Software that makes non-profit into cartographers?

Almost all GIS tools can be used to store, analyze and market statistics to your organization and funders. They are a great way to present information in an interesting and interactive fashion.
Maps can connect residents to their own communities by challenging individuals to collect information and think critically about their neighbors and their community's needs. They can show project goals/achievements for funders and they are much easier for the average person to understand; large datasets, dry statistics and jargon-filled reports do not appeal to the average person. Many GIS tools are also available for use in Spanish, French, German and Chinese.
There are many free tools available. Those which are not free often provide discounts for non-profits and NGOs. Layering datasets onto area maps gives your projects a professional look. You can use readily available archives to create your maps (www.policymap.org ,www.dataplace.org, www.arcgis.com ,www.geocommons.com , www.nonprofitgis.org). This allows small firms to create maps without hiring expensive contractors or maintenance staff- or just use resources as a jumping off point.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

GIS Tools: Software that makes non-profits into cartographers- no B.A. required!

Example map ideas for non-profits :
·         Social services in the community you serve
·         Partner and potential partner organizations
·         Regional demographics
·         Calculate the density of aid recipients vs service locations in their areas
·         Calculate the density of receivers of aid vs. volunteers
·         When expanding your organization, use GIS for community needs assessments
·         Use GIS to determine community assets
·         Monitor Crime data to provide support to much needed neighborhood
·         Let individuals who are typically reticent to self-report abuse (great for educational and justice campaigns!)

There are many free tools available.  Those which are not free often provide discounts for non-profits and NGOs.  Layering datasets onto area maps gives your projects a professional look. 

You can use readily available archives to create your maps (www.policymap.org , www.dataplace.org, www.arcgis.com , www.geocommons.com , www.nonprofitgis.org).  This allows small firms to create maps without hiring expensive contractors or maintenance staff- or just use resources as a jumping off point.
  
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