Http://LeonardSipes.Com (PR and social media for government, associations and nonprofits)

I wrote an article describing assistance from Google regarding assistance to nonprofits, seehttp://leonardsipes.com/kudos-to-google-help-for-nonprofits-and-associations/.

Now, YouTube (owned by Google) is offering an array of incentives to encourage nonprofits to take advantage of its services.

One of the challenges of working with nonprofits and associations is getting them to see the value of social media. Some see a complex and frustrating world of frequent blog posts, spam and comments they last encountered in middle school.

Associations and nonprofits are often run by people who have decades of experience in obtaining government grants and wooing traditional supporters via conferences and mailing lists for financial and policy support.

That needs to change to a greater focus on social media.

Best, Len.

From the original Article:

“One of the greatest things about my job is hearing how terrific organizations are using technology to help their cause. Today I’ve had a chance to talk with Direct Relief International who raised more than $1 million using Google AdWords, Samasource who saved tens of thousands of dollars using Google Apps and the Natural Resource Defense Council who earned 100,000 views from one video on their YouTube channel with no paid advertising.

Listening to these stories and several like them, we realized that we had an opportunity to greatly increase the number of nonprofits we could assist. With today’s launch of the Google for Nonprofits program, which provides exclusive product offerings and enhanced online resources, we’ll be able to help U.S.-based nonprofits reach more donors, improve operations and raise awareness for their cause.

If you work for a nonprofit, this program provides you with several new benefits. Instead of applying to each Google product individually, you can sign up through a one-stop shop application process. If approved, you can access our suite of product offerings designed for nonprofits: up to $10,000 a month in advertising on Google AdWords to reach more donors, free or discounted Google Apps to cut IT costs and operate more efficiently, and premium features for YouTube and our mapping technologies to raise awareness of your cause.”

Source: http://googlefornonprofits.blogspot.com/2011/03/youre-changing-world-we-want-to-help.html

New Offer from YouTube: Nonprofit Program

Check out some of our partners

1. Anaheim Ballet
2. Green for All
3. International Rescue Committee
4. InvisiblePeople.TV
5. Witness

Join the YouTube Nonprofit Google Group

Get YouTube’s monthly newsletter for nonprofits.

Subscribe

Tell your organization’s story through videos on YouTube to connect with supporters, volunteers, and donors. Applying for a designated “Nonprofit” channel through the YouTube Nonprofit Program will help deliver your message to the world’s largest online video community.

Apply now

Free Benefits

• Premium branding capabilities and increased uploading capacity
• The option to drive fundraising through a Google Checkout “Donate” button
• Listing on the Nonprofit videos page
• Ability to place a Call to Action overlay on your videos to raise money or find volunteers

Apply

Click here and sign in with your nonprofit’s Google or Gmail account (you can also create a new account). The Google for Nonprofits Program will verify your nonprofit status, so have your 501(c)(3) number handy. Once approved, you will be able to join the YouTube Nonprofit Program by submitting your YouTube channel username.

Program Requirements

Organizations applying for the YouTube Nonprofit Program must be U.S. organizations with a current registered and recognized 501(c)(3) status, as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service.

The following organizations are not eligible for the YouTube for Nonprofits Program:

• Programs requiring membership and/or providing benefit solely to members, such as clubs, sports teams, alumni, networking and other membership organizations
• Religious content or proselytizing on website as well as organizations that use religion or sexual orientation as factor in hiring or populations served
• Groups serving a primarily political function such as lobbying, think tanks and special interests
• Commercial organizations, credit-counseling services, donation middleman services, fee-based organizations, universities, and nonprofit portal

Google reserves the right to award or deny the application of any organization. Selections are made at Google’s sole discretion, and decisions regarding award recipients are final. For full guidelines, please see the Google for Nonprofits site.

Tips and Tricks

• Create a powerful YouTube channel with tips from the YouTube Guide: Playbook for Good
• Read more information about how to set up your YouTube channel
• Find out how to run video campaigns on YouTube and see real nonprofit campaign examples
• Get advice about making and editing videos without a lot of staff or money
• Google for Nonprofits offers free tools to help promote your work, raise money, and operate more efficiently. Learn more