What are some of the tools and platforms that you use to facilitate online collaboration and communication?

As a nonprofit leader, you know how important it is to communicate and collaborate effectively with your team, your board, your donors, your partners, and your beneficiaries. But how do you do that when you can't meet in person, or when you have to work across different time zones, cultures, and platforms? In this article, we'll explore some of the tools and platforms that you can use to facilitate online collaboration and communication, and share some tips on how to use them effectively.

1 Cloud-Based Services

One of the most essential tools for online collaboration and communication is a cloud-based service that allows you to store, share, and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other files. This way, you can access your work from anywhere, collaborate with others in real time, and track changes and revisions. Some of the most popular cloud-based services are Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, and Box. These services offer different features and pricing plans, so you'll need to compare them and choose the one that suits your needs and budget.

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Jenny Kleintop

Fractional Philanthropy Ops for Good • Leveling up philanthropy data, database, and operations • Aligning to frontline fundraising strategies • Believer in positivity and uplifting • Sharing insights to help you thrive
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Whichever way you go, I'd encourage you to check with your IT to make sure it is safe and secure. In the nonprofit world, we have a responsibility to protect donor's information. I've also seen many nonprofit leaders become overburdened with too many separate systems not talking to each other. The more we can make the tools simple, easy to use, and intuitive to navigate, the more collboration and communication can take place.

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2 Video Conferencing

Another key tool for online collaboration and communication is a video conferencing platform that enables you to host and join live meetings, webinars, trainings, and events. Video conferencing can help you build rapport, engage your audience, and convey your message more effectively than just using voice or text. Some of the most widely used video conferencing platforms are Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. These platforms have different capabilities and limitations, such as the number of participants, the duration of the sessions, the quality of the audio and video, and the security and privacy settings.

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Jenny Kleintop

Fractional Philanthropy Ops for Good • Leveling up philanthropy data, database, and operations • Aligning to frontline fundraising strategies • Believer in positivity and uplifting • Sharing insights to help you thrive
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Video conference defintely has taken off since the pandemic. It's almost always the way we communicate virtually now. Whenever there is just a phone number (and no video), it's almost like we are lost. A few things I've seen as many leaders navigate the new landscape. - Slow to adopt these tools or set up guidelines on how the team should use it. Even guidelines on if the video/camera should be on or off during team meetings. - The majority seem to have the most success with zoom as it's simple, easy to use and intuitive to navigate. Other platforms tend to also slow down the computer or freeze. - The quality of the camera and voice also make a difference, a good choice for leaders to invest in quality for their team.

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3 Project Management

A third tool for online collaboration and communication is a project management platform that helps you plan, organize, and execute your projects, tasks, and workflows. Project management can help you keep track of your progress, deadlines, and deliverables, assign roles and responsibilities, and communicate with your team and stakeholders. Some of the most common project management platforms are Asana, Trello, Basecamp, and Monday. These platforms have different interfaces and functionalities, such as the use of boards, lists, calendars, charts, and integrations.

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4 Social Media

A fourth tool for online collaboration and communication is a social media platform that allows you to create and share content, interact with your followers, and grow your network. Social media can help you raise awareness, educate, inspire, and mobilize your audience, and solicit feedback and support. Some of the most popular social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. These platforms have different formats and audiences, such as the use of text, images, videos, stories, and live streams.

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5 Online Learning

A fifth tool for online collaboration and communication is an online learning platform that enables you to create and deliver courses, modules, quizzes, and certificates. Online learning can help you train your staff, volunteers, partners, and beneficiaries, and enhance their skills and knowledge. Some of the most widely used online learning platforms are Moodle, Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy. These platforms have different features and costs, such as the use of interactive media, gamification, accreditation, and monetization.

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Jenny Kleintop

Fractional Philanthropy Ops for Good • Leveling up philanthropy data, database, and operations • Aligning to frontline fundraising strategies • Believer in positivity and uplifting • Sharing insights to help you thrive
Report contribution
I defintely agree online learning is important in the nonprofit industry. I would challenge the specific tools mentioned - they are good for general learning for sure, but for the nonprofit sector, it's more about industry online platforms - AFP (association of fundraising professionals), aasp (association of advancement services professionals), APRA (association of prospect researchers for advancement), AHP (association of healthcare philanthropy) to name a few. Plus so many industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals offering online learning dedicating themselves to the greater good.

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6 Feedback and Evaluation

A sixth tool for online collaboration and communication is a feedback and evaluation platform that helps you collect and analyze data, surveys, polls, and testimonials. Feedback and evaluation can help you measure your impact, improve your performance, and report your results. Some of the most reliable feedback and evaluation platforms are SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform, and Testimonial Monkey. These platforms have different designs and analytics, such as the use of questions, scales, ratings, and charts.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some of the tools and platforms that you use to facilitate online collaboration and communication?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Cloud-Based Services

2 Video Conferencing

3 Project Management

4 Social Media

5 Online Learning

6 Feedback and Evaluation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

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What are some of the tools and platforms that you use to facilitate online collaboration and communication?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Cloud-Based Services

2 Video Conferencing

3 Project Management

4 Social Media

5 Online Learning

6 Feedback and Evaluation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

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