Last week I attend an event hosted by The Washington Post company, in association with Ad Council and Google. The seminar's purpose was to review components of the Google for Non-Profits program, as well as some of the recent updates they have made. With over 200 guests in attendance, it was a packed house. It is clear that there is a lot of interest in Google tools (and free access to them).

What Does Google for Non-Profits Do?

Google for Non-Profits aims to help non-profits accomplish the following goals on the limited budget that non-profits often have:

• Reach potential donors and advocates
• Improve internal operations
• Raise awareness about goals and objectives

Google has awarded grants to over 8,000 organizations. The program has been very successful, and hugely popular with non-profits. Grants have been used to increase traffic flow to non-profit websites, highlight initiative based campaigns, and increase donations.

What Does It Cost?
All features within Google Grants are in-kind benefits, meaning there is no monetary exchange whatsoever - only services. In order to be considered eligible, organizations must be classified as a 501(c)3 status. While organizations are considered on a case by case basis, those that serve a specific religious domination or are overtly political in nature are usually declared ineligible. Government agencies and contractors will also be disqualified from review. Finally, Google places a restriction on non-profit organizations that are membership based and serve a particular function to an exclusive audience.

Find out more at http://www.google.com/nonprofits/eligibility.html.

With that said, it is important to note that the review process is on a case by case basis. Google recognizes that there is likely some "grey area" when it comes to eligiblity. It is important to detail these potential situations in the application process, so the Google Non-Profit team has all of the information it needs to render a decision.

Google sets no quota or cap for organizations accepted in to the program. If you are eligible, you are in. There is no competition!

Get Started
In order to begin the application process, all you need to do is submit your information using Google's new centralized application form (here: http://www.google.com/nonprofits/). The application process generally takes around 30 days, and you will be notified of the results by email.

Next Steps
Stay tuned for the next few installments of Google for Non Profits, featuring Google Grants, Google Analytics, and Google Earth & Maps.

First up -- the exciting world of Google Grants and Adwords - the first thing to tackle after you get accepted into the Google for Non-Profits program!