We live in a digital age where computers are universal. You can use computers to maximize your nonprofit dollars with AmazonSmile and TechSoup.
AmazonSmile
Amazon users, which include 87% of U.S. households, may generate donations for their favorite charities by using the smile.amazon.com link. Here’s Amazon’s official description of the program: When you shop AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
What’s the catch? Only that you have to use the AmazonSmile link, but it’s easy to bookmark a link in your browser.
Some have characterized AmazonSmile as a “cheap marketing ploy” operated by the world’s richest corporation. However, the sufficiency of Amazon’s charitable giving is not my main concern. I would rather receive a little money than none.
No, it’s not much money, but free money is nothing to sneeze at. Even if you’re running a small nonprofit, AmazonSmile could add hundreds of dollars to your annual income. Just ask your Board members, employees, volunteers, and beneficiaries to direct their AmazonSmile contributions.
Your staff is probably stressed beyond its capacity, and suggesting one more thing for them to do is not something I take lightly. However, all you need to do is (1) share the link with your stakeholders, (2) remind them every six months, and (3) collect your donations. It’s as simple as that. Free money!
TechSoup
TechSoup is a nonprofit organization that gives you access to software at sharply discounted prices. Available brands include Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec, Cisco, and Intuit/QuickBooks.
Just register your nonprofit at the TechSoup.org website to license products at TechSoup’s low prices. If you’re already using a product available through TechSoup, be sure to process your renewal through TechSoup to get the discount.
TechSoup is another way to maximize your nonprofit’s financial resources. Saving money is good, right?
Jim Martin, CPA, CMA, MBA, Partner and Midwest Client Service Director of Counterpart CFO, is part of a team of flexible, part-time CFO’s specializing in nonprofits. To read more from Jim, including other tips for nonprofits, follow him on LinkedIn or subscribe to his blog at www.counterpartCFO.com.