Resourceful, effective, and mission-driven—these are just a few of the words that describe nonprofit organizations. From education to healthcare, nonprofits drive impact across communities. However, financial constraints often force organizations to compromise on essential resources like reliable internet for nonprofit organizations.
Without strong internet access, nonprofits struggle with communication, outreach, and digital services. Fortunately, cost-effective solutions like low-cost internet for nonprofits can help bridge the gap. However, it’s not for nothing that “resourceful” is one of the first words we think of when we think of nonprofits. In addition to low-cost Internet for nonprofits, let’s look at a few other ways organizations can maximize their connectivity.
1. Partner with Providers for Affordable Internet Access
Affordable and reliable internet for nonprofit organizations can extend your team’s capabilities. Wi-Fi hotspots, for example, enable remote work, support field operations, and improve outreach efforts.
Some nonprofits even use these hotspots to provide internet access to underserved communities. For instance, an education nonprofit might use Wi-Fi hotspots to connect students with career resources, while a social welfare organization might use them to provide job search assistance.
Partnering with organizations like Mobile Citizen, which offers low-cost internet for nonprofits, ensures that your team and the people you serve remain connected—without exceeding your budget.
2. Utilize Refurbished Technology
Having a reliable Internet connection is necessary, but so is being able to access Internet-enabled devices. Several organizations provide refurbished devices for nonprofits. If your organization is looking for devices that you can share with your community, we work with several resellers that can provide devices at low costs. You can also consider partnering with other nonprofit organizations that are committed to closing the digital divide and offer low-cost subscriptions to various software you may require.
3. Consider Using Open-Source Software as a Solution to Low-cost Internet for Nonprofits
Going a step further than low-cost software, open-source software is typically free to use making it easier for your budget to go further. In addition, this type of software is developed by a community of developers and users who your IT team can reach out to for questions, support, and even feedback and custom recommendations. Much like the world of nonprofits, open-source software promotes a collaborative environment which is likely to make it easier for you to partner with them.
Open-source software is also compatible with a range of systems and technologies. This makes it smoother to integrate them into your ecosystem.
4. Collaborate With Local Organizations to Expand Digital Literacy
Access to internet for nonprofit organizations is only part of the equation. To fully leverage connectivity, nonprofits should invest in digital literacy for their teams and the communities they serve.
Building partnerships with like-minded institutions, volunteers, and tech educators can help nonprofits provide training on digital tools and online navigation. This ensures that people not only gain internet access but also understand how to use it effectively and safely.
Additionally, nonprofits should make it easy for potential partners and volunteers to find collaboration opportunities on their websites.
5. Think Out-of-the-Box Donations
While getting funds that can be allocated as needed may be the most common way to think of donations, your nonprofit can go a step further. When considering the need for low-cost Internet for nonprofits, reach out to businesses or organizations that you know offer free Wi-Fi access to their patrons. Encourage them to donate meeting spaces that your team can utilize to host events.
Your corporate sponsors and partners may also be willing to donate volunteer time, skills training, and Internet resources to your nonprofit organization. These arrangements can be mutually beneficial because when your nonprofit gets connectivity resources, the organization you partner with also takes a step closer to its corporate social responsibility goals.
Lastly, including Mobile Citizen’s hotspots and services in your digital equity grants is a simple way to demonstrate how your partners can support your nonprofit.
Mobile Citizen: Helping Nonprofits Stay Connected
To say that internet access is integral to nonprofit organizations is an understatement. Outreach, research, team communication, and service delivery all depend on reliable connectivity.
At Mobile Citizen, we partner with nonprofits to provide low-cost internet for nonprofit organizations through Wi-Fi hotspots. Our plans cost an average of $10/month and can help nonprofits stretch their budgets while maintaining strong digital operations.
We believe digital equity is essential for social, educational, and health equity. To explore affordable internet options for your organization, contact our experts at Mobile Citizen’s Customer Service Center at 877-216-9603 or visit our Get Started page.