Facebook launches new website to help nonprofits master the platform

The social media giant announced a new website on Thursday dedicated to resources for nonprofits and NGOs to get the most out of their Facebook Pages. The new site reads like an extensive instruction manual, covering everything from setting up a Page to building asupport network of "likes," and it also includes a step-by-step guide covering how to use the platform's latest fundraising tools.

Facebook says the new resource will be essential for nonprofits and NGOs looking to create a presence on the social network — or for organizations looking to up their game when it comes to their existing Pages. The site serves as a simple, accessible roadmap of best practices, with tips and tricks coming from the platform itself.

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"We are constantly blown away by the ways people and organizations use Facebook — not just to connect, but to make an impact in their communities and around the world," Joanne Sprague, marketing manager of social good at Facebook, wrote in a blog post announcing the release.

"This is especially true of nonprofits, who inspire us every day by raising awareness about their causes, activating supporters and raising the funds they need to support their organizations. We want to help nonprofits use Facebook more effectively to achieve these goals," she said.

IMAGE: FACEBOOK

The company hopes the Facebook for Nonprofits toolkit will allow nonprofits and NGOs to strengthen their presence on the platform, teach them how to further their work through social media, and instruct organizations on how to use Facebook features specifically tailored to charitable efforts.

The site also shows innovative ways nonprofits have used the platform effectively through a section of success stories.

Nonprofits and NGOs, especially legacy organizations, can be notorious for struggling to connect with supporters on social media. While a social presence is practically required when it comes to reaching people in 2016, many nonprofits grapple with translating their complex social missions into soundbites that potential supporters can hear over the massive noise of social media.

This toolkit, Facebook hopes, will help solve those issues, giving nonprofits "a valuable resource ... regardless of their size, focus or location."

IMAGE: FACEBOOK

Facebook has been growing as a force for social good over the last several months,announcing the creation of a team dedicated to social good initiatives and products in September 2015. In November, the team launched fundraiser pages for nonprofits and made improvements to donate features on the site.

Facebook’s efforts have also gained attention in times of crisis, with the site activating its Safety Check feature various times in 2015 — in the aftermath of the Nepal earthquake in April, during the Paris attacks in November and during Hurricane Patricia in October.

The Facebook for Nonprofits site will act as a sort of living resource — the company will update it as more features become available for those with nonprofit or NGO status.

Source: Mashable