Your nonprofit organization is likely always looking for methods of cutting down on expenditures because every penny saved can be funneled into whatever goods or services you offer the public. Consider cutting some spending corners on email servers or clients. There are a variety of free options that are readily accessible for your organization.

Windows Live Mail

Windows Live Mail is the reincarnation of Outlook Express. It received a makeover and a little rebranding as part of the Windows Live Essentials package. Windows Live Mail still offers you the same essential features of Outlook Express but has an interface that users of Microsofts Office programs should recognize. One notable feature of Windows Live Mail is Photo Email, which doesn't send pictures as an attachment. Instead, all sent images are uploaded to the Microsoft SkyDrive cloud server and the recipient receives a link to the image or images. This feature was designed specifically to save users inbox space.

Opera Mail

Opera Mail is unique because it is an email client built into a web browser. While this sounds potentially challenging to functionality, the email accessibility and functionality works well in the browser. Opera Mail has a clean and easy-to-use interface, a strong spam filter, and support for POP3 and IMAP. Despite the fact that the mail function is attached to the Opera browser, you are also supported for access offline. If your organization is looking to optimize time and desktop space, Opera Mail is a good possible option.

Gmail

Gmail is one of the largest and most popular free email services in the world, and there are added business benefits that your nonprofit can take advantage of without sacrificing any professionalism. To start, Gmails basic email services are strong, featuring an excellent spam filter, customizable folders, and a separate tab for social media alerts and notifications. You can also personalize your email, enabling you to get email addresses at your nonprofit’s domain. This means you and members of your staff can create unique email addresses that directly correspond to your nonprofit’s website. For example, you could create an address such as me@mynonprofit.ca.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla is best known for its Firefox web browser, but it also offers a full-featured email client: Thunderbird. This client has a clean, tabbed interface that makes it easy for you to browse the web freely while you check your mail. Thunderbird is updated frequently for maximum speed and efficiency, and comes with an assortment of extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons that basically allow you to customize even the smallest aspects of the software.

Mac Mail

Mac Mail is perfect for your nonprofit if you regularly use or have Mac computers in your nonprofit’s office space. This mail client is included in Apples OS X operating system and is rounded out by POP3, SMTP, IMAP, and Microsoft Exchange Server support. Your nonprofit benefits by curbing expenses at every possible opportunity. Instead of paying, consider the variety of free email services and clients available to your organization.

References & Resources

• quickbooks.intuit.ca
• google.com