I discovered the Google for Nonprofits program by asking the question "can I use Google Ads to advertise our church online?" I soon discovered that not only can you advertise, but Google offers an Ads Grant for qualifying nonprofit organizations.
I was excited, to say the least, and when I learned that Google Ad Grants are worth $10,000 a day (yes a day!) I was anxious to get started. I couldn't believe that I hadn't learned of this sooner. I had just recently rebuilt our church website and I was ready to share it with those that have a desire to hear the Good News.
The following tips and advice will make the enrollment process easier to navigate. I hope that this helps you and your cause to do good. We can never have enough of that in the world.
Here are some of the benefits of enrolling with Google for Nonprofits.
Free G-Suite tools
Email
Google Drive (cloud storage)
Google Photos
Google Docs
And more
YouTube for nonprofits channel
Donation cards on video
Link directly to your site
And More
Google Ad Grants (Free Google AdWords Advertising)
These are just a few of the benefits to enrolling in the Google for nonprofits program. Imagine the people you could reach with these tools alone! So how do you gain access to these resources? I’m here to help.
You would think the best way to get started is to go directly to the Google for nonprofits page but I want to take you through a few important steps first. This will make the application with Google run smoother.
First, don’t try to use an existing Google Ads account. It has to be done a specific way so please don’t set anything up differently than Google requires. Your application may be denied otherwise. Also, try to keep everything under one email address. You'll find the management and setup much simpler. I found it best to create a new email address (gmail) that in turn was used to create a new Google Ads account.
Step 1: Create a TechSoup account
TechSoup is a nonprofit international network of non-governmental organizations that provides technical support and technological tools to other nonprofits. By signing up with TechSoup, you’ll gain access to free and discounted products and services including Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Microsoft Office 365 and more. You’ll need to start with this step because Google will use your TechSoup account to validate your nonprofit.
In order to sign-up you’ll need to be a registered 501(c) corporation or library and you’ll need an EIN number. Once you have that you’ll join TechSoup by creating an account and submitting your nonprofits information. Once you submit the application, expect the review and approval process to take at least 3-5 business days. You’ll receive an email once your nonprofit is approved.
Once approved you’ll have access to many resources through TechSoup. This alone is a great resource to have so you should take some time to browse their catalogue. (Visit www.techsoup.org)
Step 2: Get your TechSoup Validation Token
Once your application is approved you’ll be able to get a validation token. It’s a code that you’ll use to apply to Google for nonprofits. This is provided immediately but it’s only valid for 60 days.
Click here to acquire your validation token
Step 3: Apply for Google for Nonprofits
The wait is over and you now have everything you need to apply for Google Nonprofits.
(Click here to go to the Google for nonprofits page)
Once you gain access to Google's resources you should first create a G-Suite account so you can have unique emails for your team (yourname@yourdomain.com). This is a free service once you're on the nonprofits platform. (You can't convert an existing G-Suite account to the free version so don't try.)
I would suggest first creating your G-Suite account, then your YouTube account (if you already have a YouTube account you can switch it to a nonprofit account without losing your uploads), then the the Ad Grant. Google gives you specific step by step instructions so don't rush the process. If you take your time and do it right then you shouldn't have any problems.
Hope this article helps. I'll update it regularly so check back soon. Thank you for reading. Have an awesome day!
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