Tools for Grassroots Organizations

On-line Language Translation Tool
Do you need help in translating text? Try BabelFish.

Finding Funders
Do you need help in finding foundations to apply to? Try The Foundation Center.

Writing Grant Proposals 
Do you need advice on writing a proposal? Try Grant Proposal.com

Communications and Media 
Is your organization in need to help with your communication and media skills? Try the SPIN Project.

In today's crowded media environment, organizations working to build a fair, just and equitable society can scarcely be heard. Organizations hoping to shape debates and shift public policy must embrace strategic communications to achieve their goals. The SPIN Project strengthens nonprofit social justice organizations, small and large, to communicate effectively for themselves. The SPIN Project provides accessible and affordable strategic communications consulting, training, coaching, networking opportunities and concrete tools. Our skills and expertise are blended with our commitment to strengthening social justice organizations and helping them engage in communications to achieve their goals. We develop communications skills, infrastructure and leadership, strengthening organizations to achieve their social justice goals.

Technology Low Cost Software and Hardware Donations 
Is your grassroots organization in need of updated software and hardware? Try TechSoup. TechSoup Stock connects nonprofits and public libraries with donated and discounted technology products. Choose from over 240 products from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Symantec.

Technology Training and Open Source Donor Database
Are you looking for an Open Source database to track your donors? Try the Organizers Collaborative. The Organizers' Collaborative is a Boston-based organization established in 1999 to promote better use of technology by social change organizations throughout the US. The Organizers' Collaborative is dedicated to advancing social change through the effective use of technology. We are particularly committed to low-cost and no-cost tools created in the spirit of Open Source. Since our founding, we have built the capacity of hundreds of grassroots organizations that are working for a better society. We welcome you to join us in our work!

Technology Funding and Training 
Is your organization looking for technology grants and technical assistance? Try the Progressive Technology Project. Founded in 1998, the Progressive Technology Project (PTP) strengthens grassroots social change community organizing in poor communities and communities of color by convening events to exchange ideas and experiences about new technology, conducting training sessions on technology for organizers, providing a framework for technical assistance, providing downloadable how-to resources on their web site, raising and re-granting funds for organizing technology.

Meeting Setup 
Do you need help setting up meetings and other events? Try MeetingWizard. Use MeetingWizard to arrange and schedule meetings and other events. As a productivity tool it makes the planning process easier and more effective. MeetingWizard automatically does the following:

• sends invitations to participants proposing alternate times
• summarizes their responses
• updates you on the results
• sends confirmations
• sends optional reminders prior to meetings

MeetingWizard requires only that you and your participants have access to e-mail and a browser. It uses the simplest technologies possible, ensuring that all of your guests will be able to use the system. MeetingWizard has been designed to be effective in more than 90% of meeting planning situations, and does not try to fulfill every possible need. However, it allows for enough flexibility to make changes, add personalized notes, make cancellations and handles most other situations that might arise. MeetingWizard is designed for the modern workplace. It is friendly but professional.

Updates, corrections and additions may be sent to – e-mail us (tony @ peacefund.org)