If your organization hasn't signed up to join Google for Nonprofits you could be missing out on access to Google products, great discounts, and resources designed specifically for nonprofit organizations. Let's dive in as Kayla Baker, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Cause Inspired, takes us through everything you need to know about Google for Nonprofits.
Nonprofits know all too well how difficult it can be to find affordable, effective tools to propel their missions and manage daily operations. With limited resources, finding ways to save on essential tools can affect a nonprofit’s bottom line and allow them to focus on their important mission.
Google for Nonprofits meets this challenge head-on, offering a suite of products specializing in communication, organization, advertising, and workspace solutions. These tools can help organizations get started, reach their goals in a cost-effective way, and manage everything all in one place.
The Google for Nonprofits suite offers various programs, each with unique features and benefits.
This dynamic workspace provides access to multiple resources such as professional email addresses and cloud storage but more importantly, Google Docs, Calendar, Sheets, and Meet. These tools promote interconnectivity, help nonprofits stay organized, and allow employees or volunteers to work together no matter where they are.
The Google Ad Grant is an in-kind donation of $10,000 per month from Google in search advertising credits on their search engine. Imagine you’re looking for a volunteer at an “animal shelter near me.” By utilizing keywords that match those that are being searched, your ad will generate at the top of the results. The closer you get to the top of the search engine list, the better the odds are that people searching for an organization like yours will find you organically and easily. The impact a Google Ad Grant makes is measured in conversions and can help promote awareness, gain donations, and match you with dedicated volunteers.
The Google Ad Grant bridges the gap between for-profit and nonprofit advertising efforts. With an additional $10,000 a month in free advertising, your organization can get the recognition it deserves. It’s an incredible resource that allows nonprofits to reach a broader audience without dipping into their own funds. You can also track your progress, refine your ads, and consistently connect with people searching for causes like yours.
Looking to create video content for your nonprofit? YouTube can help! With donation buttons added directly to videos, you can share your story, connect with supporters, and raise funds. Make the most out of your marketing efforts with YouTube. Short-form videos, webinars, or spotlighting some of your efforts is made easy. With the embedded donation tool, you can get more donations and showcase exactly what your nonprofit is doing with the power of storytelling. Use YouTube to introduce people to your nonprofit, spotlight a specific story you want to tell, and give people a brief overview of your work.
These tools can be used to create custom maps, visualize data, and tell your organization’s story. If your organization is involved in environmental, humanitarian, or community development work, this tool can be particularly helpful. Did you make an impact on forest conservation? Show it using Google Earth. Want to show the network of your nonprofit easily? Display it on Google Maps. With Google Earth and Maps, you can show off your nonprofit’s success, especially when it concerns any type of nature or global impact.
Are you a registered charitable organization where Google is available (65 countries and counting)?
Do you have 501(c)(3) status? Great, welcome to the suite!
If these represent your nonprofit and you are not a political, governmental, or healthcare organization, you are most likely eligible (yay!).
Applying for the Google Ad Grant is an additional step. You can get started here. There is no cost to apply, so the risk is minimal. Who doesn’t want an additional $10,000 per month in donated advertising credit for their organization?
Once approved, you can manage the grant yourself, or trust Cause Inspired to do it for you! The perk of getting a third party to manage your ad grant is that you still receive the advertising credit worth $10,000 while paying a fraction of the price to have someone manage your account.
Cause Inspired is trusted with over 500 nonprofit accounts and optimizes your grant to receive the best results. By having a professional manage your grant, you can sit back and relax while Google Search Ad certified strategists do the hard part. You can customize campaigns to match your goals, from awareness to driving donations to gaining attendance at your next food drive or gala.
In short — all nonprofits. Both small and large organizations can leverage these tools to their advantage.
Google for Nonprofits is a powerful way to maximize your resources and drive your organization’s mission forward. From internal operations to external outreach, each tool in this suite is designed to help you make a lasting impact without a hefty price tag. By integrating these programs into your daily operations, you can expand your reach, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall effectiveness of your nonprofit.
Kayla Baker is Head of Strategic Partnerships at Cause Inspired
Kayla specializes in building alliances that advance the organization’s mission. Her strategic approach to partnerships supports nonprofit initiatives and drives meaningful social impact. In her spare time she can be found on the beach with her dog Pancake soaking up the Florida sun.
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