The latest version of Google’s SketchUp software was released yesterday.  Aside from having a cute name, the software has some great potential use in your non-profit toolbox.

For those that haven’t played with it, SketchUp is a three dimensional modeling program.  That means you can create little virtual models of practically anything: a house, a train, a space station, a dinosaur.  Well, it’s really geared towards mechanical things - my dinosaur comes out looking a little funky.

When my Amnesty International group decided to run a slide show in our local cafe commemorating human rights, they started brainstorming where we could get content for the show. Obviously, a great way to get graphics, audio and video for any non-profit outreach you do is to make it yourself.

But what if you're pressed for time, or you don't have a graphics volunteer? Since your non-profit would never ever pirate an image from the web, it's time for you to get acquainted with Creative Commons.(click for more!)

Your nonprofit has a fabulous website. You attract thousands of admirers each day. You update it with fresh content, you communicate with your donors. You rock.

You've also invested blood, sweat, tears and cash into the beast. So is it possible to make some money back from your website?

Having a decent website is a given for most nonprofits. It's a key communication tool, with your stakeholders, the media, donors, the world. Given that, let's assume that your website has some inherent value for your organisation. But can you actually create a revenue stream from your website?

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I will give you some actual nuts and bolts, but let me first say this: all good online fundraisers have two basic directions they work in - in and out. ‘In’ is a webpage, where people visit you. ‘Out’ is as in reaching out, through emails, smsing, MySpace, Twitter, Facebook etc etc etc. You are aiming for flow between the two directions. Because - just like all really successful fundraising - this is not so much about asking a bunch of people for money. Actually, it’s about a personal exchange - exactly what the internet was made for. Hold that thought, here come the nuts and bolts…

(to read the rest of this post, click here!)

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Begin the new year with projects that will bring about changes in our community.  For those organizations who need to evaluate the progress of their programs, consider implementing program evaluation tools that will work for you.  I work for Results Technololgies Solutions, Inc., an IT consultant firm.  We will work for your organization to get the results you need to bring about change.