Hundreds of millions of people now use Google Earth and Google Maps to explore the world around them. Google Earth Outreach gives non-profits and public benefit organizations like yours the knowledge and resources you need to reach their minds and their hearts: See how other organizations have benefited from Google Earth Outreach, then learn how to create maps and virtual visits to your projects that get users engaged and passionate about your work.

Here is what Rebecca Moore, Manager, Google Earth Outreach has to say:

"When Google Earth launched two years ago, it was fun to see that many people around the world used it to fly to their homes, navigate around their neighborhoods, and explore the planet. But when, in September 2005, it was used to rescue stranded victims in the aftermath of Katrina, we realized that Google Earth had the potential to be a significant tool beyond personal exploration. We began to see public-benefit KMLs created for things like environmental protection and global public health. A large number of non-profit groups started contacting us, asking good questions: can Google Earth help us illustrate our projects in a new and more compelling manner than text and slideshows? Are there methods or tools for importing our existing data into Google Earth? Can you tell us about any other non-profits who’ve been successful at using GE to reach a new audience, raise awareness, gain volunteers, inspire people into action, and create a tangible impact?

We listened carefully and worked on this for more than a year, and now, the answer is “Yes!” Today we're formally launching Google Earth Outreach, a program designed to empower non-profit groups with the resources, tools, and inspiration that they need to leverage the power of Google Earth for their cause. This is where public service groups can find online guides and video tutorials, inspiring case studies and a gallery of high-quality, public-benefit KML. We are offering free Google Earth Pro licenses to qualified non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations. And the Earth Outreach team is also moderating a forum to foster discussion, exchange ideas, and give technical support."

David Collin just noted on his blog FI Space that YouTube just became the second highest search engine in the world. Huh? you might say. How's that? Just check out what Davids says and what it means for you and your nonprofit-

Still debating whether to have an official presence on YouTube? Still wondering if you should take advantage of their non-profit program. Well you better hurry or you are going to miss the boat. Adage announced today that YouTube just beat yahoo in terms of people searching for information. That means the new ranking is:

1. Google
2. YouTube
3. Yahoo

Who would of thought that just two years ago? Video is king and is here to stay.

A tumultuous economy can present unique challenges for nonprofit fundraising. Looking for ways to cope? AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) has compiled a toolkit of resources to advise and guide fundraisers in tough economic times.

“Donors have a lot on their minds these days as they sit down with their personal budgets,” explains Paulette Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of AFP. “But despite the headlines about Wall Street and the financial markets, we as fundraisers should not lose sight of the fact that giving is a way for communities to pull together. While the economic forecasts are uncertain right now, what is quite certain is the capacity of people to lend a hand and support institutions of all kinds. We hope you’ll use AFP as a resource in garnering vital support for your organization in what may be a wild ride over the next few months.”

Visit their website for links to the complete list of articles and books to help you deal the challenges: http://www.afpnet.org/ka/ka-3.cfm?content_item_id=24683&folder_id=2545

Network for Good recently welcomed marketing guru, author and world-renowned blogger and presenter Seth Godin to lead a Nonprofit 911 call. Nonprofit 911 is a free training series on nonprofit marketing and online fundraising, supported by Network for Good and their guest speakers.

Seth's 10 books have been featured on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com and Business Week bestseller lists—not to mention his wildly popular ebooks including “Unleashing the Ideavirus” which more than 1,000,000 people have downloaded. Seth was founder and CEO of Yoyodyne, the industry's leading interactive direct marketing company, which Yahoo! acquired in late 1998. He holds an MBA from Stanford, and was called "the Ultimate Entrepreneur for the Information Age" by BusinessWeek.

Seth's topics will be Becoming a Purple Nonprofit, and What is Squidoo?

• Learn the tricks and common pitfalls of nonprofit marketing
• Get practical tips for creating messages that compel action
• Meet Squidoo, and learn how and why to use it as part of your nonprofit organization’s marketing and fundraising plans

Download the call in audio or print format: mp3 PDF