Non-Profit organizations face increasing challenges in providing their programs and services while maintaining fiscal stability. As technology advances, Non-Profit organizations must adapt to new ways of doing business. One way Non-Profits can save money is by using cloud computing.
Cloud computing has become increasingly popular among Non-Profit organizations due to its many advantages over traditional data centre solutions. With the right cloud solution, Non-Profit organizations can save time and money while increasing productivity and efficiency.
Migrating to the cloud also enables organizations to leverage the power of social media. For example, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to promote events, raise awareness, and encourage donations.
Cloud Computing for Non-Profits
Cloud computing has been around for decades, but only recently has it become mainstream. With the rise of mobile devices and social media, Non-Profit organizations must adapt their technology infrastructure to meet new demands.
For Non-Profits, the cloud represents an excellent opportunity to improve efficiency and expand operations. Non-Profit organizations can use cloud computing to store documents, manage databases, and host websites. They can even share files between employees using online collaboration tools.
Moving your Non-Profit workload to the cloud will also gain access to unlimited storage, security, and backup resources. Cloud providers also allow organizations to go remote, saving office space and hiring costs.
So without waiting any further, let’s look at some of the ways your Non-Profit can save money with cloud computing.
1. Save Hardware Expenses
Cloud computing allows Non-Profits to eliminate hardware expenses such as servers, storage devices, networking equipment, and software licenses. Organizations no longer need to buy expensive hardware and maintain them. Instead, they simply rent the resources necessary to run their applications.
Cloud computing allows Non-Profits to reduce their hardware costs. When Non-Profit organizations buy servers, they need to keep them running 24/7. They also have to ensure enough power is available to run all of the computers.
With cloud computing, organizations only need one server instead of many. So there is negligible maintenance or repair work required. In addition, if there is a problem with the server, the company providing the cloud computing solution can fix it remotely.
2. Save Maintenance Costs
Non-Profit organizations spend considerable time and money keeping servers running and ensuring that all systems are properly maintained. By moving applications to the cloud, Non-Profit organizations no longer need to invest in costly hardware and software maintenance. They pay for the use of the cloud provider’s system instead.
Non-Profit organizations can benefit significantly from the cloud. According to a study conducted by the Center for Information Technology Policy at Harvard University, Non-Profit organizations spend $8 billion per year maintaining their existing systems. That figure could increase to $10 billion if current trends continue.
By adopting cloud computing, Non-Profit organizations can reduce maintenance and energy consumption costs. According to the American Council on Renewable Energy’s recent survey, the average U.S. utility bill was $1,200 annually. The organization estimates that utilities would need to invest $60 billion each year to keep up with demand. A cloud provider can cover all those expenses, freeing up funds for other initiatives.
3. No Software Licensing Costs
In addition to buying all the hardware equipment, Non-Profit organizations must pay for licenses and subscriptions for software applications, such as Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and others. Some of these software applications cost thousands of dollars per year.
Software licensing costs are one of the biggest expenses for Non-Profits. For example, Microsoft Office 365 costs $6.99 per month per user. That means a Non-Profit organization with ten users would need to pay $69.90 each month. And that doesn’t count any additional fees for upgrades or support.
With cloud computing, organizations no longer need to purchase software licenses. Instead, they pay for access to the applications. Licensing costs can add up quickly. For instance, a Non-Profit organization might spend $10,000 per year on licensing fees. By switching to cloud computing, they would eliminate those costs.
4. Cutting Labor Costs
A Non-Profit organization may not realize how labour-intensive some tasks can be. For example, a Non-Profit organization may hire someone to manage its email system. However, with cloud computing, they can outsource that task to another company.
It means the person managing the email system does not need to work full-time. Instead, they can take advantage of the flexible nature of cloud computing. You don’t have to hire a big IT team or managers, as most of this work can be outsourced to your cloud solutions provider.
5. Remote Work Savings
Another benefit of cloud computing is remote working. Many companies offer employees the ability to work remotely. Again, it saves them money, as they don’t have to provide office space and equipment. It also helps employees who want to work from home. Your employees can work remotely from anywhere in the world.
Non-Profits can save money by reducing employee travel time. Employees who work remotely can save hundreds of dollars per week. Also, remote workers tend to be happier and more productive. Remote workers can access files and data stored in the cloud, making collaboration easier.
6. Avoid High Office Rents
Office rents continue to rise across the country. Many Non-Profit organizations struggle to afford high office rent prices. Moving their operations to the cloud means they can work anywhere, anytime. Since they’re not tied to a specific location, they can choose to move their offices to any city or state.
Non-Profits can also save significantly in office supplies, management, and rent by shifting their organization to a remote model. Fundraising mostly happens online now anyway, and it would make financial sense to shift your non-profit into a completely remote model.
7. Reduce Overhead Costs
Many Non-Profit organizations hire full-time employees to manage their technology infrastructure. However, hiring additional staff members increases overhead expenses. Cloud providers offer managed services that reduce the need for other personnel. Managed services provide 24/7 support and monitoring of the cloud provider’s network and servers.
8. Save Energy Costs
By using cloud computing, Non-Profit organizations do not have to maintain large amounts of physical space dedicated to hosting servers. Because the servers are located remotely, they do not require electricity to operate. Furthermore, since the servers are connected to the internet, they can access power even if the local utility company experiences outages.
Non-Profit organizations are usually big on reducing their carbon footprint. Shifting to the cloud will allow for a more remote working model as well as reduce the cost spent on electricity, thus reducing your organization’s carbon footprint significantly.
9. Pay-as-You-Use Model
A pay-as-you-use model allows Non-Profit organizations to avoid upfront costs associated with purchasing server equipment. As long as the organization uses the cloud provider’s services, there is no upfront cost. In return, the organization pays only for the actual usage of the cloud provider’s services.
Is Cloud Computing Going to Help Your Non-Profit Save Money?
Yes, cloud computing is going to help your Non-Profit organization save a lot of money. There will be significant savings on hardware, software, and labour. So your Non-Profit can focus on doing good things instead of spending money on technology. These savings can then be used to support programs and projects that matter to the community.
In addition to cost savings, cloud computing offers many advantages over traditional data centres. For instance, cloud providers provide unlimited scalability and flexibility, allowing them to grow or shrink capacity as needed. They also offer 24/7 support, which enables organizations to focus on mission-critical tasks instead of managing servers and networks.