After a little research, I am disappointed to discover that Google changed their policy on allowing churches to use their apps for non-profits program. Churches were previously allowed to register for the services Google were offering which included free or discounted use of Google apps, free adword advertising, a premium youtube channel, and various other powerful tools. For churches that have been using these services, they have saved thousands of dollars since many do not have the staff or the technical know how to manage the Microsoft alternatives to these free tools (such as Exchange Server etc.) Reading through Google’s updated policy makes it clear that churches will no longer be accepted into their program:
Restrictions
The following organizations are not eligible for Google for Nonprofits:
Places or institutions of worship (e.g., churches, ministries, temples, synagogues)
Religious content or proselytizing on website as well as organizations that use religion or sexual orientation as factor in hiring or populations served.
Source: http://www.google.com/nonprofits/eligibility.html
There is also the possibility that churches who opted into the program before this policy was changed will be evaluated by Google and booted out. This is more than just a little disappointing especially since Google’s Tagline on the Google for Nonprofits page is:
You’re changing the world. We want to help.
I can’t think of any organization that is changing the world more than the local / global church! Hopefully Google will reconsider their position on this!