Top open source applications for nonprofits
I recently wrote an article for a group I am involved in and I thought the information would be relevant here also.
I have always been a big proponent of the need for Open Source software applications in the nonprofit community. Open source can save thousands of dollars and provide capabilities that would otherwise be out of reach for most nonprofit orgs.
This list is in no particular order or ranking structure. The following are just five applications that can greatly benefit nonprofit organizations.
- Wordpress- This application is probably the most widely used and supported blogging tool on the internet. You can even get a hosted blog on the website for free.
http://www.wordpress.org - OsCommerce- This e-commerce shopping application has all the major features you would expect in an expensive shopping cart application, including Full Search, Product Reviews, and Bestseller lists.
http://www.oscommerce.com - Drupal - The cleanest look and feel of the open source content management systems. Also the best content manager for search engine results.
http://www.drupal.org - Openoffice.org- I transact every day with Microsoft Office users. but I am not paying Microsoft. Every consultant that places this in an office and saves thousands for the organization should be branded a hero.
http://www.openoffice.org/ - PHPList - With this Opt-In mail system I have been able to help clients save thousands in email fees. One of my clients has over 5,000 emails opened each week by donors because of this application.
http://www.phplist.com
All of these applications are released under an Open Source license agreement. Your nonprofit organization can use them at no cost for the license. Of course you will still need to pay for hosting the application and any other services required to operate the software.
Enjoy!
