Performing arts organizations typically have exceptionally tight budgets, so getting the most “bang for your buck” is especially important. Here’s a sampling of tools that will make your life easier – for free!
Note: For a product to make it onto this list, it must have a permanently free plan for nonprofits (not just a free trial).
Business Tools
Both Google and Microsoft offer free versions of their popular suites of business tools to nonprofits.
Scheduling Tools
Scheduling committee meetings is a huge pain that’s guaranteed to flood your email inbox. These tools will change your life.
File Sharing/Cloud Storage
Board meeting minutes, MIDI files, attendance spreadsheets, membership policies. Cloud storage means no more hunting through emails for attachments, no more asking around to find something you need, and no more worrying about whether you’re looking at an outdated copy.
Surveys
Need to collect information? Forget about paper forms; try using one of these tools!
Online Fundraising
Your ensemble members are among the most powerful fundraisers available to you. These tools make it easy to run a killer membership fundraising drive. Check out this blog post for inspiration!
- Classy
- CrowdRise
- FirstGiving
- Fundly
- FundRazr
- GiveForward
- GoFundMe
- MyEvent
- Razoo
- Supporter Wall
- YouCaring
Patron/Donor Management
Keeping track of ticket buyers and donors is a vital part of building, maintaining, and growing your organization.
Advertising
Google offers nonprofits $10,000 in free advertising every month. Sweet deal! Definitely worth exploring this as an additional way to get the word out about concerts, fundraisers, and auditions.
Email Marketing
Whether you’re sending messages to your fans or your ensemble, email marketing tools can help make your messages more professional and provide analytics to better understand how people interact with them.
Social Media Management
Social media channels provide a way to connect with both your audience and potential auditionees. These tools can help you manage your various profiles quickly and efficiently.
Comment below if we missed any of your favorite tools!
