Using the Internet

In the nonprofit arena, community is essential. The World Wide Web and the Internet have provided a space in which we can network with those whom we might otherwise never have had the opportunity to meet. In this section, you'll find articles and resources to help you effectively use the Internet to further your nonprofit's mission.

Looking for our older content on this topic? Visit our Using the Internet Archives page.

Webinar List

Expand your Reach with Flickr and Twitter
This multi-media session includes an expert-led exploration of the above Web 2.0 tools, and hands-on advice on how to best implement them for your organization.
Jun 09, 2008

Article List

Keep your backups safe whether on-site or off with these helpful questions.

We compare the features found in 10 popular Web-conferencing services.

Using Google Maps APIs and KML tools to create online maps.

How to use Google Maps and Google Earth for outreach and advocacy.

We'll show you a few RSS tools you can use to manage online information efficiently at your nonprofit.

Setting up the right cookie-management for your nonprofit security needs.

Finding an effective listserv or discussion list tool can be even simpler with this breakdown of what’s what.

Reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use tools for sending mass emails.

An online survey is a powerful research tool for gaining valuable input.

Practical recommendations for minimizing legal risk in your organization’s emails.

Examples of text to reduce your organization’s email liability.

Creative Commons takes the pain out of getting free content.

We suggest 10 steps that can help search engines find and prioritize your site content.

Tips for using the online photo-sharing community successfully.

Tips for getting the most out of social networking tools.

How many social networks does one organization need? We'll help you decide.

Signs that a social networking site might work — or not work — for you.

We asked members of the TechSoup Community for their expert advice on ways to reduce spam.

Learn how to get your organization on Facebook and how to effectively use this tool.

Learn how you can use social networking application Facebook to find supporters and raise funds.

Discover how you can use Google Earth's powerful mapping software to draw attention to your cause.

23 ways to help ensure you find what you're looking for on this powerful search engine.

If you work at a nonprofit and you aren't using RSS, you aren't really doing all of your job.

Suggestions for creating compelling podcasts out of your everyday work.

Learn more about CAPTCHA and Form Armor, two free tools that protect forms and forums from spam.

A few things to keep in mind about jumping into the wonderful world of campaigning on MySpace.

Real-world solutions for choosing secure passwords.

Free tools and robust applications that can help you better understand your site's visitors.

More tips on writing a blog from one seasoned blogger.

One Web developer and writer shares some of the lessons he has learned about writing a blog.

Learn how viruses work, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them.

Ways to streamline your messages, avoid communication breakdowns, and keep your conversations clear.

Find out if your on-again, off-again communications style is making your supporters stray.

We'll show you what you should consider before you upload your video to the Web.

Tools and strategies for keeping your identity secret online.

We examine low-cost and free technologies that encrypt Internet communications.

Affordable online RSVP tools for budget-conscious event planning.

We explain how 10 popular anti-spam methods work and briefly outline some of their pros and cons.

We'll show you sites and search engines you can use to find free, quality images on the Web.

We'll show you when you need to get permission to use photographs — and when you don't.

Second Life is a relatively new tool that nonprofits are using to creatively promote their causes.

Sharing and promoting your organziation's video is easy using free Web services.

Help your constituents stay on top of your organization's news and announcements with RSS.

Before you spend money on tech support, consider exploring these free online support options.

Nonprofit professionals recommend affordable e-advocacy and online petition tools for all budgets.

Find out how to create a podcast that will spread your nonprofit's message.

Learn tips and tricks for writiing emails that will capture constituents' attention.

Use VoIP to make free, or nearly, free phone calls over the Internet.

Learn how to identify and avoid phishing scams -- and make sure your message looks legit.

The e-mail sender guidelines specified in the CAN-SPAM Act will only get your newsletters so far.

Comply with e-mail authentication standards to ensure that messages are delivered.

Tips for ensuring that your e-mail arrives at its destination and for keeping your network safe.

Learn how to avoid common computer-related injuries, and what to do if you experience symptoms.

Think an e-newsletter might be good for your NPO? Follow our tips for planning one.

E-mail alerts may produce a better response than a call to action buried in a newsletter.