TechSoup Wiki : hsc : CLbootcamp07 - edits

CLbootcamp07

72.220.184.20 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:06:00 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)

Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":

Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase : Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:

Giftworks : $199/license. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

Bryght :
Joomla
Drupal
Plone : Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone here .
CivicSpace on Demand

BLOGS

Resources

OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Marketing

Newsletters: Check out Idealware's article
GroupMail : Non-profit and academic discount available as of summer 2007.

Listservs/eNewsletters

Advertising

Google : Advertising donation program for non-profits in the US and internationally.

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

"Recommended web hosting companies" thread on TechSoup Forums

Network

Brief Description

A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone -- from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Checklist:
What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource thread on TechSoup Forums

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

google maps/earth: http://maps.google.com | http://earth.google.com
Neighborhood Knowledge California: Map your neighborhood in California using this online Mapping/GIS tool: http://nkca.ucla.edu
Social Source Commons GIS Toolkit: A terrific annotated list of GIS and Mapping software/services with a nonprofit focus: http://www.socialsourcecommons.org/toolkit/show/485

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

- TechSoup Stock
- Free Download Section of TechSoup
- NTEN
- Idealware
- YNPN

Idealware.org
Idealware provides candid Consumer-Reports-style reviews and articles about software of interest to nonprofits, centralized into a website.
http://idealware.org
SocialSource Commons
Social Source Commons is a place to share lists of software tools that you already use, gain knowledge and support, and discover new tools
http://socialsourcecommons.org/

Use the Web to Find Free Tech Support
Resources to help your nonprofit solve its technology problems
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page5722.cfm

Three Free, Easy Ways to Add a Calendar to Your Web Site
Keep your visitors informed about upcoming events
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page6690.cfm

CLbootcamp07 (Reverted to Oct 3, 2007 1:48 pm)

tsg_kevin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:20:53 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)

Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":

Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase : Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:

Giftworks : $199/license. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

Bryght :
Joomla
Drupal
Plone : Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone here .
CivicSpace on Demand

BLOGS

Resources

OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Marketing

Newsletters: Check out Idealware's article
GroupMail : Non-profit and academic discount available as of summer 2007.

Listservs/eNewsletters

Advertising

Google : Advertising donation program for non-profits in the US and internationally.

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

~~DSL High Speed Internet Access~~ ~~T1 Internet Service~~ ~~Satellite Internet~~ ~~VoIP Phone Service~~ ~~PBX Phone Systems~~ ~~MPLS Network Service Providers~~

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Bandwidth Meter speed test: http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Broadband Internet Access Service Providers http://www.broadbandinfo.com/
~~High Speed Internet Access -~~ ~~http://www.high-speed-internet-access.net~~ Choosing the Best Internet Connection
Non Profit ISP help ~~iPod Repair Guide~~

Web Hosting

"Recommended web hosting companies" thread on TechSoup Forums

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource thread on TechSoup Forums

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

~~PC Satellite TV~~
http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

132.60.240.80 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:52:16 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)

Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":

Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase : Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:

Giftworks : $199/license. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

Bryght :
Joomla
Drupal
Plone : Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone here .
CivicSpace on Demand

BLOGS

Resources

OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Marketing

Newsletters: Check out Idealware's article
GroupMail : Non-profit and academic discount available as of summer 2007.

Listservs/eNewsletters

Advertising

Google : Advertising donation program for non-profits in the US and internationally.

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

DSL High Speed Internet Access
T1 Internet Service
Satellite Internet
VoIP Phone Service
PBX Phone Systems
MPLS Network Service Providers

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Bandwidth Meter speed test: http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Broadband Internet Access Service Providers http://www.broadbandinfo.com/
High Speed Internet Access - http://www.high-speed-internet-access.net
Choosing the Best Internet Connection
Non Profit ISP help
iPod Repair Guide

Web Hosting

"Recommended web hosting companies" thread on TechSoup Forums

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource thread on TechSoup Forums

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

PC Satellite TV

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

132.60.240.80 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:40:56 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)

Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":

Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase : Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:

Giftworks : $199/license. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

Bryght :
Joomla
Drupal
Plone : Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone here .
CivicSpace on Demand

BLOGS

Resources

OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Marketing

Newsletters: Check out Idealware's article
GroupMail : Non-profit and academic discount available as of summer 2007.

Listservs/eNewsletters

Advertising

Google : Advertising donation program for non-profits in the US and internationally.

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

DSL High Speed Internet Access
T1 Internet Service
Satellite Internet
VoIP Phone Service
PBX Phone Systems
MPLS Network Service Providers

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Bandwidth Meter speed test: http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Broadband Internet Access Service Providers http://www.broadbandinfo.com/
High Speed Internet Access http://www.high-speed-internet-access.net
Choosing the Best Internet Connection
Non Profit ISP help

Web Hosting

"Recommended web hosting companies" thread on TechSoup Forums

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource thread on TechSoup Forums

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

132.60.240.80 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:20:09 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)

Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":

Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase : Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:

Giftworks : $199/license. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

Bryght :
Joomla
Drupal
Plone : Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone here .
CivicSpace on Demand

BLOGS

Resources

OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Marketing

Newsletters: Check out Idealware's article
GroupMail : Non-profit and academic discount available as of summer 2007.

Listservs/eNewsletters

Advertising

Google : Advertising donation program for non-profits in the US and internationally.

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Bandwidth Meter speed test: http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Broadband Internet Access Service Providers http://www.broadbandinfo.com/
High Speed Internet Access http://www.high-speed-internet-access.net
Choosing the Best Internet Connection
Non Profit ISP help

Web Hosting

"Recommended web hosting companies" thread on TechSoup Forums

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource thread on TechSoup Forums

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

tsg_kevin — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:48:49 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)

Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":

Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase : Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:

Giftworks : $199/license. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

Bryght :
Joomla
Drupal
Plone : Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone here .
CivicSpace on Demand

BLOGS

Resources

OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Marketing

Newsletters: Check out Idealware's article
GroupMail : Non-profit and academic discount available as of summer 2007.

Listservs/eNewsletters

Advertising

Google : Advertising donation program for non-profits in the US and internationally.

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

"Recommended web hosting companies" thread on TechSoup Forums

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource thread on TechSoup Forums

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

tsg_kevin — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:45:35 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)
Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":

Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away. ~~Metrix/ebase:~~
Metrix/ebase : Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:

Giftworks : [[ ~~http://www.missionresearch.com/|~~ ~~$199/license]] - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup.~~ $199/license. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
Mac
ThinkHost
Laughing Squid ~~Blogs~~ ~~WordPress~~ ~~Blogger~~ ~~LiveJournal~~ ~~Typepad~~

Marketing

Newsletters: Check out Idealware's ~~http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php~~ ~~GroupMail:~~ article
~~http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp~~ GroupMail : Non-profit and academic discount available as of summer 2007.

Listservs/eNewsletters

Advertising

~~Google:~~ ~~http://www.google.com/grants/~~ Google : Advertising donation program for non-profits in the US and internationally.

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

~~www.psprint.com~~ PSPrint
~~www.vistaprint.com~~ Vista Print
~~www.overnightprints.com~~ Overnight Prints

Other Resources/Articles

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp~~ "Recommended web hosting companies" thread on TechSoup Forums

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications ~~http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm~~

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource ~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring~~ thread on TechSoup Forums

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:59:09 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks : [[ http://www.missionresearch.com/| $199/license]] - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evitve
RegOnline
Event Brite

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

Bryght: http://www.bryght.com
Joomla: http://www.joomla.com
Drupal: http://www.drupal.org
Plone: Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone: http://learnplone.onenw.org/
CivicSpace on Demand: www.civicrm.org

BLOGS

WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Resources

OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
Mac
ThinkHost
Laughing Squid

Blogs

WordPress
Blogger
LiveJournal
Typepad

Marketing

Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp

Listservs/eNewsletters

Groundspring
Constant Contact
Mail Chimp
Vertical Response
CiviMail

Advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Are Used Machines Diamonds in the Rough
Macs in Nonprofit Communities
Nonprofits and Refurbished computers
Elite PC and AM Comps

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar ~~Intranets.com~~
WebEx
GoToMeeting
Vyew

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:55:32 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

* A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

BLOGS

WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Resources

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
Mac
ThinkHost
Laughing Squid

Blogs

WordPress
Blogger
LiveJournal
Typepad

Marketing

Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp

Listservs/eNewsletters

Groundspring
Constant Contact
Mail Chimp
Vertical Response
CiviMail

Advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

Other Resources/Articles

Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Are Used Machines Diamonds in the Rough
Macs in Nonprofit Communities
Nonprofits and Refurbished computers
Elite PC and AM Comps

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:02:23 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

*
A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

BLOGS

WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Resources

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
Mac
ThinkHost
Laughing Squid

Blogs

WordPress
Blogger
LiveJournal
Typepad

Marketing

Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp

Listservs/eNewsletters

Constant Contact
Mail Chimp
Vertical Response
CiviMail

Advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

Online Printers

www.psprint.com
www.vistaprint.com
www.overnightprints.com

Other Resources/Articles

Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites
~~Laughing Squid~~ ~~Marketing~~ ~~Newsletters:~~ ~~http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php~~ ~~GroupMail:~~ ~~http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp~~ ~~Listservs/eNewsletters~~ ~~Constant Contact~~ ~~Mail Chimp~~ ~~Vertical Response~~ ~~Advertising~~ ~~Google:~~ ~~http://www.google.com/grants/~~ ~~Social Networking Sites~~ ~~flickr~~ ~~MySpace~~ ~~FaceBook~~ ~~Change~~ ~~Online Printers~~ ~~www.psprint.com~~ ~~www.vistaprint.com~~ ~~www.overnightprints.com~~

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Are Used Machines Diamonds in the Rough
Macs in Nonprofit Communities
Nonprofits and Refurbished computers
Elite PC and AM Comps

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:24:56 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

*
A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

BLOGS

WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Resources

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
Mac
ThinkHost

Blogs

WordPress

Other Resources/Articles

Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites
Laughing Squid

Marketing

Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp
~~Listservs~~

Listservs/eNewsletters

Constant Contact
Mail Chimp
Vertical Response

Advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Are Used Machines Diamonds in the Rough
Macs in Nonprofit Communities
Nonprofits and Refurbished computers
Elite PC and AM Comps

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

69.181.184.179 — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:02:12 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools

Other Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks : [[ ~~http://www.missionresearch.com/~~ ~~|]]$199/license~~ http://www.missionresearch.com/| $199/license]] - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evitve
RegOnline
Event Brite

Other Resources/Articles

*
A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS

BLOGS

WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Resources

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
Mac
ThinkHost

Blogs

WordPress

Other Resources/Articles

Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites
Laughing Squid

Marketing

Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp
Listservs
Advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

~~setting up a yearly schedule~~

Social Networking Sites

Online Printers

•

ISPs

Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources

Web Hosting

http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network

Brief Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm

Forums/Discussion Boards

Online wiring resource
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring

Hardware

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources

Are Used Machines Diamonds in the Rough
Macs in Nonprofit Communities
Nonprofits and Refurbished computers
Elite PC and AM Comps

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications

skype
voip
ReadyTalk on TSS
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Staffing & Support

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

69.181.184.179 — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:00:53 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

~~Description:~~

Description

Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

~~Checklist:~~

Checklist

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

~~Tools:~~

Tools

Other Resources/Articles: Resources/Articles

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

~~What is Online Fundraising:~~ ~~Checklist:~~

Checklist

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

~~Tools:~~

Tools

Other Resources/Articles: Resources/Articles

Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools &Event & Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool: tool

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

~~Tools:~~

Tools

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
~~Giftworks:~~ Giftworks : [[ ~~http://www.missionresearch.com~~ ~~: $199/license~~ http://www.missionresearch.com/ |]]$199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
~~eTapestry:~~ eTapestry : Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
~~evite:~~ ~~regonline:~~ evitve
RegOnline
Event Brite

Other Resources/Articles

A Few Good RSVP Tools

CMS/Web Presence tools

~~Checklist:~~

Checklist

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

~~CMS:~~

CMS

BLOGS

WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

~~Resources:~~

Resources

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

~~Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail,~~ Yahoo
Gmail
Hotmail
Care2

~~Web site Checklist~~

Web Design

Depends on expertise ~~Hosted tools -~~
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

~~Blogs~~ ~~Instant Messaging~~ ~~Advertising: SMS, Google~~

Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
~~.Mac~~ Mac
ThinkHost

~~Blogs:~~

Blogs

WordPress

Other Resources/Articles: Resources/Articles

Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites
Laughing Squid

Marketing :

Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp
Listservs
~~events~~ ~~collateral~~ ~~online printers~~ ~~blogs~~ ~~partnerships~~ ~~advertising~~ Advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule

Social Networking Sites

flickr ~~social networking sites~~
MySpace
FaceBook
Change

Online Printers

•

www.psprint.com
www.vistaprint.com
www.overnightprints.com

ISPs

~~Brief Description:~~ Internet Service Providers

ISP Checklist: Checklist

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

~~Tools:~~

Tools

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources: Resources

Bandwidth Meter speed test: http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Broadband Internet Access Service Providers http://www.broadbandinfo.com/
Choosing the Best Internet Connection ~~http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/connections/page4801.cfm?cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp~~
Non Profit ISP help ~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=54073&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp~~

Web Hosting

http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network

Brief Description: Description

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

~~HSC~~ ~~Tools:~~

Tools

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

~~Articles/Toolkits:~~

Articles/Toolkits

Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm

Forums/Discussion Boards: Boards

Online wiring resource
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring

Hardware

~~Checklist:~~

Checklist

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources: sources

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources: Resources

Are Used Machines Diamonds in the Rough ~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=51465&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware~~ ~~New Computer vs. Used~~
~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=56852&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware~~ ~~Nonprofits and Refurbished computers~~ ~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=62944&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware~~ Macs in Nonprofit ~~Communities:~~ ~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2009&id=66387&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware~~ Communities
Nonprofits and Refurbished computers
Elite PC and AM Comps ~~http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=47226&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware~~

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications

~~Brief Description:~~ ~~Checklist:~~ -

skype -
voip -
ReadyTalk on TSS -
Instant Messaging ~~- instant~~
Instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

~~Tools:~~ ~~Other Resources/Articles:~~

Staffing & Support

~~Checklist:~~

Checklist

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources ~~(consultants):~~ (consultants)
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff): (staff)

Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers): (volunteers)

Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general): (general)

NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

~~Tools:~~

Tools

Resources

Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

69.181.184.179 — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:21:24 GMT

Software Products

TechSoup Stock
Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description:
Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist:

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Tools: ( Free downloads and other donated products on TechSoup)
Ad-Aware 2007 (removes adware and spyware, free)
Spybot Search & Destroy (detects and removes adware and malware, checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, cleans program and Web-usage tracks, and offers an online-update feature, free)
Norton Personal Firewall 2006 hides a computer from hackers, detects and blocks malicious intrusions, and prevents attacks through security holes)
Norton 360 (protects against online threats and includes tools for tuning up systems and backing up data)

Other Resources/Articles:

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Malware from Windows
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

What is Online Fundraising:

Checklist:

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:
Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools &Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool:

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools:

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks: http://www.missionresearch.com : $199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry: Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evite:
regonline:

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist:

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS:
Bryght: http://www.bryght.com
Joomla: http://www.joomla.com
Drupal: http://www.drupal.org
Plone: Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone: http://learnplone.onenw.org/
CivicSpace on Demand: www.civicrm.org

BLOGS:
WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Resources:
OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Care2

Web site Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Hosted tools -
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Blogs
Instant Messaging
Advertising: SMS, Google
Web hosting tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
.Mac
ThinkHost

Blogs:
WordPress
Other Resources/Articles:
Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites
Laughing Squid

Marketing :
Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp
Listservs
events
collateral
online printers
blogs
partnerships
advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule
flickr
social networking sites

ISPs

Brief Description:

ISP Checklist:

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools:

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources:
Bandwidth Meter speed test: http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Broadband Internet Access Service Providers http://www.broadbandinfo.com/
Choosing the Best Internet Connection
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/connections/page4801.cfm?cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp
Non Profit ISP help http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=54073&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Web Hosting
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network

Brief Description:
A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone -- from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Checklist:
What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

HSC

Tools:

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Articles/Toolkits:
Networks 101: An Introduction to Server Applications
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page4819.cfm

Forums/Discussion Boards:
Online wiring resource
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=56231&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=network%20wiring

Hardware

Checklist:

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources:

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Additional Resources:

Are Used Machines Diamonds in the Rough
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=51465&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware

New Computer vs. Used
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=56852&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware

Nonprofits and Refurbished computers
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=62944&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware

Macs in Nonprofit Communities:
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2009&id=66387&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware

Elite PC and AM Comps
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2035&id=47226&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=used%20hardware

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications

Brief Description:

Checklist:

- skype
- voip
- ReadyTalk on TSS
- Instant Messaging
- instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:

Staffing & Support

Checklist:

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment hat might be better for a staff person or consultant?
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants):
techunderground.org
techfinder.org
Craigslist
dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff):
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers):
Taproot
VolunteerMatch
Craigslist
Idealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general):
NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning
Compasspoint
Infopeople
Webjunction
NTEN Webinars
NTEN Member Discounts
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools:
google maps/earth: http://maps.google.com | http://earth.google.com
Neighborhood Knowledge California: Map your neighborhood in California using this online Mapping/GIS tool: http://nkca.ucla.edu
Social Source Commons GIS Toolkit: A terrific annotated list of GIS and Mapping software/services with a nonprofit focus: http://www.socialsourcecommons.org/toolkit/show/485

Resources
Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

Summary of Resources

- TechSoup Stock
- Free Download Section of TechSoup
- NTEN
- Idealware
- YNPN

Idealware.org
Idealware provides candid Consumer-Reports-style reviews and articles about software of interest to nonprofits, centralized into a website.
http://idealware.org
SocialSource Commons
Social Source Commons is a place to share lists of software tools that you already use, gain knowledge and support, and discover new tools
http://socialsourcecommons.org/

Use the Web to Find Free Tech Support
Resources to help your nonprofit solve its technology problems
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page5722.cfm

Three Free, Easy Ways to Add a Calendar to Your Web Site
Keep your visitors informed about upcoming events
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page6690.cfm

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:01:52 GMT

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS Software Products

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description:
Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist:

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising

What is Online Fundraising:

Checklist:

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools:

Network for Good
Google Checkout
Paypal
AuctionPay
MemberClicks
ChipIn

Other Resources/Articles:
Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

~~==----~~ ==

Database Tools: including Event Tools &Event Management/Registration

How to choose an information management tool:

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools:

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks: http://www.missionresearch.com : $199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry: Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evite:
regonline:

CMS/Web Presence tools

Checklist:

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

Email/Listserv/Web hosting

Email Checklist

Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Care2

Web site Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Hosted tools -
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule
flickr
social networking sites

ISPs

Brief Description:

ISP Checklist:

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools:

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Network

Brief Description:
A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone -- from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Checklist:
* What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

HSC

Tools:

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Hardware

Checklist:

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources:

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications

Brief Description:

Checklist:

- skype
- voip
- ReadyTalk on TSS
- Instant Messaging
- instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:

Staffing & Support

Checklist:
-

What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment ~~that~~ hat might be better for a staff person or consultant? -
What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills? -
Have you clearly articulated what you think you need? -
Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change. -
Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer? -
Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants):
- techunderground.org
- techfinder.org
- Craigslist
~~- Idealist.org~~ - dealist.org
NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff):
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers):
- Taproot
- VolunteerMatch
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general):
- NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training

Goodwill Free Learning -
Compasspoint -
Infopeople -
Webjunction -
NTEN Webinars -
NTEN Member Discounts -
TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Summary of Resources

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:33:23 GMT

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS

~~Office Productivity (JAMEY)~~
TechSoup Stock
Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)
Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)
Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)

Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security

Description:
Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist:

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising Tools (HOLLY)

What is Online Fundraising:

Checklist:

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools:

Network for Good
Google Checkout
Paypal
AuctionPay
MemberClicks
ChipIn

Other Resources/Articles:
Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

==----
==

Database Tools: including Event Management/Registration (ERIC)

How to choose an information management tool:

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools:

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks: http://www.missionresearch.com : $199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry: Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evite:
regonline:

CMS/Web Presence tools (HOLLY)

Checklist:

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

Email/Listserv/Web hosting (KAMI)

Email Checklist

Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Care2

Web site Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Hosted tools -
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule
flickr
social networking sites

ISPs (JAMEY)

Brief Description:

ISP Checklist:

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools:

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Network (KAMI)

Brief Description:
A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone -- from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Checklist:
*
What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

HSC

Tools:

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Hardware (JAMEY)

Checklist:

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources:

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications (KAMI)

Brief Description:

Checklist:

- skype
- voip
- ReadyTalk on TSS
- Instant Messaging
- instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:

Staffing & Support (HOLLY)

Checklist:
- What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment that might be better for a staff person or consultant?
- What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
- Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
- Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
- Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
- Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants):
- techunderground.org
- techfinder.org
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff):
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers):
- Taproot
- VolunteerMatch
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general):
- NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training (HOLLY)

- Goodwill Free Learning
- Compasspoint
- Infopeople
- Webjunction
- NTEN Webinars
- NTEN Member Discounts
- TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping (ERIC)

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Summary of Resources

~~- Where to go~~ - TechSoup Stock
- Free Download Section of TechSoup
- NTEN
- Idealware
- YNPN
~~- The article~~ ~~Other topics not included above:~~ ~~Open source~~ ~~Other Resources~~ ~~Use the Web to Find Free Tech Support~~ ~~Resources to help your nonprofit solve its technology problems~~ ~~http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page5722.cfm~~ ~~Three Free, Easy Ways to Add a Calendar to Your Web Site~~ ~~Keep your visitors informed about upcoming events~~ ~~http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page6690.cfm~~

Idealware.org
Idealware provides candid Consumer-Reports-style reviews and articles about software of interest to nonprofits, centralized into a website.
http://idealware.org
SocialSource Commons
Social Source Commons is a place to share lists of software tools that you already use, gain knowledge and support, and discover new tools
http://socialsourcecommons.org/

Use the Web to Find Free Tech Support
Resources to help your nonprofit solve its technology problems
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page5722.cfm

Three Free, Easy Ways to Add a Calendar to Your Web Site
Keep your visitors informed about upcoming events
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page6690.cfm

CLbootcamp07

69.181.184.179 — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:03:39 GMT

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS

Office Productivity (JAMEY)

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)

*
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security(Kami) Security

Description:
Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist:

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising Tools (HOLLY)

What is Online Fundraising:

Checklist:

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools:

Network for Good
Google Checkout
Paypal
AuctionPay
MemberClicks
ChipIn

Other Resources/Articles:
Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools: including Event Management/Registration (ERIC)

How to choose an information management tool:

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools:

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks: http://www.missionresearch.com : $199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry: Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evite:
regonline:

CMS/Web Presence tools (HOLLY)

Checklist:

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

Email/Listserv/Web hosting (KAMI)

Email Checklist

Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Care2

Web site Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Hosted tools -
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule
flickr
social networking sites

ISPs (JAMEY)

Brief Description:

ISP Checklist:

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools:

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Network (KAMI)

Brief Description:
A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone -- from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Checklist:
*
What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

HSC

Tools:

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Hardware (JAMEY)

Checklist:

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources:

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications (KAMI)

Brief Description:

Checklist:

- skype
- voip
- ReadyTalk on TSS
- Instant Messaging
- instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:

Staffing & Support (HOLLY)

Training (HOLLY)

- Goodwill Free Learning
- Compasspoint
- Infopeople
- Webjunction
- NTEN Webinars
- NTEN Member Discounts
- TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping (ERIC)

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

SUMMARY

- Where to go
- TechSoup Stock
- Free Download Section of TechSoup
- NTEN
- Idealware
- YNPN
- The article

Other topics not included above:

Open source

Other Resources

Use the Web to Find Free Tech Support
Resources to help your nonprofit solve its technology problems
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page5722.cfm

Three Free, Easy Ways to Add a Calendar to Your Web Site
Keep your visitors informed about upcoming events
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page6690.cfm
Idealware.org
Idealware provides candid Consumer-Reports-style reviews and articles about software of interest to nonprofits, centralized into a website.
http://idealware.org
SocialSource Commons
Social Source Commons is a place to share lists of software tools that you already use, gain knowledge and support, and discover new tools
http://socialsourcecommons.org/

CLbootcamp07

tsg_kevin — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:51:03 GMT

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS

Office Productivity (JAMEY)

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)

*
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security(Kami)

Description:
Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist:

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising Tools (HOLLY)

What is Online Fundraising:

Checklist:

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools:

Network for Good
Google Checkout
Paypal
AuctionPay
MemberClicks
ChipIn

Other Resources/Articles:
Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools: including Event Management/Registration (ERIC)

How to choose an information management tool:

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools:

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks: http://www.missionresearch.com : $199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry: Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evite:
regonline:

CMS/Web Presence tools (HOLLY)

Checklist:

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

Email/Listserv/Web hosting (KAMI)

Email Checklist

Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Care2

Web site Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Hosted tools -
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule
flickr
social networking sites

ISPs (JAMEY)

Brief Description:

ISP Checklist:

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools:

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Network (KAMI)

Brief Description:
A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone -- from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Checklist:
*
What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

HSC

Tools:

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Hardware (JAMEY)

Checklist:

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked; Laser; Inkjet $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources:

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications (KAMI)

Brief Description:

Checklist:

- skype
- voip
- ReadyTalk on TSS
- Instant Messaging
- instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:

Staffing & Support (HOLLY)

Training (HOLLY)

- Goodwill Free Learning
- Compasspoint
- Infopeople
- Webjunction
- NTEN Webinars
- NTEN Member Discounts
- TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping (ERIC)

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

SUMMARY

- Where to go
- TechSoup Stock
- Free Download Section of TechSoup
- NTEN
- Idealware
- YNPN
- The article

Other topics not included above:

Open source

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:43:07 GMT

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS

Office Productivity (JAMEY)

TechSoup Stock
Microsoft Office 2007 ($20)

Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)

Adobe CS3 - $160 (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)

*
Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security(Kami)

Description:
Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist:

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising Tools (HOLLY)

What is Online Fundraising:

Checklist:

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture?
What kind of volume do you expect?
Do you want to set up a merchant account?
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site?
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools:

Network for Good
Google Checkout
Paypal
AuctionPay
MemberClicks
ChipIn

Other Resources/Articles:
Idealware article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: Part 1 and Part 2 .
Online Donation Software Engines

Database Tools: including Event Management/Registration (ERIC)

How to choose an information management tool:

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first.
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done?
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered?

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect)
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better)
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools:

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks: http://www.missionresearch.com : $199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry: Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evite:
regonline:

CMS/Web Presence tools (HOLLY)

Checklist:

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose.
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all!
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget.
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

Email/Listserv/Web hosting (KAMI)

Email Checklist

Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Care2

Web site Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Hosted tools -
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule
flickr
social networking sites

ISPs (JAMEY)

Brief Description:

ISP Checklist:

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools:

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Network (KAMI)

Brief Description:
A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone -- from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Checklist:
*
What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

HSC

Tools:

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Hardware (JAMEY)

Checklist:

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - ~~networked =~~ networked; Laser; Inkjet = $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources:

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications (KAMI)

Brief Description:

Checklist:

- skype
- voip
- ReadyTalk on TSS
- Instant Messaging
- instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:

Staffing & Support (HOLLY)

Checklist:
- What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment that might be better for a staff person or consultant?
- What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
- Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
- Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
- Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
- Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants):
- techunderground.org
- techfinder.org
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( ~~http://groups.nten.org~~ ) http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (staff):
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( ~~http://groups.nten.org~~ ) http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (volunteers):
- Taproot
- VolunteerMatch
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( ~~http://groups.nten.org~~ ) http://groups.nten.org)

Resources (general):
- NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training (HOLLY)

- Goodwill Free Learning
- Compasspoint
- Infopeople
- Webjunction
- NTEN Webinars
- NTEN Member Discounts
- TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping (ERIC)

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

SUMMARY

- Where to go
- TechSoup Stock
- Free Download Section of TechSoup
- NTEN
- Idealware
- YNPN
- The article

Other topics not included above:

Open source

CLbootcamp07

206.80.8.178 — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:41:34 GMT

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS | Security(Kami) | Online Fundraising Tools (HOLLY) | Database Tools: including Event Management/Registration (ERIC) | CMS/Web Presence tools (HOLLY) | Network (KAMI) | | Training (HOLLY) | GIS/Mapping (ERIC) | SUMMARY
~~Order:~~ ~~1. Hardware - Jamey~~ ~~2. Security - Kami~~ ~~3. Databases - Eric~~ ~~4. Content Management / Web Presence - Holly~~ ~~5. Marketing/Communications (if there's time) (Kami)~~

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS

Office Productivity (JAMEY)

TechSoup ~~Stock:~~ MS Stock
Microsoft Office ~~- $16 per license~~ 2007 ($20)

Microsoft Project Standard 2007 ($24)

Adobe CS3 - $160 ~~for suite~~ (includes Dreamweaver)
QuickBooks 2006 $18
Filemaker Pro - $175/copy ~~Ease~~ (Ease of use, cross-platform, Instant Web ~~Publisher~~ ~~Accounting~~ ~~Quickbooks online~~ ~~Included - iLife (Mac) - music, photo, movies, DVDs, web design~~ Publisher)

Online Free Applications

Google Apps - Shared documents, Calendar, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Groups
Yahoo - Instant Messenger, Mail, Calendar, Groups
Others: Glide, iNetWord, ThinkFree, Zoho

Shareware & Freeware ~~Versiontracker.com~~

VersionTracker (Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.)
ZDNet

Surveying

~~Surveymonkey~~ Survey Monkey - $175/year unlimited for NPOs, limited free access
Zoomerang - $360/year NPO
ReForm/Anyware - WiFi Palm-based, web designer, from $125/month

~~TechSoup articles:~~ Other Resources/Articles:

Free Software, Handpicked for Nonprofits (this is actually a reprint of the NGO-in-a-Box, from Tactical Technology Collective and iCommons).
Creating an Open-Source Desktop (this discusses open-source software that falls under a variety of categories beyond Office Productivity).
Ten Free Browser Add-Ons to Help Nonprofits Work Faster (a list of good Firefox Add-Ons).
Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected (free software for working long-distance; not sure if this is the right category).
Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org ~~Security(Kami)~~ ~~Description:~~ ~~Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.~~ ~~Checklist:~~ ~~firewalls~~ ~~data backups~~ ~~anti-virus/spam/malware~~ ~~physical security~~ ~~Tools:~~ ~~Free downloads on TechSoup~~ ~~Other Resources/Articles:~~ ~~Healthy & Secure Computing Guide~~ ~~: this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.~~ (Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites)
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without (three packages that won't cost a dime)
An Introduction to Web Apps (The basics of online software)
Shared Wisdom: Top-Notch Free Software (Nonprofit techies share their essential freeware applications)

Overcome the Challenges of Distance with Free Online Tools (Manage your nonprofit's international projects using these handy resources)

Security(Kami)

Description:
Precautions to keep your hardware, software and data safe and secure.

Checklist:

firewalls
data backups
anti-virus/spam/malware
physical security

Healthy & Secure Computing Guide : this workbook has steps and recommendations for creating a healthy and secure computing environment and establishing a sound technology infrastructure at your nonprofit.
Three Free Software Applications You Can't Live Without
Backing Up Your Data
Firewalls and You
Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Online Fundraising Tools (HOLLY)

What is Online Fundraising:

Checklist:
-

How do online donations fit into your overall strategy? Is it the only way you will fundraise or part of a bigger picture? -
What kind of volume do you expect? -
Do you want to set up a merchant account? -
How tightly does it need to integrate with your site? -
How are you going to use the donation data?

Tools:
-

Network for Good -
Google Checkout -
Paypal -
AuctionPay -
MemberClicks -
ChipIn

Other Resources/Articles:
- Idealware ~~article:~~ ~~http://www.idealware.org/donations/intro.php~~ - article
Techsoup: Selecting an Online Donation Tool: ~~http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/funding/page4792.cfm~~ Part 1 and ~~http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/funding/page4807.cfm~~ - Part 2 .
Online Donation Software ~~Engines:~~ ~~http://www.affinityresources.com/pgs/awz55Online2.shtml~~ Engines

Database Tools: including Event Management/Registration (ERIC)

How to choose an information management tool: -

Define Your Needs: Write out how you do the work you do. Then fill in the places where you gather and use information -
Prioritize Needs: What part(s) of information management are the most painful, have the fewest decent workarounds? Do these first. -
Determine Your Capacity: Ballpark $$ and human resources to make sure you do not break the bank -
Talk to Colleagues: How have they solved the problems you faced? What research have they done? -
Evaluate Solutions: Start with prebuilt systems, if nothing meets your needs then consider customization?

How are databases delivered? -

Prebuilt: Ready to use systems: more finished, less configurable (time to deployment short, cost low, fit imperfect) -
Frameworks: Almost ready to use: configure/customize on core features to finish (time to deployment medium, cost medium, fit better) -
Custom: Not ready to use: you define it, they build it (time to deployment long, cost high, fit best)

Tools:

CRM "Frameworks":
Salesforce.com: Focuses on tracking people, their roles and interactions with your organization. 10 Licenses free for qualified 501c3 nonprofits. Lots of configurable extras. Larger, more complex system, not a simple contact manager.
FreeCRM.com: Free versions and fee versions. A clunkier version of Salesforce, but you can get going right away.
Metrix/ebase: Free desktop software with limited support, very configurable but can be time consuming to learn and use effectively.

Donor Systems:
Giftworks: http://www.missionresearch.com : $199/license - cheaper when listed again on TechSoup. Really easy to use system for donor management, desktop/PC only.
eTapestry: Online donor management system. Free for the first 500 contacts, then prices go up from there. Supports the "Benevon" model of fundraising. Just purchased by Blackbaud, look for changes over the next year. Great for folks with smaller donor lists, may be too expensive for folks with larger lists.

Registration Systems:
evite:
regonline:

CMS/Web Presence tools (HOLLY)

Checklist:
-

What do you need your site for? An online brochure? Building Community? Advocacy? Know the purpose of your site and choose features that support this purpose. -
Make a list of your FEATURE needs, and then prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all! -
Make a list of your ADMINISTRATIVE needs, and the prioritize. Remember that you can not have it all! -
Have a budget. Know what it is, and know that some features may not be available for your budget. -
How will you staff your site? Is it a volunteer? A board member? The whole staff? One staff person? Who, how, and how often you need to update your site needs to be taken into consideration.

CMS:
~~Bryght~~ ~~Joomla~~ ~~Drupal~~ ~~Plone~~ Bryght: http://www.bryght.com
Joomla: http://www.joomla.com
Drupal: http://www.drupal.org
Plone: Recommend nonprofits first check out One Northwest Resources on Plone: http://learnplone.onenw.org/
CivicSpace on ~~Demand~~ Demand: www.civicrm.org

BLOGS:
~~WordPress~~ ~~Typedpad~~ ~~Blogger~~ WordPress: http://www.wordpress.com
Typedpad: http://www.typepad.com
Blogger: http://www.blogger.com

Resources:
OpenSourceCMS.com
A few good resources for managing simple sites: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_cms_simple_sites.php
Getting Started with Blogging Software: http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/

Email/Listserv/Web hosting (KAMI)

E ~~mail Checklist:~~ Email Checklist

Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Care2 ~~Website Checklist:~~

Web site Checklist

Web Design

Depends on expertise
Hosted tools -
Custom Design - Nonprofit recommendations
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - volunteer web designers leave and you can't update the site
Who updates site?
Maintainable

Blogs
Instant ~~Messanger (IM)~~ Messaging
Advertising: ~~sms, google~~ SMS, Google
Web hosting ~~tools:~~ tools

Geocities (free with advertising)
MS Live Basics
Electric Embers
~~Mac~~ .Mac
~~Think Host~~ ThinkHost

Blogs:
WordPress
Other Resources/Articles:
Tips for Creating and Managing Content (CRM)
Five Image-Editing Programs to Polish Your Web Site
A Few Good Tools to Manage Content on Simple Sites
Laughing Squid

Marketing :
Newsletters: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_email_newsletter_tools.php
GroupMail: http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/default.asp
~~listservs~~ Listservs
events
collateral
online printers
blogs
partnerships
advertising

Google: http://www.google.com/grants/

setting up a yearly schedule
flickr
social networking sites

* >

ISPs (JAMEY)

Brief Description:

ISP Checklist:

Bandwidth guaranteed
Static IPs
Domain names
Configure router
Allow protocols (file sharing, etc.)
Telephone support
Web-based administration

Tools:

Pair.com - web hosting
laughing squid - email and web host
electricembers.com - listserv host
thinkhost.com - Green web hosting
sonic.net - DSL, "Business T"

Additional Resources:
Bandwidth Meter speed ~~test~~ test: http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Broadband Internet Access Service Providers http://www.broadbandinfo.com/
Choosing the Best Internet Connection
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/connections/page4801.cfm?cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp
Non Profit ISP help http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2030&id=54073&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Web Hosting
http://techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleTopic&forum=2024&id=56569&cid=117&cg=searchterms&sg=nonprofit%20isp

Network (KAMI)

What type of network do you need: peer-to-peer network or client-server network

Consider WiFi instead of wiring
Find wiring installers who work with nonprofits, especially private contractors
Get permission from landlord before wiring
Security & firewall
Allow staff to access the server remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

HSC

Tools:

Healthy & Secure Computing
Techfinder

Hardware (JAMEY)

Checklist:

Needs assessment - graphics? Office?
Double the standard RAM
Remove unwanted bloatware
Warranty - worth it?
Replacement in 3-4 years
Flat-screen = Green
Printers - networked ~~=Laser; Inkjet=~~ = Laser; Inkjet = $$$$ for ink
Backups

Used or reconditioned sources:

Craigslist - recent equipment, good for years
Goodwill
TechSoup Stock
Apple NPO discount - Mac Minis for $550

Project/Staff/Board (Collaboration) Management

Basecamp
Google Docs/Calendar
Intranets.com

Telecommunications (KAMI)

Brief Description:

Checklist:

- skype
- voip
- ReadyTalk on TSS
- Instant Messaging
- instant messaging: yahoo/AIM/GAIM

http://www.freeconference.com/

Tools:

Other Resources/Articles:

Staffing & Support (HOLLY)

Checklist:
- What's the right way to staff your project? Is it a one-time project suitable for a volunteer or a long-term commitment that might be better for a staff person or consultant?
- What skills do you need? How will you evaluate people's skills?
- Have you clearly articulated what you think you need?
- Be prepared to hear from a volunteer, consultant, or staffer that your project may need to change.
- Who will manage the volunteer, consultant, or staffer?
- Document deliverables, timelines and budgets to all involved.

Resources (consultants):
- techunderground.org
- techfinder.org
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( ~~http://groups.nten.org)~~ http://groups.nten.org )

Resources (staff):
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( ~~http://groups.nten.org)~~ http://groups.nten.org )

Resources (volunteers):
- Taproot
- VolunteerMatch
- Craigslist
- Idealist.org
- NTEN Affinity Groups ( ~~http://groups.nten.org)~~ http://groups.nten.org )

Resources (general):
- NTEN IT Staffing Report: http://www.nten.org/research/itstaffing

Training (HOLLY)

- Goodwill Free Learning
- Compasspoint
- Infopeople
- Webjunction
- NTEN Webinars
- NTEN Member Discounts
- TechSoup Stock

GIS/Mapping (ERIC) Look up aspiration resources

Checklist

Define the problem to address through GIS/Mapping
Identify the data required to inform the problem, and whether/how you can get it
Depth of Analysis (Mapping vs GIS): Do you need to visualize this data only, or analyze it, or both?
Review available mapping and GIS software solutions against your requirements and infrastructure

Tools:
google ~~maps~~ maps/earth: http://maps.google.com | http://earth.google.com
Neighborhood Knowledge California: Map your neighborhood in California using this online Mapping/GIS tool: http://nkca.ucla.edu
Social Source Commons GIS Toolkit: A terrific annotated list of GIS and Mapping software/services with a nonprofit focus: http://www.socialsourcecommons.org/toolkit/show/485

Resources
Why GIS? Intro to what it is, why it is useful. http://maps2.humaninet.org/why-gis/
Community Mapping Best Practices and Software Listings: http://www.policylink.org/Research/Mapping/default.html

SUMMARY

- Where to go
- TechSoup Stock
- Free Download Section of TechSoup
- NTEN
- Idealware
- YNPN
- The article

Other topics not included above:

Open source