The Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits

March 2010

What types of software should your nonprofit be using? It’s hard to even know what exists, let alone what is best for you. The fully updated and expanded 2011 Field Guide covers more than 20 new types of software, including entirely new sections on Collaboration and Back Office software. It’s 30% more information than the last version, for the same low price!

Look inside the book, via a preview version

Purchase the 144-page paperback book through Lulu.com for $19.95, and it will be shipped directly to your door. Buy the book now >

Through a friendly, easy-reference format, the Field Guide helps you pinpoint the types of software that can increase your organization’s effectiveness and efficiency. And it de-mystifies the possible options through user-friendly summaries based on your needs and technical maturity. Look inside the book, via a preview version

(Interested in distributing the Field Guide to a group of nonprofits – like your members, grantees, or affiliates? It’s available for licensing and customization for very attractive rates. View more info about group licensing>)

The Field Guide includes an overview of 58 different types of software, helping you to understand what each is, how it fits in with your needs, how much you might expect to pay, and some of the most common vendors in the area.

What’s included? All the types of software that can help you with your fundraising, communications, collaboration, and back office processes.

Back Office and Productivity
Accounting Systems
Data Backup
Dashboards
Digital Asset Management
Document Management Systems
Multimedia Editing
Office Software
Online Surveys
Page Layout
Photo Editing
Email and Calendar Software
Virus Protection

Constituent Management
Association Management
Case Management
Constituent Relationship Management
Donor Management
Integrated Online Systems
Volunteer Management

Collaboration
Board Support Software
Collaborative Documents
eLearning
File Sharing
Intranets and Portals
Online Chat
Online Conferencing
Project Management
Screenshots and Screencasting
Wikis

Fundraising and Events
Event and Auction Management
Event Registration
Friend-to-Friend Fundraising
House Parties and Meet Ups
Online Auctions

Outreach and Engagement
Blogs
Broadcast Email
Charts, Maps and Diagrams
Custom Online Communities
Email Discussion Lists
Facebook
Geo-Location Applications
Mobile Apps
Mobile Text Messaging
Mobile Websites
Niche Social Networking Sites
Online Advertising
Online Listening
Petitions and Pledges
Photo Sharing Websites
Podcasts
RSS
Search Engine Optimization
Social Content Websites
Supporting Online Actions
Twitter
Video Sharing and Streaming
Web Content Management Systems