8 free tools to help your organisation grow

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. With limited budgets and small teams, many organisations struggle to find the time, skills, or money to build strong marketing, communication and fundraising strategies. And keeping up with a fast-changing digital world can seem overwhelming.

But new technology is changing the game for non profit organisations, with powerful (and free!) tools that can help you reach more people, raise more funds, and tell your story more effectively. From design tools and social media schedulers to AI-powered platforms and email marketing, these resources are designed to save you time and help your organisation grow.

Tools like ChatGPT can help you write newsletters, social media posts, grant proposals, and more – faster and smarter. Visual design platforms like Canva use AI to suggest layouts and designs. Even fundraising platforms now use smart tools to recommend how to connect with donors. The best part? Many of these tools are free or offer special or discounted access for registered non-profit organisations.

Here are some of the best free resources your organisation can start using today.

1. Canva for Nonprofits

What it does: Canva is a free design tool that helps you create posters, social media posts, animated videos, flyers, and more – even if you’re not a designer.
Why it’s great: Canva offers a free premium version for registered NPOs. That means you get access to extra features like brand kits, templates, AI design tools and team collaboration – all at no cost.
How to get it: Apply with your organisation’s details 🔗 canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits

2. Google for Nonprofits

What it does: This program gives registered non-profits access to a range of powerful Google tools for free.
It includes:

• Gmail and Google Workspace (custom email addresses, cloud storage, Docs, Sheets, and more)
• Google Ad Grants (free advertising on Google Search – up to $10,000/month!)
• YouTube Nonprofit Program (extra features to boost your video content)

How to get it: Register your organisation with TechSoup South Africa to verify your non-profit status, then apply for Google for Nonprofits. 🔗 techsoupsouthafrica.org

3. Mailchimp for Nonprofits

What it does: Mailchimp helps you send professional email newsletters and updates to your supporters.
Why it’s great: Mailchimp has a free plan for up to 500 contacts, and non-profits can apply for a discount on paid plans.
Get started: Sign up for the free plan and request a non-profit discount from their support team. 🔗 mailchimp.com

4. Hootsuite or Buffer (Social Media Scheduling)

What it does: These tools help you plan and schedule your social media posts in advance, saving time and keeping your pages active. Some plans now offer AI assistance for creating social media posts that increase engagement and include detailed analytics to help you measure your social growth.
Free options: Both platforms offer limited free plans that are perfect for small non-profits just starting out. They also offer discounts for non profits on paid plans.

Where to find them:

• Hootsuite for Nonprofits 🔗 help.hootsuite.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405726995867-Hootsuite-for-nonprofits
• Buffer 🔗 buffer.com

5. TechSoup South Africa

What it does: TechSoup helps South African non-profits get access to donated or discounted software from companies like Microsoft, Adobe, Zoom and more.
Why it’s helpful: You can save thousands of Rands on tools your organisation needs to grow.
How to register: Visit techsoupsouthafrica.org and create an account for your organisation.

6. Meta for Nonprofits

What it does: Meta (which includes Facebook and Instagram) offers tools to help you connect with supporters, run fundraising campaigns, and grow your social media presence.
Meta Includes:

• Free fundraising tools on Facebook and Instagram
• Guides and training to help you reach more people
• Event tools to promote your campaigns

How to get it: Visit 🔗 socialimpact.facebook.com and follow the steps for non-profits.

7. GivenGain (Online Fundraising)

What it does: GivenGain is a free fundraising platform where non-profits can run online campaigns and connect with donors worldwide.
Why it’s great: There are no platform fees for non-profits and it supports South African bank accounts. There are fees charged on donations, however.
How to sign up: Register your organisation on 🔗 givengain.com

8. ChatGPT or AI Writing Tools

What it does: Artificial Intelligence large language models are writing tools can help you write emails, engaging social media posts, training manuals, blog posts, funding proposals and much more. You can even generate graphics and images with these tools.
Why it’s great: Use tools like ChatGPT, Deepseek or Gemini to help you brainstorm ideas, create content, generate summaries and visuals or improve your proposal writing. All have free versions.

✨Gemini has a prompt library for non profit fundraising and marketing to help you get the best from AI writing tools ✨

Where to get it:

• ChatGPT 🔗 chat.openai.com
• Deepseek 🔗 chat.deepseek.com
• Gemini 🔗 gemini.google.com/app

Bonus: Free Online Training Platforms

• Google Digital Garage – Learn digital marketing, analytics, and more:
  🔗 learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage
• Coursera – Free online short courses on digital marketing from prestigious universities and institutions around the world. 🔗 coursera.org/courses?query=free
• Meta Blueprint – Free training on Facebook and Instagram tools:
  🔗 facebookblueprint.com
• YouTube Creator Academy – Tips to build your channel and connect with supporters:
  🔗 creatoracademy.youtube.com

Technology doesn’t have to be scary or expensive. With just a few of these tools, your organisation can start working smarter, not harder. Whether you’re designing your next social campaign, planning a fundraiser, or sending a newsletter there’s a free tool to help you do it better. Start with one new tool this week and enjoy your free ‘lunch’!

Your organisation’s work deserves to be seen, heard and supported.