Smart tools, simple Wins: Tech that helps your charity thrive
Let’s be honest – many small charities are spinning plates with limited time, limited people, and (very) limited budgets. So, when it comes to communications, it can feel like just one more thing on the to-do list.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to do everything manually. There are brilliant (and often free) tools that can save time, improve consistency, and help teams stay connected, even if you’re only working a few hours a week or juggling multiple roles.
Start with scheduling tech
Social media scheduling tools can take a lot of pressure off. Instead of scrambling to post every few days, you can sit down once a month and schedule content in one go.
• Meta Business Suite: Ideal for Facebook and Instagram, completely free, and lets you plan posts, stories and ads in advance.
• Buffer or Later: Both have free tiers that work well for small teams and allow scheduling across multiple platforms.
• Canva: Not just for design (although the design support is pretty special)! Canva’s free content planner lets you design and schedule posts straight from their platform, perfect if you’re doing it all yourself.
Tools that make teamwork easier
Whether you’re a team of two or ten, having a shared space to store content, collaborate, and track tasks is a game changer.
• Google Workspace (or just a shared Google Drive) or Dropbox: Great for storing graphics, templates, and shared calendars so everyone can see what’s happening.
• Trello or Asana: Simple project boards where you can plan campaigns, assign tasks, and track progress without endless email threads.
• Slack: A messaging tool that’s quicker than email and great for small teams or volunteers working remotely.
Bonus tech that’s worth knowing about
• Linktree or Beacons: Great if you only have one clickable link on Instagram; these create a landing page for all your key resources.
• Mailchimp: A free option for email newsletters if you’re building a contact list.
• QR codes: Free to generate online and perfect for linking posters or printed materials to your website or event page.
But here’s the real tip…
The best tool is the one you’ll actually use. Don’t worry about jumping on every trend or using a shiny new app, just pick one or two tools that solve real problems for your team. If it saves you time, avoids duplication, or helps someone else pick up a task with ease, it’s worth it.
When choosing tech, if you don’t find a free version that meets your needs, several tech tools offer not-for-profit or charity discount!
Tech doesn’t replace people, but it can give your small team back some breathing room to do the work that really matters: showing up for your community.
If you would like to explore how MBS can support you in lightening the load, get in touch. A member of the team is on hand to advise you. Between us, we have exhausted the market looking for the best tools to support charities.
Gemma White
MBS Marketing Team
