No extra space here for a lead-in. There’s simply too much good stuff I want to share with non-profits in this post about website development. The info was all provided by Kevin A. Barnes, a WordCamp • Milwaukee July 2014 presenter.
WordPress (web software used by approximately 20% of all the world’s sites) has a basic package that is essentially free. If that isn’t enough reason for non-profits, forever scrambling for funds, to consider this content management system, then consider these: it’s scalable (as the organization grows, so can the site), support is readily available (by friendly, enthusiastic people), and WordPress is fairly straightforward (easy to learn; easy to train others).
The themes found directly on WordPress.org have been vetted. Their code meets industry standards and contains no malicious code or hidden links.
(After the camp, I did a little research and came across this information: There’s a WordPress basic non-profit theme called Church. To see how other organizations developed their sites, check out these great examples, also on WordPress.org.)
Plug-ins (special features) are available for free and easy downloading. A number of these were created with non-profits in mind, such as Seamless Donations and Sign-Up Sheets.)
Ending his presentation with a great give-and-take format, here are some other nuggets (though not WordPress-related) that Kevin provided: Google has a site, apps and products for non-profits.
Next, non-profits may qualify for $10,000 a month in Google advertising grants. One audience member said it could be bumped up to $25,000 a month, depending upon how well the non-profit does with the initial grant. Details can be found at Google AdWords.
Lastly, organizations can create their own YouTube channel. Check out this one-minute intro and, while on that page, sign up for the YouTube Non-Profit Program.
Hope you enjoyed getting this information as much as I enjoyed sharing it!
(Special note to the organizers of WordPress Camp • Milwaukee 2014: You did a wonderful job!)