Google Tools for Field Outreach
This seminar on December 16 was directed toward staff working in field/grassroots, outreach, member services, or volunteer management. Below are the slide presentations from the session as well as information about all the Google tools that were discussed.
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Signing Up for Google Tools
Most of the tools listed below are free to everybody (organizations or individuals). Some, as noted, have special features that are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits. For many of these tools, you will need to have a free Google account to use all the features.
- If you already have a personal Gmail/Google account, you may prefer to use that account to access any Google tools used by your organization.
- If you do not have either a Gmail or Google account, you should Create a Google Account. This is not an email account - you will be able to sign in to Google using your current email address.
About Google for Nonprofits
Gmail
Gmail is a web-based email that also has text, voice, and video chat.
Google Docs
Google Docs can be used to collaborate on online documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms.
- Google Documents - collaborate on documents
- Google Spreadsheets & Forms - collect and track data
- Google Presentations - collaborate on slide presentations (similar to PowerPoint)
Google Calendar
Google Calendar is an online individual or shared calendar system.
Google Checkout
Use Google Checkout to process online donations. There is no processing fee for 501(c)(3) organizations who are also registered with Google Grants.
Google Grants
Google Grants is a program offering free Adwords online advertising to nonprofits.
Google Groups
Google Groups are email lists that can be used to communicate with staff, volunteers, or supporters.
Google Maps
Use the My Maps feature of Google Maps to create and share customized interactive maps.
Google Mobile
With Google Mobile you can use Google tools on your smartphone (like an iPhone or Blackberry)
Google Moderator
Google Moderator is a new tool that allows you to collect ideas or questions and then allow people to vote on them so you can choose the most relevant.
Google Sites
Google Sites is for creating a simple website. It can be used as a internal/private site (like a wiki or intranet) or a public site.
Google Translate
Use Google Translate to translate your website or materials to other languages. Please note the translations are computer-generated, so may not be 100% accurate.
YouTube
YouTube allows you to post videos online.
Apply to YouTube for Nonprofits to receive benefits such as the ability to brand your page, increased upload capacity, inclusion of your videos in the nonprofits category, and the option to add a Google Checkout badge on your page to receive donations.
Other Google Tools
There are many Google tools that weren't discussed in the session. Here's a few others you may be interested in:
