Non-profits enjoying the spoils of SaaS

SaaS is perfectly suited to non-profits. From the very large to the very small, non-profits share characteristics that make them ideal candidates for cloud based apps. Limited budgets, an often nomadic existence and the need for collaboration across distributed teams make cloud based applications ideal. More importantly, non-profits often employ an army of volunteers which need adhoc tools in the right place at the right time. Google has recognized the lure of SaaS amongst non-profits by offering a free version of Apps suited to these organisations. Ning, a white-label social network, is also being used by non-profits the world over to extend their community online. Perhaps the most effective use of SaaS has been by Barack Obama who used all the Web 2.0 tools at his disposal during the 2008 Presidential Campaign.  For these organisations, the caveats around cloud computing play second fiddle to the benefits of returning their hard earned back to their core business. How is your club, charity or cause utilizing SaaS?

Comments

[meerlie]

I am the executive director of a volunteer based nonprofit with a budget of about $25,000. I don't have time to train people, or troubleshoot. I agree that Saas makes sense, but while many Saas providers tout their product as the least expensive alternative for those on a shoestring, I am left to wonder what is best for groups like my own that are way below the non profit poverty line. I am also a member of a partnership that is seeking to improve it's internal communications in the absence of any budget (Backpack/Basecamp was suggested but too expensive), and I am hard pressed to find something right for them. Maybe I am not looking in the right places? A problem I noticed that the free versions often lack small group intimacy, and professional privacy. Another concern is that a company providing the service might bottom out (Magnolia), loosing valuable content.

[Jim]

You are right. SaaS is no panacea and there are still a few boxes that need to be ticked and some due diligence in chosing the right provider (as with any IT service)

It is definitely horses for courses.

Would love to hear a bit more about your problem and provide some suggestions.