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Running the “business”  of your social enterprise is probably the part of the job you like the least, but yet takes the most of your time.  There are technological solutions out there --  office software, management platforms and the like – but they are expensive. Fortunately, many well know platforms offer free or discounted tools specifically for nonprofits. By taking advantage of these resources, organisations will not only save thousands of Rands in software licensing; but can also streamline their operations, improve productivity, and thereby focus more energy on achieving their mission.

Google for Nonprofits is arguably one of the most valuable programmes freely available to registered nonprofits. It provides access to a suite of tools that can instantly improve communication, collaboration, and visibility. Google Workspace allows your team to use Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Meet without incurring costs. These tools make it easy to collaborate in real time, even if your team is spread across different locations. In addition, Google for Nonprofits also includes access to Google Ad Grants, which gives you free advertising credits to promote your work on Google Search, multiplying  your internet reach instantly. For qualifying nonprofits, Google for Nonprofits is free, and Google Ad Grants offers up to $10 000 in Google Ads each month. 

Microsoft for Nonprofits is another excellent resource for registered organisations. It offers free or discounted access to Microsoft tools like Office 365, Teams, and SharePoint. These platforms allow you to manage documents, communicate effectively, and coordinate projects seamlessly. For social enterprises operating with limited resources, these tools can simplify administrative tasks and improve team productivity. Microsoft’s cloud solutions also make it easier to manage data securely and work from anywhere. Microsoft for Nonprofits is free for up to 10 users.

Monday.com is a project management platform. It is a remarkably intuitive package that helps organisations plan, track, and manage projects in one place. It allows you to assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress, ensuring that your team stays organised and on track. This is particularly useful for NGOs managing multiple projects or working with remote teams. Monday.com offers nonprofits 10 free user accounts. 

Canva is a versatile graphic design platform that empowers nonprofits to create professional-quality visuals with ease. Canva for Nonprofits provides free access to premium features, including thousands of templates and design elements, helping organisations create impactful visual content without the need for expensive design software. This is especially valuable for nonprofits looking to enhance their communication and outreach efforts while staying within budget.

Many software providers offer discounts specifically for registered nonprofits. For instance, Zoho Books provides a user-friendly platform for managing financial transactions and creating invoices. Mailchimp supports nonprofits with tools for sending newsletters, while Zoom offers discounted rates for meetings and webinars. Hootsuite, designed for social media management, also provides special pricing to help nonprofits maximise their resources.

Many other discounts are available through TechSoup South Africa. TechSoup connects nonprofits to discounted software, hardware, and other technology resources. These products alone would support your organisation in everything from graphic design and accounting to virtual communication and team management.

Whether it’s enhancing collaboration, managing projects, or improving your digital presence, these tools provide practical solutions to everyday challenges faced by purpose-driven organisations. By leveraging these free and discounted resources, social enterprises and NGOs can improve their efficiency and reduce costs, enabling them to direct more of their time and funding toward their core mission.