App It Up for Nonprofits and Libraries
Thanks to a grant from Microsoft, we've been learning about the kinds of apps nonprofits and libraries are using to engage their constituents, tell their stories, and get their work done. On this page, we share what we've learned about apps in the nonprofit and library worlds.
The App It Up project has been focused on finding and sharing apps, plus the resources to help support nonprofits and libraries in their use of apps. We've asked the questions: What apps are out there? How are nonprofits and libraries using apps? What apps are especially relevant apps for nonprofits and libraries? And what kind of apps are on nonprofit and library wish lists? Find what we've discovered below.
Generic Apps
Most apps aren't built with nonprofits and libraries in mind. But that doesn't mean they aren't great resources. Here are some apps that nonprofits and libraries use to communicate and get stuff done.
In a disaster, the notification app J!ResQ allows anyone in an affected area to easily record and send a voice notification, email, and GPS-based location from their mobile phone. The app was developed using Windows Azure in response to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The nifty note-taking app Evernote makes it easy to remember things big and small from your everyday life using your computer, phone, tablet, and the web.
Have you wondered where you can recycle things like electronics or batteries? Earth911's iRecycle helps you find nearby recycling locations for more than 240 types of materials. And it keeps you up-to-date on green living tips and news.
And there's more: Check out the full list of generic apps.
Apps for Nonprofits and Libraries
Some apps are meant specifically for — or used especially by — nonprofits and libraries. Some of these apps were even created by nonprofits.
Gathering data is a challenge in areas with inconsistent Internet access. EpiSurveyor is a mobile data collection tool that lets you design data collection forms, fill out the forms on common mobile phones (no smartphone required), then upload the data when you have Internet access again.
The Biblion iPad app from the New York Public Library is an innovative way to share and explore the library's rich archive of documents, images, film, and audio. The first issue of Biblion focuses on the library's collection of materials from the 1939–1940 New York World's Fair.
And there's more: Check out the full list of specialized apps.
Wish List Apps
We know there isn't always "an app for that" — something that really meets an organization's needs. So we also asked what applications nonprofits and libraries wished they could have. Below are some of the main app items on nonprofit and library wish lists.
Have Fun Discovering the Arts (or Anything Else)
- What it could do: Help people engage with the arts through games with location-based information about arts and educational sites.
- How it might work: Players can find nearby arts locations (such as galleries, museums, public art) using a GPS-enabled app, check in at the site, and learn about it using the app. They could also accumulate "points" or trophies for visiting arts sites.
- Who could use it: Arts organizations, art lovers, artists, and visitors to the area.
Nonprofit-Specific Search Results
- What it could do: Provide nonprofit-specific search results.
- How it might work: Download a web browser plug-in that allows you to run an Internet search that prioritizes results by, for, and about nonprofit organizations. For example, ".org" sites or sites with keywords such as "charity", "nonprofit", or "NGO."
- Who could use it: Nonprofit staff and volunteers.
And there's more: Check out the full app wish list.
We Want to Hear from You
Please let us know how you're thinking about apps or using them in your nonprofit or library. Would your organization use any of the apps on this page? How are they useful — or not?
Not using apps? We still want to hear from you! Why aren't you using apps? What would you like an app to do? What do you need to help your organization use apps?
What Is App It Up?
The App It Up project's goal is to identify and share information about apps for nonprofits and libraries. We're learning what nonprofits and libraries need from apps and which apps they're already using. This will help us better understand how TechSoup and Microsoft can help meet nonprofit and library needs.
You can check out what we've learned so far about how nonprofits and libraries are using (and not using) apps in our Survey Results Roundup.
We've also highlighted apps in our Cool App Roundups. Learn why apps are green, and find a ton of green apps in our first Cool App Roundup on Green Apps. And, learn how apps can be used in disaster and emergency situations in our Cool App Roundup on Disaster and Emergency Response Edition.
User Agreement