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The Ember Blog

Nonprofit tech, in plain language.

Honest, practical guidance on the tools small nonprofits actually use — AI, software, and keeping your data safe. No hype, no jargon, and we'll tell you when the best answer isn't us.

August 16, 2026

Running your volunteers from a spreadsheet? Here's when it starts costing you.

A spreadsheet is a fine way to run a few volunteers — until it isn't. Here's how to spot the moment it starts costing more time than it saves.

August 14, 2026

Everyone's using AI. Almost no one's getting time back.

Most nonprofits now use AI, but few see real impact. Here's how a small, busy team can get actual hours back — without the hype.

August 13, 2026

Free and cheap AI tools worth a small nonprofit's time

An honest, clutter-free shortlist of free and low-cost AI tools for small nonprofits — what each is good at, and what to skip.

August 12, 2026

Your nonprofit needs an AI policy — here's a simple one

A plain, adopt-in-an-afternoon AI use policy for small nonprofits — plus a free template you can copy, edit, and bring to your board.

August 11, 2026

Ten tabs and a pile of spreadsheets: how to stop drowning in tools

Small nonprofits often juggle a dozen disconnected apps. Here's how to audit your tools, cut what you don't need, and get some calm back.

August 10, 2026

Spreadsheets vs. software: when should a small nonprofit switch?

Spreadsheets are free and flexible — until they aren't. Here's how to tell when your small nonprofit has outgrown them, and what to do next.

August 9, 2026

How to choose nonprofit software without getting burned

A plain buyer's guide for small nonprofits — the questions to ask, the traps to avoid, and how to pick software you won't regret.

August 9, 2026

The lean tech stack for a nonprofit team of one

The short list of tools a one-person or all-volunteer nonprofit actually needs — the categories that matter, and how to keep it cheap.

August 8, 2026

Keeping donor data safe when you don't have an IT department

A calm, practical donor-data security checklist for small nonprofits — the basics that stop most breaches, no IT team required.

August 8, 2026

The free and discounted software every small nonprofit should know about

Real programs that give nonprofits free or steeply discounted software — Google, Microsoft, TechSoup, Canva, and more. Honest picks, no fluff.

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