Google has been working on improving efficiency in nonprofit organizations with its Google for Nonprofits program. At the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) annual national convention, Google's Public Policy Analyst Jennifer Bernal discussed Google for Nonprofits and the kinds of services the company offers besides its search engine.
"What we are trying to do is really think about many different ways that technology and information can help make people's lives better, whether its not only through finding things online through search engine but also building more and more tangible products, whether its software or hardware," Bernal said.
Organizations interested in joining Google for Nonprofits must meet Google's eligibility requirements. The IRS must recognize the organization as a 501(c)(3).
"It means we're not accepting government organizations into this specific program. It means we're not accepting schools and not accepting health care organizations," Bernal said, noting if anyone belongs to those groups, similar features are available but limitations are possible.
Additional requirements include no discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender. Google also reserves the right to grant or deny the organization's application or participation at "any time, for any reason."
Google will also provide apps and services for the nonprofit organizations for free, including Gmail, Google Analytics, Google Earth, Google Calendar and YouTube. Google also provides up to 30GB of storage in Google Drive.
When asked if an organization can use Gmail to send mass mailings, Bernal stated the service is "not specifically designed" for such uses.
"[Gmail] is best used, meant to be more for individual one-on-one interaction or interaction with small groups," Bernal said, adding that Google is very protective when it comes to spam emails on both incoming and outgoing spectrum.
(Photo: Michael Oleaga) Jennifer Bernal, public policy analyst for Google at LULAC 2014 in New York City on July 9, 2014.
"In my opinion, you have one of the best spam protections you can get across. It also means that if someone using Gmail is blasting thousands of emails, Gmail may block those emails because they may think it is spam."
Google also has a website further outlining guidelines about bulk emails.
The company also provides free advertising on Google in addition to using apps that may not be able readily available to individuals. With the Google Ad Grants program, the nonprofit organization may promote their services with "in-kind AdWords advertising" and when an individual searches relevant keywords in their search engine. According to Bernal, the nonprofit organization can qualify for $10,000 per month in credits with Google Ad Grants.
The YouTube Nonprofit Program will also be available with an enhanced version of the website. Nonprofits are able to customize their channel and add their organization's logo and branding. Users can also save Google Hangout discussions and have it automatically available on YouTube. Employees of the nonprofit organization can also edit the video within YouTube.
The Google for Nonprofits program is not exclusive to the U.S. as it is available in other countries. Specifically, Google for Nonprofits is also available in Canada, England, Japan and Wales. The Google Ad Grants program, however, is available in Latin American countries, namely Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.
__
For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.
