I recently was discussing with one of my coworkers her desire to start up a non-profit to help students going to school and providing the necessary resources. She told me about a company she discovered called ChangeForge. ChangeForge works with non-profits to create their website at no cost. Of course, you have to be eligible but I thought this was very cool.
Even though currently I am not looking to start up my own non-profit, I thought of several people who have mentioned to me about doing so. I knew it would be interesting to research companies or tools that provide design resources for non-profits, charities etc. I am sure this information will help another who does not know where to look. Below are a list and a brief overview of what services these companies provide.
ChangeForge
https://changeforge.org/
ChangeForge is a company that believes every non-profit should have a good website. Just by applying online via their web form they will review your application. If approved the process will begin. Utilizing talent starting from Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Worldwide the team projects to have your website finished within 2 weeks. The only cost to you would be a one time charge of $150 for you to host via their server. Their services are targets for non-profits that have applied for 501(c)(3)
Free For Charity: Comprehensive Support Services
http://freeforcharity.org/
Free For Charity is a company dedicated to providing support services to non-profits and charities. Their wide range of services includes consulting, training, hosting, and web design. Whether you’re a small non-profit just starting out or a well-established organization, Free for Charity offers assistance based on your specific needs.
Their team of experts understands the challenges faced by non-profits, and they are committed to helping these organizations thrive. From strategic planning and fundraising guidance to website development and digital marketing support, Free for Charity offers a comprehensive suite of services to strengthen the impact of non-profits in their communities.
To access their services, non-profits can navigate to the Free for Charity website and identify the specific assistance they require. Whether it’s a consultation session, training workshop, or website design, Free for Charity strives to provide its expertise and resources to non-profits at little to no cost.
Canva for Non-profits: Engaging Design Tools
about.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/
Canva, a popular online design platform, has extended its support to non-profit organizations through its Canva for Non-profits program. Canva offers a vast array of design templates, graphics, and editing tools that empower non-profits to create visually captivating marketing materials and engaging social media content.
Non-profits with a 501(c)(3) status and teams of 10 members or fewer are eligible for a free subscription to Canva’s premium design and illustration tools. This subscription allows non-profits to access additional features and resources that can elevate their design efforts. With Canva, non-profits can craft compelling posters, infographics, social media graphics, and more, all without incurring the usual costs associated with professional design software.
YouTube for Non-profits: Amplify Your Cause
https://www.youtube.com/nonprofits
YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, offers valuable features and resources specifically tailored for non-profit organizations. Through the YouTube for Non-profits program, non-profit organizations can leverage the platform’s reach and engagement to amplify their cause.
One of the key features available to non-profits on YouTube is the ability to use donation cards in their videos. These cards provide a convenient way for viewers to contribute to the non-profit’s mission directly. By adding donation cards to their videos, non-profits can mobilize their audience and generate financial support for their initiatives.
Additionally, YouTube for Non-profits offers dedicated support to help non-profit organizations effectively utilize the platform. From optimizing their channel to maximizing them
video visibility, non-profits can access guidance and resources to enhance their YouTube presence. This includes tips on creating engaging content, optimizing video titles and descriptions, and utilizing YouTube’s analytics tools to gain insights into audience engagement.
Moreover, YouTube for Non-profits also provides the potential for production resources. Depending on eligibility, non-profit organizations may have the opportunity to access resources such as video production equipment, editing software, and even professional production assistance. These resources can significantly enhance the quality and impact of the non-profit’s video content, allowing them to effectively communicate their message and engage their audience.
Expanding the List of Design Resources
While ChangeForge, Free for Charity, Canva for Non-profits, and YouTube for Non-profits offer valuable design resources, there are numerous other organizations and tools available to support non-profits and charities in their design endeavors. Here are a few additional resources worth exploring:
- Adobe Creative Cloud for Non-profits: Adobe offers discounted subscription plans for its Creative Cloud suite to eligible non-profit organizations. This includes access to powerful design software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, empowering non-profits to create professional-quality visuals and materials.
- Google for Non-profits: Google provides a suite of tools and resources to non-profit organizations, including Google Ad Grants, which offers free advertising on Google Search. Non-profits can utilize these resources to enhance their online presence, attract supporters, and effectively communicate their mission.
- DesignCrowd: DesignCrowd is a crowdsourcing platform that allows non-profits to post design projects and receive creative submissions from a global community of designers. This platform enables non-profits to access a wide range of design ideas and choose the best design for their needs.
- Envato Elements: Envato Elements is a subscription-based platform that provides access to a vast library of design assets, including templates, stock photos, graphics, and more. Non-profits can leverage these resources to create visually appealing materials without the need for extensive design skills.
- Pro Bono Graphic Design Networks: There are various networks and organizations dedicated to connecting non-profits with graphic designers willing to offer their services on a pro bono basis. Examples include Taproot Foundation and AIGA’s Design for Good initiative. These networks facilitate collaborations between non-profits and designers, enabling them to work together to create impactful visual communications.
In the world of non-profits and charities, effective design plays a crucial role in attracting supporters, conveying messages, and creating a lasting impact. The companies and tools mentioned above, such as ChangeForge, Free for Charity, Canva for Non-profits, and YouTube for Non-profits, offer valuable resources specifically tailored to the needs of non-profit organizations.
By utilizing these design resources, non-profits can enhance their online presence, create compelling visuals, and engage their audience effectively. However, the list provided is by no means exhaustive, and non-profits should continue to explore other resources and networks available to them. By harnessing the power of design, non-profits, and charities can amplify their mission, inspire action, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Here is a good start to look into if you are seeking to start up a nonprofit and you are on a budget. I will be adding to this post as I come across more resources especially geared to Non-profits and Charities.
