enterprise and many other nonprofit needs. CiviCRM is the open source CRM software specifically designed for nonprofits, NGOs and advocacy organizations. SugarCRM is perhaps best known and has been the basis for other CRMs such as SuiteCRM. Neither is specifically for nonprofits. Many other open source CRM options exist.

Blog Post: Top 5 Open Source Customer Relationship Management Tools
Blog Post: CiviCRM: Software Built and Sustained by Community

Open Source Initiative (OSI): A nonprofit corporation with a global scope, educating and advocating for the benefits available for nonprofits. OSI software can be freely used, changed, and shared by anyone. Their software is made by many people, and distributed under licenses that comply with the open source definition. 

Case Study: An accidental Techie #FAIL story; A short story of one nonprofit’s “Techie Fail” proving the importance of leadership understanding, staff “buy-in” and effective change management.

Blog Post: The The Purposeful Techie: Nonprofit IT with Intention

Book: Accidental Techie: Supporting, Managing, and Maximizing your Nonprofit’s Technology, by Sue Bennett.