Although, it does seem like they left in a “weasel” clause just in case:
Google Apps is the joint for anyone who’s serious about big, bad online collaboration. Sharing and editing docs in the cloud, free email and storage, groups and shared calendars—this is a legit operation.
Google has taken a step forward in helping the non-profit world (here’s looking at your, churches and ministries!) by extending their Google Apps suite for free to non-profits. Here’s what you get:
- A marketplace of Certified Google Partners (in Adwords, Apps, Analytics, Website Optimizer, Geo and more) that have offered to help nonprofits optimize Google tools at a special discounted rate or pro-bono
- Up to $10,000 a month in advertising on Google AdWords to reach more donors
- Free or discounted Google Apps to cut IT costs and operate more efficiently
- Premium features for YouTube
- Google’s mapping technologies to raise awareness of their cause
That’s a good deal. Google Apps are, of course, free to everyone, but some of the features Google is giving away come at a cost for regular business customers. Essentially this is Google Apps for Business at a pretty steep discount.
Simply put, this is a great deal for any non-profit. You can apply for Google for Non-Profits here.
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I love this. My church currently uses google apps (the free version), I am glad i found out about this today. Thanks justin.
You bet, Darrell. Glad you found it helpful!
If you look at their eligibilty rules, they restriction religious organizations
Hey Christy … Thanks for the heads up. Can you give me a link to that? We’ve heard from numerous churches who have applied for (and been granted) this offer.
Did some digging. Here’s what you’re referring to:
“Religious content or proselytizing on website as well as organizations that use religion or sexual orientation as factor in hiring or populations served”
I wouldn’t let this keep you from applying. I think this is most likely a case-by-case basis. Like I said, we know of other churches who have used this without a problem.
That’s pretty stinkin sweet… thanks Justin!
Nice! I set my church up on Google Apps back in Dec. of 2009. It was a great move for us! We are currently using the “Educational” version for free which offers us pretty much the same stuff. Glad to see they’re now recognizing Non-Profits specifically!
I’m unfamiliar with the education version but, as you say, it sounds similar. What creative ways is your team using it?
We’ve been using the educational version for at least 4 years. It has been great for us! Thanks for your article.
My pleasure, Dave. Thanks for serving the local church! Go get ‘em.
Can a Web dummy (me) , planting new a church set this up? Is this a great wat to go? I’m wanting to lay down some great foundations for future growth.
From what I understand about the process, it’s fairly simple. I may be misspeaking, but I think there’s help available from Google if you need it as well.
Hi there
Is this only avaliable in the US? We run a non profit organisation in South Africa and comply with our regulations – we have a NPO status but not a 501(c)(3) status (as we are not in the US).
Any info – or other people from else where that have used this?
http://www.google.com/nonprofits/eligibility.html#eligibility Our church was rejected for being a church. I’m guessing this is a fairly recent change in policy, since I know other churches have successfully signed up with them.
Weird. I may have to update this post with this caveat. It seems to be a fairly random selection process. Not sure what’s up with it.
We were just rejected as well. Do you think it has anything to do with how the mission statement is worded? ie “We serve Jesus” vs “We’re going to convert the world and Google”
We just received word that our church’s application was rejected. With some churches being accepted and others rejected, it seems rather arbitrary.
Just a heads up, I also got rejected after signing our church up for the non-profit account. My friend who is also a web admin at another church did the same a few months prior to me and was accepted. Not sure if the qualifications changed between that time – but it does definitely state now on http://www.google.com/nonprofits/eligibility.html (Restrictions > Communities and Groups) that “Places or institutions of worship (e.g., churches, ministries, temples, synagogues)” are on that list.