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Basic Web Technologies NonProfit Organizations Must Have

By: Andie Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Your non-profit organization finally decides to go online and the budget for it has been approved. Next question: Where to start? It’s an information super cyber-highway out there that can overwhelm even the veteran internet user.

So much technology and services are offered here and there that it can be quite confusing and may produce anxiety attacks about whether or not you’ve chosen the right technology that will work best for your non-profit organization.

Here are some basic web technologies your non-profit can safely start with:

A Dynamic Website

The basic of all basics—to establish web presence, your non-profit organization must first have a website. If you have the budget you can purchase your own domain. The other option is to make use of web hosts. Hundreds of web technology providers offer web hosting. Your choice of a host will be determined by the cost and what other services are packaged with the website once you’ve signed up.

A good choice will be one that not only assists you in designing your website but also offers tech support as well as regular site reviews and improvement recommendations.

Email Accounts

Once you’ve set up your non-profit organization’s website and have gotten the word out to your constituents, they’ll be checking out the site and will want to know how to get in touch. You could set up email within your domain if you’ve purchased on or create an account with email service providers on the web. The important thing is that you get this contact detail included in your promotion and organization identity materials.

Online Database

Another critical must-have web technology is your online database. Your non-profit organization must be able to keep track of everyone involved—staff, volunteers, resources, partners, beneficiaries, and of course, donors. More than just online storage of records, the vital functions of having a working database include providing on-time information requested by donors, quick and easy match of resources and needs, as well as real-time assessment of client or beneficiary profiles.

Online Fundraising

The worldwide web is a great place to raise funds for your non-profit organization. Online fundraisers are relatively easier to organize, cost less, and reach more potential donors. You can create your own donation page within your website or make use of a fundraising application. Your non-profit can complement this web technology with the services of a fundraising host. If you decide to use the services of a host, just make sure you sign up with a reliable one.

Social Media

What can we say? Using social media seems to be the buzz where online marketing for non-profit organizations is concerned. Based on the feedbacks, it cannot be denied that social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flickr, Youtube, and so many others have proven to be effective not only in connecting the constituents of non-profit organizations; it can also effectively help raise funds. Of course, it’s a fun web technology—makes everyone feel more human.

Aside from these basic web technologies, your non-profit organization can move on to using electronic newsletters, podcasts, video streaming, webinars and so much more. A good rule of thumb when adapting or buying into web technologies is to assess what your non-profit organization really needs. Choose wisely and be good stewards of precious funds.

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About The Author: Andie Osbourne is the resident blogger for Nonprofit Website Solution, a company that specializes in building nonprofit websites. Nonprofit Website Solution offers free website design and other website services to nonprofit organizations.