Best of the Web : May 2014

	Best of the Web: May 2014 The Idealware “Best of the Web” is a monthly roundup of the top nonprofit resources from the Idealware blog, our Facebook page, and our Twitter feed to help you make the right technology decisions. Please forward it along to anyone you think might benefit from it.  Nonprofit Technology Staffing and Investments survey (NTEN)We know technology means something to your organization--our friends at NTEN and The NonProfit Times want to know what. This annual survey is a way to gather data from which the entire nonprofit community can learn. Not only will you greatly help your peers by taking this 15-minute survey, but you will be entered to win a $500 Amazon gift card. How's that for a win-win? Top Five Instagram Best Practices for Nonprofits (Nonprofit Tech for Good)Instagram is one of the hottest social media tools, so it makes sense that nonprofits looking to reach a younger audience or who strive to be on the cutting edge of technology want to dive in. Before you send out your first #nofilter, it's best to take a look at some of these tips specificlly intended for organizations dipping their toe in the Instagram pool. The Complete Nonprofit's Guide to Heartbleed (Idealware)If one news story has dominated the tech section headlines this spring, it's the Heartbleed bug discovery. Many sites were affected. Kyle Andrei breaks down what you need to know about it (and what you need to do right now) to keep yourself and your data protected. Coming Soon: A Whole New You in Your Twitter Profile (Twitter)There's an uproar each time Facebook changes its layout, but Twitter has remained largely recognizable since its launch in 2006. That could change as the social media tool experiments with a new look for the profile of select users with a greater emphasis on multimedia. Why We’re Removing Comments on Copyblogger (Copyblogger)For many blogs, the comment section can provide a unique avenue for creating a community around your website. For others--such as content marketing blog Copyblogger--it can be a dangerous environment requiring moderation so severe, it's better to start from scratch. Find out why in this intriguing post. How to Make Google Drive Work Like a Desktop Suite (LifeHacker)Nonprofits, with limited budgets and technology staff, are often looking for inexpensive and easy-to-use alternatives to complex software packages. For many, Google Drive provides the necessary basic office software functionality without costing a dime. But just because you have more sophisticated needs doesn't mean you have a bigger budget. These tips and tricks can help you get a bit more functionality out of Google Drive. The Nine Steps of Planning a Successful Technology Project (TechSoup)In this blog post for TechSoup, our own Research Analyist Kyle Andrei breaks down nine essential steps for making your technology project a success. Whether you're implementing a new database or defining goals for your email service, planning is an important element of getting where you need to be--both on time and under budget. How To Create Eye-Catching Graphics For Your Nonprofit (Without Using Photoshop!) (J Campbell Social Marketing)Surely by now you've seen nonprofits succeed in extending their reach with viral images, but did you know that you don't need expensive software to do it? This slideshow from Julia Campbell goes over the best practices for creating future viral images with tools that won't break the bank. Wearable Technology Can Change Relationships With Donors & Clients (The NonProfit Times) Google Glass may still seem like a tool out of science fiction, but many are already considering how wearable technology can be used as a aide to nonprofits and fundraisers. You might not be collecting data from your glasses at your next donor meeting, but the possibility is not as far away as you might think. Would you like to suggest a link for Best of the Web? Email it toinfo@idealware.org. ____________ You received this email because you signed up for Idealware updates. If you are no longer interested in hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe. Idealware | 1 Pleasant St., Suite 4E | Portland ME | 04101

Announcing The 2014 Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits

	2014 Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits How do you know what technology will help increase the reach of your nonprofit? How do you wade through the different options available on the marketplace to find the right one for your needs? We'd like to tell you about the Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits, our flagship product, which we've newly updated for 2014. This handy reference book to the different types of software available to help your organization will become your go-to guide, whether you're a technologist or tech-averse.  The Idealware mission is to help nonprofits like yours make smart technology decisions, and the Field Guide is the perfect summary of that mission. Each year we update it to reflect the thousands of hours of research, interviews, and analysis we conduct around nonprofit technology, as well as trends and needs in the nonprofit sector. Inside the 220-page book, you'll find information on every type of software to benefit your nonprofit. In each section you'll get an overview of the different tools available to you, what you can use them for, the options widely used by other nonprofits, and guidance on where to seek out more information. For the 2014 edition, we've added completely new research and recommendations, up-to-the minute listings of software rates and features, and insight into software and technology on the cutting edge. We're extremely proud of the Field Guide. Since our inaugural edition five years ago, we've made it a priority each year to provide a comprehensive overview of nonprofit technology at a cost that fits the budgets of even the smallest organizations. You can purchase the 2014 Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits for $19.95 by registering below. Or, if you want to purchase multiple copies or are ordering from outside the U.S., click here to buy through Amazon. If you would like your coworkers, network, or grantees to benefit from our research too, remember that we also offer attractive rates for bulk purchases. Contact Laura Quinn atlaura@idealware.org for more information. Purchase The Field Guide Now >>> ________________ You received this email because you signed up for Idealware updates. If you are no longer interested in hearing from us,click here to unsubscribe. Idealware | 1 Pleasant St., Suite 4E | Portland ME | 04101