google-for-nonprofits

Google for Nonprofits: The Basics – What You Need to Know

If you’re going to start a business, Google is a must-have for all of your needs. It’s especially beneficial for nonprofits, not only for its free office suite but also for the many advertising and marketing options it offers.

Recognizing this value, Google launched Google for Nonprofits, an offering that helps some not-for-profit organizations by providing them with free premium services. If you’re approved, you could win free ad spend, YouTube annotations that help generate donations and much more. But since many nonprofits are still trying to unwrap all of the information out there about Google for Nonprofits, you’ll have an advantage by fully understanding the program.

What Is Google for Nonprofits?

There’s no charge to apply for Google for Nonprofits, which provides premium services for free. You apply and, if approved, get access to services specific to your organization’s needs. Those may include some of the following:

Google Ad Grants

This is one of the biggest draws of the program. Nonprofits may qualify for a grant of up to $10,000 a month to spend on text-based ads. You’ll also get access to tools to help you create your ads

The YouTube Nonprofit Program

This program includes link anywhere cards that make it easy for your viewers to click over to your website. There are also fundraising support features and support for creating videos.

G Suite for Nonprofits

You’re probably already familiar with G Suite, previously known as Google Apps. You’ll get free access to email, word processing, and spreadsheet solutions, but that’s available to everyone. Qualified nonprofits also get free unlimited email accounts ending in your nonprofit’s domain, double the storage space and 24/7 human support by phone, chat or email.

Google One Today

This app presents a different nonprofit each day for consideration to donors. As an approved nonprofit, you’ll be eligible to be one of the featured organizations here. 

Who Qualifies?

Before you apply, you’ll want to make sure you qualify. This program is only eligible to nonprofits that are registered as such, a fact that will be verified with TechSoup, a Google partner that specializes in helping nonprofits. Unfortunately, Google for Nonprofits isn’t available for government organizations, hospitals or healthcare organizations, or academic institutions like universities. There are additional requirements specific to each country. For the U.S., those include providing proof of being an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3), even if you aren’t normally required to have that recognition. Churches, for instance, are automatically considered tax-exempt, but they’d have to get documentation from the IRS in order to qualify for Google for Nonprofits.

How to Apply

Once you’ve verified you meet the criteria, you’re ready to apply. Before you start, make sure you’re logged into Google with the account you want to be linked to your application. Go to https://www.google.com/nonprofits/ and scroll to the bottom of the page. Click on the Get Started button, then follow the prompts. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll have to register for a TechSoup account, but U.S.-based organizations can simply follow the prompts to get signed up. It’s important to note that the approval process can take up to 10 days, but some nonprofits get a response within only 24 hours.